JT Hats
James grew up on an Ozarks farm where tools like axes and picks were still used in the daily routine and the blades of stockman's pocketknives served their original functions. Receiving his first pocketknife at age four he got it open by himself nearly a year later and spent his formative years wandering the woods with a succession of ever larger knives, a book of matches and a rifle.

A veteran of Vietnam, James also served in Alaska during a stint in the Army, receiving his first intensive culinary training by setting a record for extra KP at Ft. Richardson.

Settling in the Pacific Northwest after his discharge, James crewed on sailing yachts in local races, backpacked hundreds of miles of mountain trails in search of good trout fishing, and occasionally attended college.

His first serious job as a civilian resulted from answering a Seattle Post Intelligencer want ad requesting someone who could lift 120 pounds repeatedly and wasn't afraid of fire. James apprenticed to John Frazier -- the most knowledgeable traditional foundryman in North America at that time -- for the next six years.

Returning to the Ozarks James made his living by growing ginseng on a hand-terraced wooded hillside and selling handmade wood turnery, furniture, sculpture and architectural carvings. James harvested trees from his own land, processing logs into posts and beams and turnery billets with saws, axes, froes and planes. Since many tools he needed were no longer available, James built his own forge from a barbeque grill, a vacuum cleaner and a 55 gallon steel drum, found a chunk of railroad track for his first anvil, and taught himself blacksmithing -- creating his own knives and tools from scrap steel and sweat.

Changing economic pressures eventually forced James back to the restaurant industry in Branson, Missouri, and later to even more success as a maintenance engineer for one of Branson's largest condominium resorts. Finally escaping to Indiana, James now makes his living telling true stories as a freelance writer.



Case Hobo Gift Set, Camping Survival Knife | Zippo Firestarter Lighter, Fork & Spoon, Belt Pouch

59 sec read

Case Hobo Gift Set, Camping SurvivalThe Hobo Gift Set from W.R. Case fits in anywhere and actually does offer survival basics as well as practical camp cutlery. Experts get by with a knife and a firestarter — Case throws in fork and spoon plus a handy belt pouch.

This 4-1/8-inch-long pocket folder with jigged amber bone handle holds three very useful blades including a standard high carbon stainless steel clip point knife blade with plain edge. Two more slip-joint blades in the knife provide a stainless steel fork and matching spoon. The base of the fork blade doubles as a bottle opener. The weight of the hobo knife approaches eight ounces, a little heavy for those concerned about weight on the trail. Since the knife blade is strong enough for many common camp chores and emergency uses, you could leave your old mess kit at home and depend on this sturdy combination instead. Combining functions saves weight and space.

Also in the gift tin, you’ll find an engraved stainless steel Zippo lighter. Maybe the old standard is a little heavy compared to a disposable Bic, but there’s something very reliable about the smell of lighter fluid in the morning. A Zippo is one of those important survival tools you’ll probably keep in your pocket just because you like it, and that means it’s there when you actually do need to build a fire.

The genuine tooled leather pouch fits neatly on the belt and keeps the Hobo knife within easy reach. Like any sensible traveler, you’ll always be ready for a good meal.

For a larger wilderness version of the basic survival kit, see the Bear Grylls Survival Knife.

 

JT Hats
James grew up on an Ozarks farm where tools like axes and picks were still used in the daily routine and the blades of stockman's pocketknives served their original functions. Receiving his first pocketknife at age four he got it open by himself nearly a year later and spent his formative years wandering the woods with a succession of ever larger knives, a book of matches and a rifle.

A veteran of Vietnam, James also served in Alaska during a stint in the Army, receiving his first intensive culinary training by setting a record for extra KP at Ft. Richardson.

Settling in the Pacific Northwest after his discharge, James crewed on sailing yachts in local races, backpacked hundreds of miles of mountain trails in search of good trout fishing, and occasionally attended college.

His first serious job as a civilian resulted from answering a Seattle Post Intelligencer want ad requesting someone who could lift 120 pounds repeatedly and wasn't afraid of fire. James apprenticed to John Frazier -- the most knowledgeable traditional foundryman in North America at that time -- for the next six years.

Returning to the Ozarks James made his living by growing ginseng on a hand-terraced wooded hillside and selling handmade wood turnery, furniture, sculpture and architectural carvings. James harvested trees from his own land, processing logs into posts and beams and turnery billets with saws, axes, froes and planes. Since many tools he needed were no longer available, James built his own forge from a barbeque grill, a vacuum cleaner and a 55 gallon steel drum, found a chunk of railroad track for his first anvil, and taught himself blacksmithing -- creating his own knives and tools from scrap steel and sweat.

Changing economic pressures eventually forced James back to the restaurant industry in Branson, Missouri, and later to even more success as a maintenance engineer for one of Branson's largest condominium resorts. Finally escaping to Indiana, James now makes his living telling true stories as a freelance writer.



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