No comments about Goins Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings.

No comments about Airborne Operations.

No comments about The Sheffield Knife Book: A History & Collectors Guide.

No comments about Cartography 4 (Map Overlays).

No comments about Interrogation, USE OF INTERPRETERS.

1 comments about Pocket Knife Price Guide.

1. The book comprises reproductions of catalogue pages from a number of manufacturers, followed by several pages of price guide information, keyed to the original catalogues. The Keen Kutter information is especially interesting, as it includes the "how they are made" pages reproduced from an old catalogue.

   The book's greatest drawback is that the author provides no explanation how the "price guide" prices were derived. Without knowing whether the prices are based upon catalogue (asking) prices for collectible knives, auction results (realized prices), systematic shopping of shows and antiques shops, a formula, or simply the writer's opinion, a user cannot intelligently use the price guide. A brief note in front of the book explains that prices represent knives in "good condition," not unused and unsharpened knives (considered to be the most valuable), but there is no definition of the grade "good."

   Worth the price, for the old catalog information, a great aid in identifying and dating knives.

No comments about Pocketknives Markings and Manufacturers and Dealers.

No comments about Army Knife and Usage Manual (Mega Mini Kits).

2 comments about Tactical Knives.

1. This books has some very good points regarding presentation and pictures of obscure knives from around the world, a good examination of german armed forces is a highlight, but unfortunately to me the book is quite regional (Germany and U.S.) when it could appeal to a greater range of professional users around the world, the book sometimes seems like a knife catalog (the author works at Boker's sales dept.), instead of a users guide that, in my opinion, would make the book a whole lot more "usable", and not only pretty a display of what is available in the aforementioned countries



2. I have started collecting tactical knives recently. I purchased this book to gain a better understanding of my subject, so that I could make well-informed purchasing decisions. I was not disappointed.
   
   I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Knives in Tactical Deloyment; if a knife is good enough for the special forces, it is good enough for me.
   
   I also enjoyed the Fixed-Blade Tactical Knives chapter, which covered a range of knives, including general purpose, maritime, survival, hatchet and concealed knives. I did not realise there are so many fixed-blade variants.
   
   The photos and the layout of the books is very good.
   
   The only downside is that I cannot import many of the knives discussed in the book into Australia because of our restrictive import regulations.

3 comments about Knives 2003: The World's Greatest Knife Book (Knives).

1. Well,not really but I was disappointed with the advertising inserts in this year's issue. It detracts from the overall usefulness of the book. The Knives series are reference manuals in my opinion and the semigloss Junglee insert and the "Marketplace" advertisement was a bore.

   The B&W photos of the knives are nice as usual and even with a new editor (Joe Kertzman) at the helm the book still seems to retain a lot of Ken Warner's flavor.

   This year's articles are interesting though not as much as last years issue. I particulary liked the article by Mastersmith/Wordsmith Ed Fowler. Man, does that guy know how to write about knives. He can make 'em, too! It is nice to see Bernard Levine and Butch Winter back again this year.

   The Trends section placement of photos are A1. There are some stunning knives there like Jerry Fisk's damascus bowie and Tom Johanning's survival knife. How do these guys do it? There were many other great knives there. Too many to list, though. Check out the pocketknife section. I would love to own anyone of them. Dan Burke's work is just out of this world as is Richard Rogers.

   The factory trends section is very good this year with a nice variety. Some excellent knives there also like the Benchmade Mel Pardue Axis lock and the reemergence of the Marbles knife co. Missing in my opinion is the knife/bargain of the year. The MicroTech LCC design by Greg Lightfoot--an exception tactical knife built like a tank and priced most folks can afford.

   The directory gets bigger and bigger each year and I like that. The Knives series books are the first I turn to when I am checking out a new maker. The directory includes a state-by-state listing along with the alphabetical listing, a knife photo index (smart move) and a plethora of other specialist ranging from sheathmakers to engravers and etchers.

   Knives 2001 is the number one knife reference book to have this year. Overall I am really pleased with it and each year seems to get a little bit better sans the advertising pitch.

   I highly recommend this book. A must for any knife nut! :-)




2. This book is part of a series of books that has been coming out now for many years. They consist of an article section, a trends in cutlery section (with lots of artfully done photos, and a directory section of the cutlery collectible trade and custom makers, etc. I have the whole run and look at them now and again for reference.



3. This outstanding showcase of new 2003 custom blades features a brand new eight page color section to accompany over 1,000 black and white photos and an in-depth history covering knives and their custom designs. From scrimshaw and ancient steels to a directory of knifemakers and suppliers, Knives 2003 comes packed cover to cover with invaluable information, in-depth history and detail.