No comments about Japanese Sword Terms and 400 Named Blades.

No comments about Web of Spider-Man #99 : The Swords Are Drawn (Marvel Comics).

No comments about Marvel Tales #208 : Starring Spider-Man and Red Sonja in "Sword and the She Devil" (Marvel Comics).

2 comments about Modern Combat Blades: The Best In Edged Weaponry.

1. The author claims to be expert in combat blades. Having read his book, I must doubt this claim. I think his neither understands much of knifes nor of knive fighting. Beside some useful hints and stories that you may also find in other books on the subject, the all over impression of this book is disappointing. Trying to sell replicas of antique swords - such as the gladius or the rapier - as modern means of self defense is simply ridiculous. This is the 21st century and not the age of Spartacus or D'Artagnan! Moreover his evaluation criteria for the blades are very inconsistant and vary in the different chapters of the book. The book is full of statements (for example: the western art of fencing is superior to asian traditions) that seem to be subjective judgements. The author would have done well in using scrutinized facts instead. If you are interested in bying a good guide on combat blades you should rather try 'Battle blades' by Greg Walker.



2. Mister Long is a technical writer whose specialty is modern military firearms. From perusing this well-illustrated text, it soon became painfully obvious that the subject matter was well outside his field of expertise and he was relying more upon research of what others had written rather than his own personal experience. I noted several significant technical errors that an individual with extensive knowledge of the items in question would not have made -- but said errors are not too terribly important, and would go unnoticed by most -- hadta deduct a star for it, though. Another complaint is that many of the knives listed are no longer available (i.e., several selections from Blackjack Knives), but to be fair, this text is about a decade old.
   
   As for the anonymous reviewer who thought the concept of using a short sword in the modern age for defense was "ridiculous", I need to disagree very strongly. A weapon such as a gladius, wakisashi, or qama is an excellent choice for home defense -- especially in areas where firearms are prohibited or danger to others via overpenetration is a factor -- nearly every respected self defense authority (i.e., MacYoung, Mashiro, Jahn, Sockut, etc.) is in agreement on this particular point.
   
   A revised edition would be nice. . .

No comments about Chinese Hero Volume 3 Collectible Box: Tales Of The Blood Sword (Chinese Hero: Tales of the Blood Sword).

No comments about Handbook of Confederate Swords.

1 comments about Swords of the Viking Age.

1. This book has a wealth of information on what is otherwise a very inaccessible topic, at least in English (most books touching on Viking Age swords are often in German, Norwegian, or Swedish, which is less than helpful). Not only are the different hilt styles detailed, but there is information on blade types and pattern welded construction, not to mention the numerous colour and b&w illustrations. Finally, unlike just about every other book on the subject of swords, this actually gives important measurements; not merely length but point of balance (or center of gravity), as well.

   There are a couple of minor flaws. For one, they do not discuss in as much detail as I would like the fact the pommel construction of the Norse swords (actually, an upper guard and a pommel cap), though they do mention it and at least give some inkling as to which types usually used this feature. The more serious problem is the lack of weight measurements. While not practical for more seriously damaged specimens, there was no reason not to include such for the majority of intact swords that are profiled in the book.

   Other than that, an outstanding contribution to this subject. The beautiful cover picture is itself worth the ..price tag; indeed, this book would be a bargain at twice the price! I cannot emphasise enough: if you are at all interested in Norse arms & armour, you ***NEED*** this book. Period. It is not an option....

2 comments about Swords and Sword Makers of England and Scotland.

1. Compiled by Richard H. Bezdek, Swords And Sword Makers Of England And Scotland is a superbly organized, specialized, authoritative, 394-page reference that consists primarily of a list of the names, locations, and lifespans of sword makers of England and Scotland in the 1600's through the 1800's. A section of black-and-white photographs of centuries-old swords enhances this unique and outstanding resource. Swords And Sword Makers Of England And Scotland is especially commended to the attention of scholars and historians, as well as dedicated weapon collectors and hobbyists.



2. This book is defenitively a source of very valuable information to those who love and collect swords. The history that builds its context is profound and helps one understands how a sword was a man's gardian angel that his real life depended on. The highly illustrated secton of this book shows pictures that hearted craftsmen personalized the sword for its owner. One who reads this book gets transported back in time and imagines how people earned their living with the prestigeous art of making the sword. I feel that I have gained another jewel to my loving collection of books.

No comments about One Hundred Masterpieces from the Collection of Dr. Walter A. Compton: Japanese Swords, Sword Fittings & Other Accoutrements.

1 comments about The Rapier & Small-Sword: 1460-1820.

1. Norman sets the standards for classifying every rapier and shortsword hilt and component (guards, inner guards, pommels and the like) sufficiently to allow any student of the sword of the period covered to identify and date any blade one is likely to come across. The book is also essential for re-creators and swordsmiths looking to turn out accurate period pieces and use them in a proper manner of combat. It SHOULD be returned to print immediately