3 comments about Standard Guide to Razors: Identification and Values (Standard Guide to Razors Identification and Values).

1. It may seem too specific a subject for more general collector's reference shelves, but many collect razors and will find this specific guide to their identification and value and important reference. Black and white and color photos of selected antiques accompany charts and graphs of values packaged in a format perfect for take-along tote.



2. The book is a good reference for any collector. However, the book pictured online is the Second Edition, which we thought we were receiving. We received the first edition, not the second updated version as was pictured online.



3. look no further this is the book it is the ultimate guide to razors not just the ones you shave with. I mean knifes razors and well everything. belive me take my advice by this book. good job roy ritchie.

4 comments about Collectible Pocket Knives (Collectibles).

1. Small but pretty book that will show you a lot of pretty pocket knives, mostly of European origin. If you want to see all the different types of pocket knives and how they evolved, this is an interesting book. If you are trying to learn more about American made pocket knives or identify the knife you have, this is not the book you want.



2. I disagree with the reviews of this book:
   
   Of course, it is Euro-centric in nature, with a focus
   on French regional patterns. It lacks detailed descriptions.
   It doesn't include much modern knives, and its selection
   is more interested in displaying generic modern patterns
   rather than discussing modern masters or knife-factories.
   
   Then again, this book extends Levine's small section
   on historic patterns outside the US; which is quite
   interesting and one of the few texts/images on French
   and even some South-European patterns.
   
   This is especially important when you consider that the
   so-called US-patterns from Canoe to Stockman
   (aren't those "merely" simple 19th century European patterns
   from Sheffield/Solingen!?) actually only cover a very small
   part of the spectrum from medieval patterns to industrial
   revolution patterns, both in time as well as in design space.
   
   So for me, this translation of Pascal's book nicely complemented
   Levine's Guide. However it is not about collectible US-local knives
   for the pure collector of old US patterns.
   
   So I'd like to give 6 points, to the combination
   of the 2 books, 5 points to Pascal and Levine individually,
   and deduct a point each from both the English publisher and Amazon
   for misrepresenting the nature of this book.



3. The author is French. Most of the knives are French. Although the author makes a half-hearted attempt to include international knives, it is very feeble. The American made knives are overshadowed by the French ones, because, the author chooses, for some reason (I wonder why) to include American made knives that are mostly inferior to the industry's standards. Not all of them are inferior,that's why I gave this book two stars instead of one. But the vast majority are. The French knives, on the other hand, are often far better made, or more exquisite. This is peculiar, because France has far worse knife laws than the U.S., and thus would have far less of that sort of knife. And it does. This book instils a false sense of French dominance in the cutlery industry, by giving grossly disproportionate view of the world of knives. Most of the French knives are also quite old, giving the author another chance to proclaim the vast collectability of French knives compared to other knives. If you're from France, this book will be music to your ears; otherwise don't buy it.



4. This is a collection of color photos of knives from around the world and of the last 200 or so years. As a knife collector and seller I will buy any book with knife and collectable in the title. I am usually rather harsh on books that aren't what they should be. This is not one of them. Nice pictures, most completely doped (the background is white) so there is nothing to compete with the knife. Nothing in here about collecting, buying, selling or values. Any custom knifemaker should have one of these, there are a bunch of good ideas in there. Having this book can save you tons of money travelling to museums both here and on the continent; which of course you can spend on more knives. I didn't find anything in this book that I wouldn't want to own.

1 comments about Antique American Switchblades.

1. best source that I have found so far lots of pics and info.

2 comments about Story of the Gun.

1. This book is a very good primer for those who viewed the A&E documentary on the gun. It even contains some basic interior ballistics to whet the reader's appetite for more - you may even be tempted to dig very deep to improve your understanding. I thoroughly enjoy the author's style of writing; you can definitely tell his love for the subject.

   It starts with the early days of the matchlock and progresses very well to the modern day weapon. It reads very easily, not getting bogged down in the minutia of interior ballistics, and can be finished in almost an evening or two. One point of note - this book deals almost exclusively with personal or small team served weapons. If you want artillery see Mr. Hogg's other books (there are plenty to keep you busy).

   This is a must have though for any gun buff.




2. Written as a companion piece to Arts and Enertainments special The Story Of The Gun this book is very well written, researched and even witty in places. My only complaint is Mr. Hogg gives very detailed descriptions of how many of the weapons work and in the case of machine guns etc some diagrams would have been very helpful. Other then that its an excellent addition to any gun buff's library.

3 comments about Art & Design in Modern Custom Folding Knives.

