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.



Victorinox Gourmet Knife Set of 24, Gift Storage Case | Forschner Catering & Pastry Full Tang Cutlery w/ Rosewood Handles

1 min read

Victorinox Gourmet Knife Set of 24,Assembled with the professional chef in mind, the Victorinox 24-Piece Gourmet Cutlery Set comes in a sleek black attache case with form-fitting internal pockets for each tool and knife in the set. Knives in the selection were chosen from the rosewood-handled Gourmet Victorinox series with stamped no-stain steel blades manufactured in Switzerland.

This complete range of chef’s tools includes ten knives which cover every kitchen task from prepping vegetables to dividing large cuts of meat. The Forschner/Victorinox stamped stainless steel blades save weight compared to the company’s forged patterns and match those heavier knives in terms of efficiency. Rosewood handles add beauty and the feel of natural wood, while tolerating moisture and high temperatures nearly as well as synthetics. These stable, riveted full tang handles should remain gap-free and sanitary if properly cared for — hand washing is advised. The X50CRMO high carbon steel blades are hardened to Rockwell 55-56, tough enough to stand up to abuse and still easily sharpened.

In addition to this good foundation of knives, the Cutlery Set includes a spatula, several types of peelers, a melon baller and several other important kitchen gadgets designed for specialty work. Ten different types of icing funnels and cake decorators equip the traveling chef for pastry work. Even unusual implements like larding and tying needles are included. In this one case you’ll find a better kit of tools than in many home kitchens.

The case itself is hard-sided and durable with dual locks you can count on to hold up even when the going gets tough. The only drawback to the collection is that there’s really no room to expand — any favorite items not found here will need their own storage.

For an equally good range of knives without the extras, consider the Forschner/Victorinox 14 Piece Set with Attache Case.

Find this Victorinox Gourmet Knife Set:

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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