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.



Dale Earnhardt Jr Case Knife Collectible Gift Set | Limited Edition Zippo Lighter #88 24682,

1 min read

Dale Earnhardt Jr Case KnifePart of a limited edition of only 500 knives, the commemorative Dale Earnhardt, Jr. gift set from W.R. Case includes a stylized Case Trapper knife and an enameled Zippo lighter from the company which now owns W.R. Case. This collectible gift set will look great on display, but the knife and lighter are so practical you’ll probably keep them in your pockets.

Case produced many Dale Earnhardt versions of its most popular knife styles with handle patterns representative of the famous driver’s accomplishments. The knife in this set shows a unique design. Natural bone handle slabs embellished with a jigged pattern resembling tire treads create a functional and appropriate grip. The Trapper folds to 4-1/8 inches long with two high carbon stainless steel blades in the clip point and spey patterns. Dale’s engraved signature decorates the base of the clip blade. Bolsters are the standard nickel silver, but Earnhardt’s racing number “88” takes the place of the Case chevron. The black gift box frames a photo of Dale and his #88 car.

The set also includes an enameled stainless steel Zippo lighter with a picture of the Earnhardt 88 against a checkered flag background. Each piece in the collection is numbered, and the knife is backed by Case’s usual warranty — good for the lifetime of the original owner. Zippo’s windproof lighters carry a warranty that’s equally strong — send any defective windproof Zippo back to the company’s repair center, and Zippo will restore it for free.

For another commemorative collectible knife from W.R. Case, see the Case Johnny Cash Trapper.

Find this Dale Earnhardt Case Knife Set:

Find this gift set on eBay:

[phpbay]Dale Earnhardt Case Zippo, 2[/phpbay]

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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