Alva Review-Courier -

SALINA, Kan. (AP) — As a child growing up in Sublette, Abel Erives was captivated by the legendary tales of King Arthur and his powerful sword Excalibur.

Later, he reveled in the adventures of Beowulf and his venomous sword Hrunting, as well as the magical sword of the Spanish hero El Cid.

As Erives grew up, he became interested in Japanese culture and martial arts. He took jiujitsu and taekwondo classes and after joining the U.S. Army, practiced boxing and martial arts.

Then, he found a way to combine his interests in Japanese culture, martial arts — and swords.

While living in New Hampshire,...