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.



Denix Excalibur Sword w/ Scabbard | King Arthur Medieval Longsword

1 min read

Denix Excalibur Sword w/ Scabbard If you’re like King Arthur and looking for a good longsword, the Denix Excalibur Sword presents a believable appearance and the solid feel of a real weapon. In this version of Excalibur, you’ll find authentic styling appropriate to Arthur’s Britain with some concessions to the modern world as well.

Fittings include a cross-guard and wheel pommel of solid cast brass as well as a functional grip of wrapped steel wire. The sword’s sheath also features fittings of brass as well as a simulated leather covering. Decorations on fittings range from twin lions to winged dragons, plus a shield on the scabbard bearing the words “King Arthur” and “Excalibur.” I’m a little disappointed to see modern English instead of mystical runes or language appropriate to the period, but I think the overall quality of this longsword compensates for that oversight. Most modern Excalibur swords aren’t made this well.

When Denix S.A. first incorporated in 1978, the two founders focused on souvenirs and costume jewelry but soon found a place as makers of fine reproductions of antique firearms and blades. From their current factory in Spain, Denix now produces about 500 different items including fantasy weapons and period pieces. Denix weapons are rated for both display and costume wear. The Excalibur sword was not intended for sparring or cutting practice, and its edge is polished but not sharpened. Denix uses Zamak — a die-cast alloy made from zinc and aluminum — for all their blades. Though the sword isn’t combat quality, this weapon could still do damage.

For a matching dagger from Denix made to honor King Arthur’s Carnwennan, see the Denix King Arthur Dagger.

Find this Denix Excalibur 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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