1. TOP QUALITY BOOK WITH EXCELLENT PHOTOS AND ARTICLES. A MUST FOR ALL REAL ENTHUSIASTIC KNIVE MAKERS AND COLLECTORS.



2. As a custom knifemaker I'm always excited to see new publications related to the collected works of knifemaking. Of very special interest to me are those books which focus on the art and ingenuity of custom art knives; books which explore the art not only with good photography of quality knives but also with accompanying text providing insight into the methods and intent of the maker. Truly this area of artistic endeavor has been but scarcely examined and over the years I've found only a few books which approach these criteria and which, for the most part, now sit on my bookshelves. There have, however, been two books I've come to treasure above the others; Art and Design in Modern Custom Fixed-Blade Knives and Art and Design in Modern Custom Folding Knives, both by Dr. David Darom.
   
   In these books can be found not only the exquisite photography which occurs occasionally in other collective works but also a depth of writing exploring the knifemaker and his focus on the knives being regarded. With his writing Dr. Darom provides rare and wonderful insight into the world of knives which transports the reader, both those experienced as well as novice, to a higher level of understanding the unique experience of knifemaking. His critical selection of art knives and insistence on only the highest quality of photographs reproduced using top quality printing methods and materials have created the finest art knife books I have ever owned. Coupled with Darom's focus on quality is Amazon.com's ability to bring this treasure to the public for an amazingly low price. I applaud Dr. Darom's efforts and welcome the long awaited USA release of Art and Design in Modern Custom Folding Knives. It is my hope Dr. Darom continues to explore the rich and diverse field of custom knifemaking and finds it worthy of producing future volumes not unlike this one.
   
   In short; Art and Design in Modern Custom Folding Knives is without a doubt indispensable to both professional and the enthusiast alike. This book is of such fine quality I truly must wonder at the ability to offer it for so low a price and advance the suggestion this serves to make it the perfect unique table book or addition to any fine art book collection.
   
   -Charles Kain



3. I want to say right up front that I am David Darom's partner in his third knife book, "The Art of Modern Custom Knifemaking, 100 Custom Knife Related Projects in the Making" (soon to be released). I very much wanted to write this review, but because of my current relationship with David I was concerned that some might question my motives. But I can tell you that I would not have even met David had it not been for this incredible book.
   
   I first heard about "Art & Design in Modern Custom Folders" a couple of months prior to its release. I am a part-time knifemaker, and a member of a group of online forums that are devoted to custom knifemaking. David had "teased" us with sample photos from his soon-to-be-released book. And the preliminary taste worked...Like most of our 7000+ members, I was more than a little bit intrigued.
   
   Hard bound, printed in Italy, 260 full-color pages filled with breathtaking photos of the some of the most exquisite knives in the world... The book sounded incredible and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy. And so with the single-minded goal of acquiring my own copy, when the book had its world premier at New York's annual East Coast Custom Knife Show, I drove up with a few friends.
   
   When we arrived I made a beeline for David's table...I was fortunate enough to meet him, if only for a few minutes (he was swamped with fellow enthusiasts trying to get their own copies). The meeting was brief but enjoyable...and I got what I came for...my own signed copy of the exciting new book.
   
   As soon as I got home I dove in...Every page was a delight and I spent hours and hours fully immersed. David's love for his subject matter was apparent...Never before had we seen such a collection of photos...no props, no distracting backgrounds, just page after page of beautifully-done, world class photography, that showed off the knives in all of their glorious detail.
   
   Needless-to-say, I couldn't wait to tell all of my online friends about this wonderful new book and I posted my own review, followed by much discussion. This ultimately led to an ongoing, long-distance correspondence with David. We became good friends. Several months later he asked me to write an article for his second knife book,"Art and Design in Modern Custom Fixed-Blade knives"...and that experience eventually led to our partnership in the 3rd book.
   
   Not a week goes by when I don't refer to my copy of "Art & Design in Modern Custom Folding Knives"...The pages are now quite dog-eared. I have a sizeable collection of knife-related books and magazines, but this is easily my single, most often used resource for inspiration and ideas.
   
   Am I prejudiced? Absolutely! But I can say without reservation that for overall production value and presentation, David has set the bar high with this book. Nothing else out there comes close. The skill and love that went into the making of this magnificent "coffee table" book of museum quality, folding art knives is unequaled. This masterpiece led me to David...And I am honored to have become his friend and associate.
   
   It is impossible to glance at even one page of this book without being completely drawn in. If you are a knife enthusiast, or if you simply appreciate any form of extraordinary art and craftsmanship, this book is a joy to own.
   
   Dennis Greenbaum

4 comments about The Last Fighting General: The Biography of Robert Tryon Frederick.

1. For a man whose character and accomplishments were monumental his story should have been handled by a writer with experience for well written prose and narrative. I struggled reading this book with its stilted, cumbersome and sometimes difficult and unbelievable phrasing. I've rarely encountered words such as humongous or pertinacious among others used in historical narrative. Nobody talks like this.
   The author should have used, or at least someone from Schiffer should have suggested an editor to clean this up. I was suspect of the author's background where the inside jacket reads "...After attending university," What university? Any prior contributions to journals, magazines or other publications? A noble effort by Hicks but certainly not the paean Frederick deserves. Perhaps his story will be rewritten by an author with credentials and a knack for writing clear, succinct and cogent narrative.



