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.
Smith & Wesson Assisted Opening Knife, Black | Tactical Tanto Stiletto HRT OTF
1 min read
Smith & Wesson’s H.R.T. O.T.F (Hostage Rescue Team; Out The Front) knives aren’t quite as dramatic as their names, but they are useful. Check them out if you’re looking for an assisted opening version of the classic stilletto.
With only three-inch blades, the H.R.T. knives lack intimidation factor, but the action is satisfying. This isn’t quite switchblade performance, since if you slip the safety on one of the O.T.F. series knives, nothing should happen. Like other mainstream manufacturers, Smith & Wesson discovered a way to provide nearly automatic one-handed opening for ordinary knife owners. Push the blade slide forward and an internal spring takes over — the blade launches on its own and locks into place. Returning the blade to the closed position is a more manual procedure. Press down on the slide, ease the blade back into the handle, and slide the lock shut.
Solidly built of high carbon 4116 stainless steel coated with non-reflective titanium nitride, the blade of the H.R.T. O.T.F comes in three styles of tanto, dagger, and clip point. The handle frame of machined aluminum has reliable strength, and the Kytel handle slabs contribute a comfortable non-slip gripping surface. Position it at the ready in the pocket with the stainless steel pocket clip. One last but important perk is the hardened steel glass breaker stud at the base of the handle. You’ll never be trapped in a sinking car again.
Practically speaking, the H.R.T. O.T.F series from Smith & Wesson does fall short of automatic knife standards. Legal restrictions may still apply in some areas. Proper mechanical action depends on keeping the knife clean and lubricated. Don’t expect the knife to work perfectly unless you spend regular maintenance time with this handy pocket folder.
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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Smith & Wesson’s H.R.T. O.T.F (Hostage Rescue Team; Out The Front) knives aren’t quite as dramatic as their names, but they are useful. Check them out if you’re looking for an assisted opening version of the classic stilletto.
