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.



Global Stainless Steel Knife Block Set of 6 | Cook’s, Carving, Bread, Utility & Paring G GS

1 min read

Global Stainless Steel Knife Block SetThe Global 6-Piece Knife Block Set is a great way to jump up to the higher standards of Global knives with a basic but versatile assortment of important blades. The set includes knives from both the G and GS series plus a stainless steel knife block with room for five more Global knives and a sharpening steel.

Everything about Global is either a little different or very different. The company began building all stainless steel knives in 1985, when designer Komin Yamada was given free reign to build a new line of the best modern kitchen knives possible. Basing his concepts partly on old samurai traditions and stressing the use of the best modern materials and methods, Yamada set Global Cutlery on a path that soon led to worldwide recognition.

In this set, you’ll sample some of those original and still innovative good ideas with a 7-inch cook’s knife, 8-1/4-inch carving knife, and 8-3/4-inch bread knife from Global’s G series. The other two knives come from Global’s GS series — the 5-1/4-inch utility knife and 4-inch paring knife both have the dovetail-shaped handle that most now associate with Global. A wide vertical section up front and a flaring horizontal section in back secure the knife against both fingers and palm.

Made from Cromova high carbon stainless steel, the thin blades receive hollow welded handles of dimpled stainless steel balanced with a carefully measured amount of sand, which is permanently sealed inside. Tempered to Rockwell 56-58, the blades are not ground with a Western style of edge bevel. This is one of the reasons Global knives cut so well — the blades taper gradually to the edge with an acute angle that glides through the work.

Five good knives and a matching stainless steel block are enough reason to give this set a second look. The block has plenty of room for more.

If you’re interested in a space-saving starter set from Global, try the Global 5-Piece Set with Storage Tray.

Find this Global Knife Block Set:

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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