3 comments about Knives 2006.

1. I have every edition of the "KNIVES" annuals since the first one came out in 1980. As a knifemaker and collector I like to keep up with the state-of-the art knives that these amazing makers present in this book. The photos are plentiful and the paper quality of these softcover books has greatly improved since editor Joe Kertzman has taken over the helm. If you like knives in all their glory, then all of these books are highly recommended. The only reason that I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that I feel that Mr. Kertzman gets a little "ornate" in some of his descriptions. Let the knives speak for themselves, Joe. Hee hee.



2. Not the book I wanted. I wanted a book listing Case and Buck knives values. My mistake.



3. I decided to buy this book basing on the pictures of the knives inside. Once received, the pictures are worth more than the price I have paid for. Details with each knife is the extra bonus to the owner. Very good especially for custom knife collectors, and myself as a trader on ebay's -unclevit- listing store. I will buy more from this writer, perhaps every year. Recommend. Good Value.

No comments about More Painted Ladies: Modern Military Aircraft Nose-Art & Unusual Markings (Schiffer Military Aviation History).

1 comments about Official Price Guide to Elvis Presley Records and Memorabilia: 2nd Edition (Official Price Guide to Elvis Presley Records and Memorabilia).

1. This book is filled with great information about Elvis' music and other memorabilia. I bought mine at Graceland in 1999 and after seeing the current prices, I'm glad I did. It is a treasure trove of trivia and details about the great variety of music that was published when Elvis was alive and in the years following his death.

2 comments about World War 2 German War Booty a Study in Photographs (Schiffer Military History).

1. Every now and then you come across a book that you cannot put down for various reasons, be it the storyline, the photos or the topic. This is one of those books that has all three of the above.
   It shows in fine colour photographs, and large ones at that, some very very rare militairia "liberated" by vets and brought back home.
   All types of trophies seem to have been secured such as Hats, medals, daggers, swords, firearms and uniforms to name a few and all are shown in excellent detail.
   Printed on fine glossy paper for excellent photographic reproduction it also shows US soldiers liberating, trading or searching for Third Reich artifacts which I found fascinating.
   Collectors from around the world have opened up their collections to the author for a very rare insight into authnetic Nazi memrobilia which few if us will ever see in our lifetime.
   I agree with the previous reviewer if you are a collector or do have an interest in the third reich paraphenalia this is a must have and worth every penny



2. This book is a great read-through for anyone who is interested in either militaria collecting or a general appreciation of the second world war. The one aspect of this books that sets it above the rest is its documentation of GI's taking these things back up, which is shown through several example photographs. I reccomend this book, yes the price may be high, but if you are interested in seeing amazing items like Hitler's famous "brown shirt", and a very large selection of other personalities, such as Goering, Himmler, and many others!!! Overall a wonderful book that is a great photo history!

1 comments about Wartime Scrapbook: From Blitz to Victory 1939--1945.

1. The reason I loved the wartime scrapbook, just one of Robert Opie's beautiful books, is that it is is simply glorious to pour over. I can't imagine anyone ever tiring of the colors, the products and momentos from such a crazy yet unflashy era. The war years provided little but shortage in every way, but this book shows just how attentive product design and everyday life reflected what people sorely needed. The pages are filled with beautiful handwritten notes by Opie (I assume). And the glossy pages are strong and turnable. Very coffe table-ish and probably bathroomy as well.

2 comments about Collector's Guide to the Waffen-SS.

1. While I realize the limitations of a book of this size, I none the less found it a useful tool to help in the hobby of collecting German militaria. Of course a much larger format packed full of colour photos would have been better, but that is not the format of this book, and shouldn't be compared to larger, more comprehensive titles. As a general guide and/or an introductory book on the subject, it was well worth the money. I was very happy with it, and it prodded me to explore the subject further.
   
   A top read!



2. As a Collector's guide, any respectable one should have more than a few plate in color. Most of the image shown in this book come from other books published many years ago. If you take a look at the bibliography of this book you will be puzzle, so many good books are listed. So if it was the case, why Mr. Lumsden did'nt make a good summary of all of these books. It come short in terms of distinctive image. Short also in matter of description. If you intend to do a collector's guide, when you present a full battledress Waffen-ss you have to explained everything shown on the image, not just a collar patch or a belt buckle.

   I do not recommed this book to anyone wanting to know more about the waffen-ss uniforms, nor the firearms. It's so succint that it would'nt help you in a antique boutique. It's not even good to orient you in any specific detail.

   _________________________
   Paul Bourgault
   2Lt/Fus MR21/34thCBG/RCAC

1 comments about Machine Guns: 14th Century to Present.

