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.
William Wallace Sword w/ Sheath & Belt Strap, Brass or Silver | Medieval Replica Claymore Longsword by Trademark
1 min read
Even though this is a smaller version of the William Wallace sword than the more authentic replicas of that famous claymore, the distinctive appearance of this historical reproduction blade gives it character others lack.
Brass fittings and dark leather wrap make all the difference, accenting the polished high carbon stainless steel blade of the 40-3/4-inch longsword. With a double-edged, 29-1/2-inch blade, the sword doesn’t actually qualify as a two-handed claymore — the type actually carried by William Wallace in his war for Scottish independence — but it’s still a massive weapon and includes the same features as the larger versions.
Solid brass pommel and cross-guard both had important offensive functions in the hands of an expert. While both enhanced the secure grip of the leather-bound handle, either could deal a crushing blow. The long two-handed grip allowed the longest reach and the greatest power. The leather bound ricasso section forward of the cross-guard acted as a second grip when fighting at close quarters. The two grip options overcame some of the shortcomings of these long weapons, which became unwieldy and slow in tight circumstances.
The William Wallace sword is patterned after the personal weapon actually carried in battle by the legendary Scottish hero, and the original is now on display in the Wallace Monument near Stirling. The Wallace sword includes a rough leather scabbard with belt strap, meant to be worn at the waist rather than over the shoulder. Two versions are available — to see the sword with silver fittings, click here.
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.
Even though this is a smaller version of the William Wallace sword than the more authentic replicas of that famous claymore, the distinctive appearance of this historical reproduction blade gives it character others lack.
