Legendarysaxon

(this is good "about me" information from my new Etsy site)

I am a highly decorated combat veteran of IRQ and AFG.  I have gotten into the creation of pieces of leather art as a method of healing from combat stress. Creating each piece is a method whereby I express myself, experience meditative mindfulness, and foster quiet healing.  

I am also creating very cool looking, rugged and heirloom quality pieces that will last a lifetime.  Each piece reflects my personal aesthetic in some way.

Every item I list is 100% handcrafted by me in my shop here in South Carolina.  Every product has a lifetime guarantee for structural defects.  Other issues, convo me and we'll see what we can do.  Simply, I love what I have made and I want it to last. 

The name "Legendary Saxon" refers to my great grandfather, whose family name comes from ancient Saxony.  He was a man of eccentricity, justice, philanthropy and compassion, and a legendary big game hunter.  At age 72 while on safari in Africa in 1968 he bagged a permit approved elephant, in collaboration with the local tribe, for meat for the locals.  Upon approaching the downed beast he had the native guides cut open it's stomach and proceeded to crawl inside.  He wanted to see what it was like for Jonah in the whale.  From taking on the mafia and narrowly escaping a hitman's bullet during the Northern liquor wars to running for Senate, these are just some of the many crazy stories about this legendary Saxon I was regaled with as a child.  As the oldest of over 30 great grandchildren, at a young age I inherited his homespun buckskin hunting shirt.  Thus was my love of the smell and feel of leather conceived.  Sleeping in grandma's basement with hunting trophies from all over the world has imprinted in me an association between the unique smell of leather and safety, calm and love that I currently tap into.

My profile pic was taken in AFG in 2011 in Kunduz province, just south of the Tajikistan border.

I support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a top-rated nonprofit organization that supports the military's special operations forces and their families through three programs:

- College Scholarships for the surviving children of fallen Special Operations Forces

- Family Services, including educational & family counseling, wellness retreats, and advocacy support

- Wounded Special Operations Forces Support, including immediate financial stipends of $3,000

www.specialops.org