the one book

[markksr]

what would be "the" book on knives/kifemaking
im sure the will be many opinions so maybe i should ask what should be the "FIRST" book for someone thinking of making knives

if i were to buy a book today which should i buy?
thx

 

[Tanguay Custom Knives]

The $50 dollar knife shop. Very simple, easy to understand instructions. Wayne tries to teach you how to make a knife, not impress and dazzle you with his knowledge. I have a complete library on the topic. His is the best for beginners.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I completely agree
Stacy

Welcome to the forums,Mark.

 

[markksr]

thx guys
im ordering it right now
ordered

whats ths 2nd book?
ill give this thread a few hours this time

 

[GibsonFan]

+1 for $50 Knife Shop. If you only buy one book, that should be it.

I'll be looking for that second book when I'm done learning from that one.

 

[Tanguay Custom Knives]

Wayne's book is all you'll need for quite a while. That being said, I'll put this one up as my second. These aren't books you're gonna read just once. I still refer to mine and relearn a thing or two each time. Your brain can only absorb so much at one time.

 

[Tanguay Custom Knives]

This would be my tie for second. Just thought you might want a different maker's (writer's) perspective too.

 

[Matthew Gregory]

Wayne's book is all you'll need for quite a while. That being said, I'll put this one up as my second. These aren't books you're gonna read just once. I still refer to mine and relearn a thing or two each time. Your brain can only absorb so much at one time.

I find myself returning to this book about once a month, and find that something I thought I got, I didn't get. This 'one book' has, without question, given me more insight than any other number of books combined.

I just wish to god someone could get their mitts on the original photos, clean them up a bit, and re-publish the book. Almost all of the shots taken of Mr. Moran's work are worthless due to poor lighting.

 

[Tanguay Custom Knives]

I just wish to god someone could get their mitts on the original photos, clean them up a bit, and re-publish the book. Almost all of the shots taken of Mr. Moran's work are worthless due to poor lighting.

That's the truth! I would re-buy it if someone took on that project.

Goddard's new version of The $50 Knife Shop is MUCH better with the new pics. Look for a new version if you're in the market (vs. a used older version).

 

[KnifeHead]

$50 Knife Shop has my vote:thumbup: Yes there are better, more detailed books on the subject but this is the best for a beginner. Basics are covered simply and without fluff.

 

[markksr]

thanks all:thumbup:

 

[Justin.Mercier]

My dad giving me a copy of Wayned Goddard's The Wonder of Knives last summer is what got me intrested in knife making in the first place. He had picked it up, realized he didnt have the time to dedicate to it, and given it to me because I was just starting up hobby work blacksmithing. It's a great book, however not a first book... It's probably a very good 2nd or 3rd however.

 

[mdoyle]

Why limit yourself to just one book? At 36, I'm sure you can read quite a few more than one before you kick. My personal favorite is by David Boye, I think it's "how to make knives" but not sure. Either way, the knowledge you gain from reading any and all of the books mentioned here is worth far more than the price of the books. Read as many of them as you can!:thumbup:
Good luck!
Matt Doyle

 

[Rob!]

Custom Knifemaking by Tim McCreight - hands down the best first book!

:thumbup:

Rob!

 

[markksr]

thanks all
ive ordered three or four of the above mentioned book
we shall see what comes of it

 

[mlovett]

Wayne's book is all you'll need for quite a while. That being said, I'll put this one up as my second. These aren't books you're gonna read just once. I still refer to mine and relearn a thing or two each time. Your brain can only absorb so much at one time.

Yep! This is the one!!! Mike

 

[Allan Molstad]

Books are helpfull once you start in with making a knife.
Books give you something to look at as a guide as you work on your own knife.

But books are of limited use for a guy who has yet to start on his first knife.

I have looked at tons of photos of guys standing behind a grinder with a blade making sparks.
But I never really caught what was going on.
I never really understood the movements of the blade into the belt.
I got lots of the books people always suggest, but until you turn on your 2X72 grinder you just never will understand what things are like.

 

[Don Hanson III]

David Boye's was may favorite starting out. Great Book!

 

[GibsonFan]

I took y'all's advice and picked up "How to Make Knives" by Barney and Loveless for my second textbook. ($50 Knife Shop was/is my first) I'm only 50 pages into it but it's already worth every penny. It's true the photo reproduction SUCKS though! As a printer by trade, I am personally offended But hey it retails for $13.95 so I ain't gonna bitch too much. Barnes & Noble also had "The Wonder of Knifemaking" by Goddard, I'll snag a copy of that once I absorb more of the info in "$50..." and "How To..."

Like the experienced guys said, these are true reference books that you don't just breeze through and set to the side to gather dust.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

After reading the books, find a maker who will show you what the books are talking about. That is one reason videos are a good way to learn. Seeing and listening are valuable learning tools.
Hammer -Ins are the best way to meet a lot of makers and see a lot of demos. Hands on learning is invaluable.
Stacy