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.



Premium Crusader Display Sword by Trademark | Fantasy Longsword w/ Sheath 36 Inch

1 min read

Premium Crusader Fighting Sword byThe Premium Crusader Sword shows realistic features not always found in a display weapon, along with just enough fantasy embellishments to set it apart from the crowd. You’ll be able to take this longsword to both re-enactments and fantasy combat events.

There are enough traditional marks on this weapon for an authentic look, and you’ll find the influence of gaming and role-play in the distinctive clawed cross-guard. The 36-1/2-inch-long sword incorporates real leather in the black spiral grip, while cast metal fittings bear the mark of the cross. The double-edged high carbon stainless steel blade is well-shaped and symmetrical with rat-tail tang construction dependable enough for costume wear and display. Blade length of 27 inches offers plenty of intimidating steel, but the Premium Fighting Crusader Sword isn’t meant for target cutting.

The sword purchase includes a wooden scabbard bound with hard black leather that matches the grim look of the blade. Polished metal fittings on the scabbard include a metal chain useful for rigging the sword to belt or harness. The antiqued metal of the Crusader Sword blade looks serious enough to satisfy any dark knight, and doesn’t include fancy inscriptions or fragile decorations. A short section of unsharpened steel at the base of the blade recreates the ricasso, a part of the sword designed to withstand heavy blows during parrying.

Most of the genuine Crusader weapons, which helped inspire this sword, survived as trophies collected by victorious Muslims. Enthusiasts will find the world’s largest collection of Crusader swords at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.

See the King Solomon Crusader Sword for a two-handed replica weapon with an ornate design.

Find this Premium Crusader Sword:

 

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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