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.
Kapoosh Bamboo Knife Block Set of 7 | Forged Full Tang Blades w/ Laminated Wood Grain 650-8BB
1 min read
Kapoosh creates another version of its “freedom rod” universal knife block — this time with the wood-grain look of a laminated bamboo case. You’ll also get a seven-piece cutlery set with matching riveted bamboo slab handles.
The blades of all knives in the block set are etched with the Kapoosh brand name. These forged high carbon stainless steel knives feature full-width, solid steel bolsters and full tang handles. That very strong construction is also heavy when compared to more streamlined modern knife styles. The largest knives include carving and serrated bread blades and a 13-1/2-inch-long chef’s knife. Two sizes of santokus — 7-3/4 inch and 12-1/2 inch — plus smaller paring and utility knives complete the assortment. Kapoosh recommends handwashing for best care of the knives and their laminated bamboo handles. Dishwashers could cause damage.
All the Kapoosh block should require is an occasional wipe-down with a clean cloth and a little mineral oil. The removable “freedom rod” cluster is dishwasher-safe, but be certain to air-dry the rod cluster completely before reassembling the knife block. Any moisture trapped between the rods stays there.
The “freedom rod” concept allows insertion of any blade without specific slots. The hard plastic rods may actually hone blade edges instead of wearing them away. Some small plastic shavings could adhere to the blades when withdrawn, so it’s good practice to wipe the blades clean before setting to work. Odd collections of knives could compact the block, jamming blades or bending rods, but Kapoosh lovers find creative answers to any issues — even thinning out the rod count themselves for a more precise fit.
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.
The Diamond Edge Pro knife and scissors sharpener from Smith Abrasives combines electric and manual sharpening systems for quick and accurate refurbishing of knives...
Kapoosh creates another version of its “freedom rod” universal knife block — this time with the wood-grain look of a laminated bamboo case. You’ll also get a seven-piece cutlery set with matching riveted bamboo slab handles.
