Recommendation? Knife Books? Fixed or folders, Art knives, Sharpening, Steel, Geometry....

[Dan of Bazz Clazz]

Anyone have recommendations for any really good books on knives? Authoritative. Written by someone who knows what they are talking about as opposed to a wannabe. Primarily looking for books that focus on any or all of the following:
Fixed Blade, Folders, Autos, Custom, or Production, Art knives, Traditional, Gentleman's knives, Knife History and Lore, Maintenance, Sharpening, Metallurgy, Blade Geometry, Knives of the Past, etc. Something loaded with graphics, color & B&W photos is best. Pretty much anything and everything, with the exception of the "tacticool" or zombie apocalypse ilk. Am looking to gift something to an adult. lol Also they are without computer or internet access so any references to BF pages is not going to help them. Though it may help me and other BF members.

So come on! Even if it is out of print. What's the best knife book out there????

and the battle starts.... now!

 

[eisman]

Anything by David Darom or Bernard Levine.
Counterfeiting Antique Cutlery by Witcher.

Darom covers the best (knives, makers, and collections). Levine covers almost everything. Witcher keeps me from making the same mistakes twice.

I'll add that if you're into the subject, I've not found anything better than "The Art of the Samurai".

But if you want to give a gift, give one of David Darom's books.