2. A rich and rewarding look at the founder and commander of the First Special Service Force, and perhaps the most decorated senior ground commander of ww2.General Fredericks early life is well recorded and his combat history is covered well. This is a must have for FSSF and SF historians and recomended for the serious reader of ww2 military history.



3. An outstanding biography on a true American hero. This is one of the best biographies (possibly THE best) that I have ever read. Not only is the story of General Frederick extremely compelling, but Ms. Hicks does an excellent job in conveying both the professional and personal sides of this great man. I highly, highly recommend this book for any fan of military history, or for that matter, anyone interested in reading about a man who lived life with honor, and who was committed to helping their fellow man.



4. Excellent book.I have most of the books on the Devil's Brigade.
   This is truly a book worth 5 stars!

5 comments about Antique Guns: The Collector's Guide (Shooter's Bible) (Shooter's Bible).

1. I recently ordered this for my husband. He saw an ad for it in one of his gun magazines. I looked it up on Amazon, and it was much cheaper.
   
   He refers to it often and thinks it is one of the best that he has.



2. This book is a waste of paper:
   I just received and opened it: The introduction lets you understand you're going to learn the different guns. Page 1 is full of photos of diverse handguns. One is dubbed: "French Flintlock Pistol". The photo shows a back action percussion lock. Hmmm. I jump to "Swiss Military Rifles" (I'm a Swiss collector). Two rifles are listed: First a Mod. 1871, cal 10.5 mm. The caption is a Mod. 1869 and the right caliber is 10.4 mm. Second a 1891, cal 7.63x54 Russian caliber Mod 1891... same as Moisin Nagant. From 1889 to 1890, the Swiss Army caliber was 7.5x55. From 1889 to 1957, the rifles were Schmidt Rubin or derivates. There NEVER was a 7.63x54 cal. Moisin among the Swiss Military Rifles. I shut the book down. I had to put a star to review the book, but it's worth none. It's for sale, new, quarter price.



3. Very interesting, but not exactly what I was looking for. Still a very informative book.



4. Any who buy, sell or trade in antique firearms needs to know identification, firearm specs, and how to value one: Shooter's Bible Presents Antique Guns: A Collector's Guide provides everything needed to do all of this. Color photos introduce the topic, but the heart of the title isn't color: it's black and white photos paired with caliber, barrel, weight and model specifications. Year of introduction or making and current valuation creates an important collector's reference.



5. Any who buy, sell or trade in antique firearms needs to know identification, firearm specs, and how to value one: Shooter's Bible Presents Antique Guns: A Collector's Guide provides everything needed to do all of this. Color photos introduce the topic, but the heart of the title isn't color: it's black and white photos paired with caliber, barrel, weight and model specifications. Year of introduction or making and current valuation creates an important collector's reference.

No comments about The British Sporting Gun And Rifle: Pursuit of Perfection, 1850-1900.

4 comments about Fine Gunmaking, Double Shotguns.

1. If you ever consider ordering a bespoke shotgun for yourself read Mr Hughes book which is full of vital information and will help you get the gun you desire



2. Steven Hughes presents a fine overview of the making of a fine side-by-side shotgun. The chapters are logically laid out and the writing is straight forward and easy to read. The photography is, for the most part, excellent and adds to the narrative. However, the book is a prime example of why editors should not rely on a word processor's spellcheck. There are numerous spelling errors and typos, especially in the first half of the book. The chapter on wood finishing repeatedly refers to filling the "pours" of the wood. An otherwise fine book, written by someone who is obviously meticulous in his work. He should not have allowed his book to be published with so many distracting errors in it.



3. If you have any interest in what it takes to build a custom gun, or are contemplating having one built this book is a must read, once you start you cannot put it down.



4. The book is very well written and easy to read. Mr Hughes describes the workmanship involved in producing fine quality double barrel shotguns from picking wood for stocks, metal work, to engraving. The book contains numerous fine photographs of various guns in the process of being worked on. There are also many examples of fine engraving and case colors that can be compared. He details the time involved to make and checker stocks, metalsmith actions and cut engraving for a Fox gun he made for himself. Although he goes into detail on certain processes like checkering and wood finish, he omits much detail on metal working the interior of the shotgun for liability reasons, and as he states 'this is not a "how to book"'. From this book one will get a very good idea of the time and exacting detail that is involved by makers of fine guns to craft a work of art. This book is a must read for any shotgun enthusiast and a welcome addition to any gun library.

No comments about Layne Simpson's Shooter's Handbook: 600 Questions Answered.