Krause Publications latest sham

not2sharp

not2sharp

Platinum Member
Joined
Jun 29, 1999
Messages
20,492
I have just had the pleasure of purchasing the recently release 5th edition of Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Values.

The present edition does not live up to quality of the previous editions. While many sections of the book are identical to the prior section, other sections have been seriously degraded - for instance no longer do we get a weighted value grade for production brands (the column has simply been ommitted). Other price sections have been wildly adjusted with seemingly random price swings of several 100%.

But the more serious fraud is that Bernard Levine had absolutely nothing to do with this edition. Yet Krauss still presents him as the author. I can understand why they needed to do this since clearly no one wants to take credit for this $hit. We are left with an authoritative guide prepared without an authority.

I suggest that we take a moment to let Krauss Publications know how we feel about this. Whatever rights they may have to the title, it is fundamentally fradulent to publish an authorless collection of reproduced junk, or to give credit an authority that is unwilling to lend his authority to the book.

Let them know how you feel:

http://www.krause.com/contact/feedback.html

N2S

 
Does Mr. Levine have a "no compete" clause? Because if not.....

wink.gif


[This message has been edited by Elvislives (edited 05-30-2001).]
 
Thanks for pointing out that Mr. Levine did not edit and in fact disowned this book and that it is of inferior quality. I wouldn't want anyone's respect for Mr. Levine to be reduced by unfair association or have anyone misled into buying an inferior book. I don't know US law, but the whole thing sounds unconscionable.
 
And don't forget Krause also unceremonially dumped Ken Warner from Knives 2001 after 20 years of great books.
Speak with your cash folks. Don't buy them or Blade.
 
N2S has provided a hyperlink...make sure you scrowl down to Firearms/Knives section to submit your commets.

Also, go to Amazon.com and Barnes Noble etc and let the folks there know that the 5th Edition was basically thrown together.

The other surprise is Bud Lang. Not too sure why he wanted to be part of this project.

Final thought: Without Levine's input, how to we know if the values stated are accurate? I don't think we can.

------------------
~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska
Buck Collectors Club-Lifetime Member
JKM-Chai
KnifeKnutt@aol.com
 
Thank you very much for this information. I was just about to buy this book. I certainly will not do so now. Without the input from Bernard this guide is unacceptable to me.

However as disappointed as I am, I will not stop purchasing Blade Magazine. It has far to much information that I think is important. If we are to boycott Krause Publications then we must consider not supporting The Blade Show. I do not think that that is a wise thing to do nor do I think it is likely to happen.

Do what you think is appropriate for the situation. If that is to not buy the book, fine. If that is to not support Krause Publications in any way, that is fine as well. Remember though that in putting on The Blade Show they do a great service to this industry and that should not be forgotten.

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Keith

AKTI Member #A001338
 
I can understand about not buying the book. I am gonna keep buying Blade Magazine though. Like many here, I live for the days when the mailman shows up with the newest mag at the door!. I subscribe to TK, KI and Blade. I will continue to support Blade Mag. because of the Blade Show, and also because Dexter Ewing writes for it. If I said I was going to boycott Blade Mag, I'd be lying anyway. After a few months, curiosity would erode resolve and I'd end up buying them anyway
biggrin.gif

David

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AKTI# A000150
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member
 
Letter of complaint sent.

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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
This is a reply that I got from Krause Publications. I hope Joe does not mind me posting his reply here.

Keith,

Thank you for your note. My name is Joe Kertzman, managing editor of Blade Magazine. I also took over for Ken Warner as editor of the Knives annual after he did a great job for us for 20 years and produced an outstanding book. Those were big shoes to fill, and it was certainly a challenge. Ken had set up a beautifully templated book. He decided not to renew his contract after 20 years because he's simply too busy. I don't know if you've heard, but he bought rights to the Blackjack Knives brand and is selling them. He will have a booth at our Blade Show, and he and I talk often, consulting with each other on the phone. He and J. Bruce Voyles, former publisher of Blade, are also collaborating on some editorial offerings.

