Good reference books

S

Serge Lemee

Joined
Jul 21, 2002
Messages
4
I am relatively new to knife collecting and would like to know what to buy as good knife reference book. There is so many books and I would prefer to spend my money on knives than on books of knives! Is it important to be up to date on the year? Is there different books for different collections or is there a general book that has everything?

I am from Canada and speak french. Sorry if there is mistakes in my english writing.:o

Thank you in advance for your help.:)
 
Well Serge, I don't think there is one reference bbok that will tell you everything you will want to know. My favorite books are: Sid Latham's Knives and Knifemakers, the Gun Digest Book of Knives 1-5 and all the Knives annuals. I also really like Ed Fowler's book Knife Talk. It goes more into the forging aspect of knifemaking.
 
Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Value (4th edition, Warning avoid the fifth edition - the publisher modified it without the author's consent and the quality is very poor).

Levine moderates our knife identification forum. Just send him an email, I believe he can still get you a new autographed copy of the 4th edition.

n2s
 
Thanks a lot to you Keith and "n2s" for you help. It is really appreciated because I am going a little blind in this now, which is part of the fun too of learning and exploring.
It is surprising that I got answers from people that are so far apart from me. British Columbia and Florida. These are about the 2 farthest from Quebec. This is one of the beauty of the web and of this forum.

Thank you again, everything was noted.

It is my bithday today so I will probably get one of these books.
 
I also agree with n2s about Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Value. The first four printings of this classic are excellent reference books.

By the way Serge, I am from Alberta. I tried living in B.C for a while, but their weren't enough red necks there. :)
 
No shop can go wrong with a copy of the "Machinery's Handbook" You can preview the book from your local library. Do an interlibrary loan request and have the book brought in if local library doesn't have it.
 
One of the best books foe begining collectors is Ken Warners "The Practical Book of Knives".Even though its almost 30 yrs.old its still very relavent.I agree with Keith on the Knives Annuals and 1-5 of The Gun Digest Book of Knives.A new one out is 2002 Sporting Knives(I don't know if 2003 is out yet).Also the new Knife Digest 1(2 should be out soon).Remember the more money you spend on knife books will save you money on knives in the long run.With that said,try Les Robertson's "Custom Knife Buying Guide" for $10 it can save you a lot of money in the custom field.www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
 
The Guns & Ammo Guidebook to Knives was a great book, and the "Knives" annual edition books are pretty good. Steven Dick's "The Working Folding Knife" is a good primer on the subject.

Right now, I agree, Levine's 4th is an excellent starting point:). You can move into more specialized books later:).

Check Ebay, as sometimes you can buy books in lot's, and save some cash.



HTH:D:).
 
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