I’ve always loved fantasy, and Tolkien was the first I read.  I’m in the Army and have been Special Forces for twenty years.  While stationed in Stuttgart Germany in ‘96, I started training Shinkendo, a traditional Japanese swordsmanship.  It’s not the sport Kendo. I chose that style based on the recommendation from Paul Champagne, who was making a katana for me.  Paul was familiar with Shinkendo and there happened to be a branch here in Germany.  It was about the best style of real Japanese swordsmanship I could find after having decided to make the plunge and buy a real sword and learn how to use it.  Obata Sensei stressed real test cutting and, in his own way, a “train as you fight” mentality.  I trained very hard during the years I did Shinkendo.  It took about a year to get the blade.  During that time my friendship with Paul grew.  We realized that we were both die-hard fans of Tolkien.  After several years my interest in Middle Earth and European swordsmanship really started to take hold.  From there onto medieval history and WMA.  It was refreshing to finally find out that many European blades were finely made.  Many were hardened with differential tempering.  I had always pictured the overly nicked huge barbarian blade.

We at once began “what if’ing” being in the woods as a Ranger with primitive gear. (I was still stationed in Germany)   In 2000 I moved to Utah to work as an ROTC instructor at BYU.  I was still training Shinkendo.  I wanted to cover my saya (scabbard) in leather to protect it.  I went to a local leather shop, and after accomplishing my first project, which was the saya cover; I became greatly interested in leatherwork.  I immediately wanted to make some basic medieval/Ranger kit.  About the same time, Paul suggested I look into ARMA (HACA at the time) to try European swordsmanship.  There happened to be a study group on the BYU campus and I soon realized that ARMA was what I needed to transition too.  (My decision to move from Shinkendo to Western Martial Arts is a discussion unto itself.)  I soon made a belt, pouch, and axe sheath, as well as a tunic.  I bought a pair of medieval style moccasins.  During the following summer I Went to Ft Lewis, Washington for six seeks to teach ROTC Summer camp.  Having taken what “Middle Earth” gear I had put together, and went in the woods for the first time in primitive kit.  I was hooked.  I continued to make kit because what was out there was too expensive and very little was actually made to use under what I call real conditions.

Later that year I had to have knee surgery.  That kept me from running through the woods or training with swords for a while.  That’s when I discovered primitive archery.  When I was able to get around again, I was back in the woods with a bow and quiver.  What I learned from trying to move around the woods with a quiver full of arrows, the bow, a sword, etc., was one of the most eye opening experiences.  Based on what I know, I wouldn’t be out in the wild as a Ranger without either a bow or a spear.  Having tried it along with Paul, it’s a great combination. 

I continued to expand my leatherwork as well as clothing and arrow making, especially when I saw what people charged for hand made arrows.

In 2002 I came back to Stuttgart Germany, where I’m currently stationed.