Hootey Cline

From the Bench: Learning from history's most successful home food production movement By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company As someone who values self-reliance and traditional skills, I've been fascinated by the story of WWII Victory Gardens – perhaps the greatest example of American self-sufficiency in our nation's history. While studying this remarkable movement, I've discovered lessons that apply far beyond gardening, touching on the same principles of independence and preparedness that...

From the Bench: Exploring the foundation of metalworking through steel selection By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company As I have slowly experimented and expanded my work beyond traditional gunsmithing into blacksmithing and bladesmithing, I've discovered that understanding steel types is absolutely fundamental to creating quality metalwork. While I'm still learning about the intricacies of different alloys and their applications, I want to share what I've discovered about the most commonly...

From the Bench: Learning the art of shotgun shooting By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company Originally published June 17, 2019 | Updated July 2, 2025 After years of working on shotguns and talking with countless hunters and clay shooters, I've learned that shotgun shooting is both simpler and more complex than most people realize. While the basic concept is straightforward – point and shoot – the nuances of proper technique, gun fit, and target engagement continue to teach me something new...