As far as Bernard Levine's book, I have to disagree with you. I've seen the new version and personally think it is fantastic. It is a beautiful book filled with information, well-thought-out and planned stories and completely updated prices. Other than the name, what did you not like about it? As far as using Bernard's name in the title, Bernard had a contract with Krause that said that if he ever got burned out on the book or simply did not wish to renew, that we would have rights to the book title. As you can imagine, the title "Levine's Guide To Knives And Their Values" is a good seller for us, so we retained it. I don't think it's misleading for two reasons: 1. Much of the information is carried over from Bernard's last edition, simply updated; 2. We list an editor's name, specifically Bud Lang, on the cover.

I hope you decide to pick up both latest editions. I think Krause did Bernard and Ken proud with them, and we will carry out the traditions they started with upmost professionalism and dedication to knives. Thank you, again, for your interest.


From Joe Kertzman.

------------------
Keith

AKTI Member #A001338

[This message has been edited by Keith Montgomery (edited 05-30-2001).]
 
The big shenanigans with this is that Krause "owns" the name Levine. Levine is a HUMAN!! This guide IS NOT Levine's guide to knives AT ALL. Sounds like false advertising to me. It may not be the case legally, but this does misinform buyers 100%.

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"Come What May..."
 
While Ken Warner and Bernard Levine are too gentlemanly to say different in public, I don't believe they are gone because they were too busy or burned out. My opinion is that they couldn't accept Krause's terms and business policies. I won't say what I've heard so as not to liable for slander.
But I don't blame Joe Kertzman because he is just an employee of Krause, and as such, has to speak the company talk. He happens to be a really fine writer in his own right, and I doubt he had anything to do with their leaving.
I was surprised to see Bud's name as editor, but we all have to eat. Wouldn't surprise me if he even spoke to Levine before doing it.
If you go to Krause's website, you can see that Blade is just one of alot of different title's they own and publish. So knives are just another commodity to them.
Thanks, but no thanks.
Dave
 
Mr. Greg Mete was surprised my name is listed as an Editor on the Levine book. Dave says I have to eat, too. Well, I have to agree with Dave. It's sad to see a few of you people ready to abandon a book without even looking at it, magazines, too.

For starters, a gentleman at Krause called and asked if I would be interested in editing book V. NOT write it, but EDIT it. I have no idea of why Warner or Levine left Krause. That is their business, not mine, not yours. I was told they wanted to up date prices, maybe photos or illustrations, on specific pages. They also offered me additional pages for new material. Krause also provided me with a broad list of collectors names/numbers that I could contact. Some had work in Book IV, so they would be upgrading their own material. Furthermore, I contacted most of the factories that had work in book 4, and they provided me with knowledgeable collectors of their knives. Altogether, I spoke with no less than 30 collectors many times. Those who accepted assignments, provided me with new text. My job was to edit it, to make sure spelling, etc., was proper. Everything was sent to Krause, they laid the pages out, sent me proofs. I read every word again to make sure the text was error-free, captions were adjacent to the proper pictures. The book was published. Please note I do not have an editorial or photo of myself in this book, unlike book 4 by Levine. Yes, Krause owns the title. Yes most of the book contains Levine's work (Remember, he did not write all of the earlier books. He hired contributors, too). My name is on the cover, but this act was not requested by me. Again, in closing, I did NOT write anything for this book, and yes, I do like to eat. I also use my own name when posting to any site. And, thank you Greg and Dave for your kind words.
 
Krause has flat out tried to screw over most of the writers that had a contract with DBI. Krause of course purchased DBI. I don't for the life of me understand just what their master plan is. It seems like they have tried real hard to chase away a lot of good people.

Regards,

Tom Carey
 
I have admired Bud Lang for many years. I think he is a fine person, and I have seen his kindness first hand (my son was once an essay contest winner he sponsored at KI). One of my faults is loyalty. When Bud left KI under circumstances that I personally thought unfair to him I publically supported him though I really didn't know all the facts. I think the knife world will be better when a knife rag has Bud at the helm. His attention to detail is superb.

