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.



Browning Whitetail Knife, Collectors Limited Edition | Stag Handle w/ Lithograph 321290

56 sec read

Browning Whitetail Knife, CollectorsBrowning, the famous American rifle manufacturer, produced only 2,000 of these collector’s knives as part of its Hunting Traditions series. Beginning in 2008, Browning produced these limited edition knives in two themes — Whitetail and Mallard.

Produced as a collector’s knife and presentation piece, the Browning Whitetail Model 321290 fits a hollowed oval display stand with lid, made of solid American black walnut and inlaid with a smaller version of the Whitetail lithograph print issued with the knife. The framed print and beautiful display box make a fine addition to any den or living area, and the knife itself is equally well made.

With a 3-3/4-inch high carbon 440A stainless steel hunting and skinning blade and an overall length of 8 inches, this full tang hunter matches the look of any rugged knife built for field use. Construction is plainly destined for display only, since the bolster is polished Paraguayan ebony hardwood, not functional brass or stainless steel. The rare wood complements the stag antler handle slabs of the Browing Whitetail knife, giving it a rustic quality, but would scar easily if put to rough use. The grade of stainless steel chosen takes an impressive polish, but in terms of edge-holding can’t compete with more advanced alloys.

But never mind those two small things — this knife is an integral part of a fine collector’s set including case, stand, lithograph, and certificate of authenticity. Set it on the mantle or the desktop as a reminder of days spent in the woods.

Find this Browning Whitetail 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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