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.



Professional Travel Case for 17 Knives by Ultimate Edge | Knife Roll Bag, Black 2001-17BN

1 min read

Professional Travel Case for 17 KnivesBuilt by Ultimate Edge, this 17 Piece Knife Case almost qualifies as genuine luggage. Still built in a tool roll style, the 17 Piece Case includes reinforcement panels in the folding sections of the case to keep something solid between your cutlery and the outside world.

Three fabric-hinged sections unfold easily when you release the buckle fasteners in front. Fold-over protector panels cover each section and fasten in place with Velcro closures at the corners. Reinforced pockets are built as strong as the rest of the case, with elasticized covers to stop blades from shifting. On the inside face of the liner panels, you’ll find additional storage pockets for odds and ends, gadgets, and personal items. A mesh pocket for tools like thermometers and a zippered moisture proof pocket for important notebooks are both included, and there’s loop storage for pen and pencil and a storage slot for business cards. A second card pocket with clear plastic panel serves as an ID tag on the outside of the case.

The external layer of the Ultimate Edge is durable 600-denier polyester fabric. If the case picks up dirt while traveling or gets splashed with sauces in the kitchen, wipe it down with a sanitizing cloth for quick cleanup. The exterior repels both dirt and moisture.

The briefcase-style handle is comfortable and securely mounted to the case, but you’ll find the wide padded shoulder strap more convenient on that long run to the check-in counter. The strap comes with the bag and clips easily on and off the metal D-rings built into the top of the case. Ultimate Edge backs this case up with a limited lifetime warranty. It’s professionally built and has a professional look.

Find this Ultimate Edge Knife Case:

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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