Book recommendations ?

[yog]

Hi guys, wondering if any of you could recommend a good knife book ?

My ideal book would have:

-a section (could be small) on metallurgy and how different elements effect the final steel.

-a large section on knife smithy’ing and how techniques have developed over time. A bit on damascus steel and techniques on tempering would be a bonus. Would very much like it to include a section on the forging of traditional Japanese blades (multi folding layers of steel).
This section would be more of a reference piece rather than a step by step how to do, mind you the more detail the better

-I would also like a section on knife design and how this has changed over the years.

I’m not sure if all this could be found in one book, but it would make my day if it could
All suggestions appreciated.

 

[Rugger]

Howdy Yog,
Try posting your Q over in the Custom or Shop Talk forums- you may get an answer there.
Good luck,
Mike

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Boy, I hope members have recommendations on some books that would fit your ideal. This is a book that I would be interested in having as well. I have a few books, but none have a section on metallurgy.

 

[Nabok]

Wayne Goddard's books come close to filling Yogs list. The Wonder of Knifemaking and Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop. Avaible at Amazon and I've seen them at Borders and Barnes & Nobel, but you can order them direct from him and get them signed. Mr. Goddard's web site is http://www.goddardknives.com/ I have also heard that his video will soon be available on DVD.

Todd

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

I agree with Nabok on Wayne Goddard's books.
I would also consider Jim Hrisoulas books:
Master Bladesmith: Advanced Studies In Steel and
Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way To Perfection
He also has a book The Pattern Welded Blade: Artistry in Iron

In my opinion, if you buy one of he Hrisoulas books get 'Master Bladesmith'

The Craft Of The Japanese Sword by Leon Kapp, Yoshido Yoshihara and Tom Kishida is a good beginners book that is pretty complete.

I am not aware of one book that covers all the subjects you mentioned.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I agree with Gus. If you were to get all three books by Jim Hrisoulas you would be well on your way to getting all the information you are looking for. These books are all available here for excellent prices.