1. I read this excellent book, here in Brazil.This book is complete, correct and has many photos.The photos are in majority black and white, but there's about fifteen pages, only with colored photos in this book.After the preface, there's eight chapters in this amazing book.The last chapter is about the automatic cannon, used in aircraft and armoured vehicles such as the american Bradley tank.The chapter seven is about the machine guns during the Cold War.After the last chapter, follows six appendixes, a glossary and then the index.In each chapter, there's technical reports about the most importants machine guns ever produced:Madsen, Lewis, BAR,Bren,MG-34, MG-42,DShK 38, M60, PK, FN-MAG,etc.On page 197, there's some informations about a brazilian machine gun that never entered in serial production, the Uirapuru.About machine guns, this book is a masterpiece.Don't forget that machine guns are one thing,while submachine guns are another thing.This book has nothing about Sten gun or Uzi, that are both submachine guns.This book is about machine guns.Today is 29th february.Only in every four years, that a book so good, about machine guns can be writen.The author isn't alive today, but he made a masterpiece about machine guns.

2 comments about Uniforms, Arms, and Equipment: The U.S. Army on the Western Frontier 1880-1892 (2-Volume Set).

1. This set is even more grand than Dr. McChristian's previous work on the earlier (1870's) Indian War army. This time he literally doubled the size of the work and went into even greater detail on the subject. He includes plenty of examples of my favorite part of this type of research, that is, soldier modified and soldier fabricated items. There are numerous photos that I had never seen before, and I have studied this subject as an enthusiastic amateur for over three decades. See also the links below:
   
   The U. S. Army In The West 1870-1880 Uniforms, Weapons, and Equipment
   
   The U.s. Army in the West, 1870-1880: Uniforms, Weapons, And Equipment
   
   ARMING & EQUIPPING THE UNITED STATES CAVALRY 1865-1902
   
   The Horse Soldier, 1776-1943, Volume II The Frontier, The Mexican War, The Civil War, The Indian Wars 1851-1880
   
   The Horse Soldier, 1776-1943: The United States Cavalryman : His Uniforms, Arms, Accoutrements, and Equipments : The Last of the Indian Wars, the Sp



2. Doug McChristian's magnificent new two-volume history of the uniforms, arms and equipment of America's army in the West is another brilliant example of how comfortably the mantle of the late Don Rickey as our foremost authority on that subject fits McChristian's shoulders. This two-volume follow up to his outstanding 1995 book, The U. S. Army in the West, 1870-1880: Uniforms, Arms and Equipment, expands McChristian's detailed coverage of the subject from where that book left off. At over 600 pages in two well-organized, beautifully-produced, over-sized volumes, the latter era of the frontier army (1880-92) is exceptionally well covered. Eight full color images and 433 black & white photographs provide historians, collectors and just about anyone interested in the frontier army with a wealth of highly-detailed and valuable information. McChristian's narrative is superb, and goes well beyond merely describing in depth the uniforms, arms and accoutrements of the troops. He sets the stage for his coverage of the era and propels his narrative by explaining the problems that faced military and civilian decision-makers who were desperately trying to come to grips with a "frontier constabulary" force that would soon be forced to emerge on the world stage as the guardians of America's global interests. McChristian's book describes an army on the eve of the War with Spain, the conflict that made the United States a world power.
   Divided into 15 chapters and 5 appendices, McChristian's book is an outstanding reference for collectors and museum curators, as well as being a fascinating account for anyone interested in the history of America's frontier army. My recommendation: Buy this new 2-volume set and McChristian's earlier The U. S. Army in the West, 1870-1880. They represent the "must have" references on America's frontier army and deserve a place in any military history enthusiast's library. And while you're at it, pick up a copy of McChristian's outstanding book, Fort Bowie, Arizona: Combat Post of the Southwest, 1858-1894 (all available on amazon).

1 comments about Illustrated Catalog of Civil War Military Goods: Union Weapons, Insignia, Uniform Accessories and Other Equipment.

1. I am a collector of Civil War relics and this book is a must have.

2 comments about The Double Shotgun.

1. I have been shopping for a side by side for a couple of months and I am so glad I read this book before making a purchase. I have much more knowledge of what I want and what to look for. The information would be valuable to anyone wanting to know more about doubles, how they work, what to avoid and what to want. I recommend this book for anyone that owns a double or wants to own one.



2. The late Don Zutz was the master when it came to the shotgun. This is an important reference for anyone who owns a double barreled shotgun. I looked for two years before I could find a copy.