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.
Cold Steel Gim Sword, Forged Flex Steel | Chinese Martial Arts Wushu Replica Wu Jian
1 min read
Swing Cold Steel’s Gim Sword with confidence. Patterned after a popular style of martial sword from China, the Gim Sword uses high quality materials and solid construction techniques. Cold Steel’s testing methods prove it holds up in rough use.
The 30-inch blade of the 37-1/4-inch long single-handed sword is forged from 1055 high carbon steel and tempered to flex on impact. The blade bends to 45 degrees without damage, making the Gim Sword wushu quality rather than a true combat weapon. In spite of that, the Cold Steel Gim is built for serious work and slices neatly through a variety of targets. The sword arrives ready for use, but keeping the edge razor sharp is critical if you intend to do any actual cutting. The 1055 blade will need regular maintenance and is not stainless.
The Cold Steel Gim Sword follows the design of older Chinese martial swords or Wu Jian, not the lighter scholar’s swords or Wen Jian. The craftsmanship is beautiful with a rosewood handle and cast brass blade guard and pommel. Fittings are heavy enough to take punishment and deal out damage. Since the brasswork is covered with intricate designs, you’ll probably not want to bang it up.
The Gim’s polished hardwood scabbard includes brass throat and chape and can be worn at the belt or over the shoulder. Cold Steel’s Gim Sword rivals the strength of a true combat sword, strong enough for martial practice and self defense. Collectors will be happy to display this beautiful weapon on the wall. This one you can hang where people get up close. Details won’t disappoint.
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.
Swing Cold Steel’s Gim Sword with confidence. Patterned after a popular style of martial sword from China, the Gim Sword uses high quality materials and solid construction techniques. Cold Steel’s testing methods prove it holds up in rough use.