I do however, have a personal problem with this 5th publication even though again, I do not know all the facts. I have bought it and it isn't that it is not a well done book, it is just the fact that this is supposed to be Bernard's work. We all know that. I would be just as surprised to see Levine's name on one of Bud's books.

I wasn't angry at seeing Bud's name as editor...just surprised. Actually when I saw Bud's name on it I figured that he was the only one I could think of in the industry that could lend legitimacy to this project.

And Bud does have to eat and I want him to write or edit and all the other things he does that makes knife collecting all the more enjoyable. I guess I am just disappointed that this isn't really Bernard's book though the title says it is. And we all know how much of Bernard's heart is in his books.

A while ago I was reveiwing a knife auction and this guy was selling a knife for a lot of money. By referring to Bernard's work I was able to see that the knife was fake, told the owner of the site who removed the auction. I (or perhaps more appropriately Bernard) saved this poor buyer a lot of money. When the owner of the site sent an email to the seller and he blind copied it to me. In the email he basically said, 'I'm removing this from the auction because Bernard Levine has written about these knives as being fakes--and Levine knows what he is talking about'. Obviously people listen to him.

When I hear the word Bandaid I think of a bandage adhesive. When I hear the word Klenex I think of a facial tissue. When I hear Levine I think about a kife expert in the field of knife collecting. My analogy may be a poor example but perhaps you get my point.

In my mind, I will always know that this really isn't Bernard's book and that is what I think we're all agreeing to. That is my $0.02

Bud, can you shed any light when we will see you around more? I really do miss seeing your writing ability & leasdereship putting together a fantastic magazine. Thanks for commenting here. I meant no disrespect towards you.

Sincerely,

------------------
~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska
Buck Collectors Club-Lifetime Member
JKM-Chai
KnifeKnutt@aol.com

[This message has been edited by Kodiak PA (edited 05-31-2001).]
 
Hi Bud,
Great to see you posting again, even if the subject isn't too cool.
Any progress on the new mag you hinted at awhile ago?
I want to emphasize that I wasn't criticizing you when I said was surprised to see your name. I've always enjoyed your writing and interviews, and Joe Kertzman's too for that matter.
It's the corporate monster that's the issue. I don't think they realize just how small and close the knife community is, especially with the internet now.

Dave
PS-Yes, Greg Mete and I are joined at the hip, that's why we always seem to post right after the other,LOL.

[This message has been edited by lifter4Him@aol.com (edited 05-31-2001).]
 
Bud,

I have a great deal of respect for you and for Mr. Levine. As much as I would have liked for BRL to have continued with the series, I would not have an issue with yourself or another quallified person, taking on the role. Change happens and it cannot be avoided sometimes. What is critical is to ensure that we have a qualified person author the changes.

You wrote:

"...My job was to edit it, to make sure spelling, etc., was proper. Everything was sent to Krause, they laid the pages out, sent me proofs. I read every word again to make sure the text was error-free, captions were adjacent to the proper pictures... I did NOT write anything for this book"

This is what bothers me most about the 5th edition. If Levine didn't write it, and you didn't write it, then who did?

Granted putting together something on this scale requires the cooperative input of many people. However, that does not mitigate the need for some authority to guide the effort, set the standard, reconcile the differences, and maintain a continuity.

When I look at Section III of LG5 (pgs. 467-490) and not a single price or description has changed over the last 4 years, and I know that this was not the case when we compared LG4 to LG3; I am concerned whether LG5 has a current valuation, or whether anybody has even bothered to update these pages.

N2S
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by not2sharp:
Bud,

When I look at Section III of LG5 (pgs. 467-490) and not a single price or description has changed over the last 4 years, and I know that this was not the case when we compared LG4 to LG3; I am concerned whether LG5 has a current valuation, or whether anybody has even bothered to update these pages.

N2S</font>
Click to expand...

Not2: Bernard will be the first to tell you that those prices are a "GUIDE" and can never be taken as carved from stone. Some prices will go unchanged for a few years and others are subject to wild swings and can go up without warning or down for that matter. A. G.
 
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