Hey guys - I was wondering if there any books that are considered must haves in the library of any knife maker, or aspiring maker? These days there is obviously so much good stuff on the interweb; however, I still like my books. Example, for the woodworker it might be any of James Krenov's books or for the fly rod maker it would be Garrison's Master's Guide (sorry - my main references lie in my field of woodworking). The best part of these books is that they are more than how to's, they often incorporate philosophies on craft and definitely have some "soul" for lack of better words. Thanks!
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- Thread starter kalavinka
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Have a look at the lists of books and videos linked in this post
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ng-and-forge-question?p=11839735#post11839735
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It would depend on what stage of knifemaking you're at. At least in my opinion it would be. For the sake of this post, I'm going to assume you're just getting into knife making.
I'd pick up a copy of Wayne Goddards $50 Knife Shop to begin with. It is a good read as is his other book "The Wonder of Knife Making". "Step by Step Knifemaking" by David Boye is also a good one as is "How To Make a Knives" by Richard Barney and Bob Loveless.
If you're into forging, then "The Complete Bladesmith" by Jim Hrisoulas is good. Jim also has some good books for bladesmiths who are more advanced.
Finally, all that knowledge isn't going to do you any good if you can't sharpen a knife. I highly recommend "The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening" by John Juranitch. I bought that book about 25 years ago and it simply changed my life by giving me the knowledge of how to get the keenest edge on a knife blade.
That should get you started
I'd pick up a copy of Wayne Goddards $50 Knife Shop to begin with. It is a good read as is his other book "The Wonder of Knife Making". "Step by Step Knifemaking" by David Boye is also a good one as is "How To Make a Knives" by Richard Barney and Bob Loveless.
If you're into forging, then "The Complete Bladesmith" by Jim Hrisoulas is good. Jim also has some good books for bladesmiths who are more advanced.
Finally, all that knowledge isn't going to do you any good if you can't sharpen a knife. I highly recommend "The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening" by John Juranitch. I bought that book about 25 years ago and it simply changed my life by giving me the knowledge of how to get the keenest edge on a knife blade.
That should get you started
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I feel you on that one. The Count's links and Mudbug's recommendations will give you hours of great reading on knifemaking. But if you're looking for "soul", my first recommendations are "The Book of the Sword" by Sir Richard F. Burton and "The Archaeology of Weapons by Ewart Oakeshott.
Even if you have no intention of ever making a sword, educating yourself on the history of edged weapons will most certainly reflect positively in your work.
Wayne Goddards books are inspirational. I enjoyed reading them.
This is one to start with if you want to start learning about what is happening inside the blade.
Metallurgy of Steel for Bladesmiths & Others who Heat Treat and Forge Steel
John D. Verhoeven
Emeritus Professor
Iowa State University
On line read Kevin Cashen.
This is one to start with if you want to start learning about what is happening inside the blade.
Metallurgy of Steel for Bladesmiths & Others who Heat Treat and Forge Steel
John D. Verhoeven
Emeritus Professor
Iowa State University
On line read Kevin Cashen.