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.



Musashi Samurai Katana, Japanese Zetsutsin Replica | Miyamoto Handmade Sword w/ Throwing Knife

1 min read

Musashi Samurai Katana, JapaneseLoosely inspired by the dual-sword fighting methods of legendary swordsman Musashi Miyamoto of Japan, this modern 39-1/8-inch-long katana with hidden throwing knife is hand-forged from 1040 high carbon spring steel. Musashi Swords rates this economical Zetsutsin katana as a light duty cutter, but the sword is also suitable for display.

The blood grooves or hi fullered along the blade’s spine contribute an authentic sound to the blade’s swing, and the tempering mark you might think is just decoration is actually the real thing. Musashi Swords tries to build in functional cutting features at an affordable price but does cut back in less critical areas. The overall construction isn’t as rugged as a combat model — the white weave of the ito is sure to pick up stains if the sword becomes more than a decorative piece.

Carbon steel marks a sword as having potential but isn’t a guarantee of real quality. High carbon non-stainless blades are more common in functional swords, built for cutting practice as well as display. Most carbon steel has a darker hue than high carbon stainless, but doesn’t necessarily present any unusual maintenance problems. Rubbing the blade down with a lightly oiled cloth occasionally leaves a protective film on the steel that prevents oxidation.

Musashi Miyamoto often fought with dual weapons but chose a full-sized katana backed up by a short sword. The hidden knife in this set fits inconspicuously into its own slot in the scabbard and would be considered a shuriken or thrown weapon. Many people think of shuriken as throwing stars rather than throwing knives, but small daggers and steel darts also served that purpose.

See the Musashi Miyamoto Shirakawa Katana for a battle-ready sword in the heroic style of old Japan.

Find this Musashi Samurai Katana:

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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