Tactical Knives magazine article about a bush sword

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Apr 12, 2006
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I just had an article by Joe Flowers come out in the July issue (yes, already on the stands in March!) of Tactical Knives Magazine. He reviewed a bush sword and companion knife that I made for him with an ambidextrous, modular leather sheath rig by Luke Swenson (http://www.swensonknives.com).

The photos by Terrill Hoffman are terrific, but they're in black and white and don't convey the retina-searing neon lemon color of the paracord wrap on the handle. I chose the color after seeing another article Joe wrote about a river rafting knife that also had a bright yellow handle for high visibility.









A nice personal touch from Luke.



We also made a rig at the same time for fellow TK writer Reuben Bolieu. In contrast, I used retina-searing neon orange paracord for his. I found out later that he likes orange tools for working in jungle as it shows up easily if dropped among leaves. He's posted on various forums photos of the rig being used to cut wood for fires and shelters, cutting good-sized logs to build a raft, making shavings for fire starter, clearing tall grass, etc. Here it is with him on a trip to Peru: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1003545-Peru-2012-Fall-Class-Part-2













I handed over the rigs to these two gentlemen at the Blade Show. Here's Joe with his:



And, from left to right, Luke, Reuben, and me.

 
Super frick'n awesome James!!! Congratulations man!!! :thumbup: :cool:


I think it's really cool that TK is embracing work that fits into the true definition of "tactical," without having anything to do with the stigma/stereotype that "tactical" has gained with many folks.

You've got hand forged, textured, carbon steel blades and traditional handles with a modern flare, that are purpose driven... Awesome. Definitely no gray t***, mall-ninja, elements here. :cool:


Major props James! :)
 
Quick story about James (Storm Crow). Around July of 2011, while I was living in Kentucky, I wanted a custom bush sword and/or parang. My research led me to James' blog. After seeing his work, I hoped to own a few of his blades someday. Fast forward to early 2013. My wife's medical clinic was closed and we ended up going around the country in search of employment. Little did I know that in August of 2013 my family and I would be moving to Texas....and just down the road from James' shop.

James has been a great friend to me and I've truly enjoyed hanging out at his shop and watching him take steel and turn it into a trusted tool for his customers.

Congrats on the "Tactical Knives" article James. By the way, I figure your gonna soon be slammed with orders, so if you need some help, just call me and I'll be on my way with Breakfast Tacos...:D
 
Excellent write up and well deserved, finding your niche sticking with it and creating a recognizable look.
 
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Thank y'all! It means a lot to me, and I'm really glad to see the article in print. It's also the issue with my first paid-for advertisement in it. Up until now, I have depended entirely on forum exposure, and it has done fairly well for me. But I'm glad to be at a point now where I can also step it up a notch and hopefully get my work in front of more people.

Nick - Right on. I like tactical knives when they are, as you put it, purpose-driven. And that's what I try to do. :)
 
James,

Congrats on the well deserved exposure. :thumbup:
Keep doing what you're doing.

Doug
 
Very nice- the accompanying knife looks great too! :thumbup:
 
Outstanding work James!!! That is a pair that can handle all of your cutting needs! Congratulations on the article in TK!!!
 
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