Knives Books

Contrary to what another reviewer has said, I don't think Toni created "tools" in her past life; she studied existing tools at the University (rescued from the world at large, I gathered) and couldn't handle even that. She escaped into the worst kind of prostitution because she couldn't bear to be associated with it in any way.

As for how Klale could decide she loved Blade, love is mysterious in any case. She saw through Blade to Simon, that's all. And he changed her.

If I have a criticism, it's just that even a post-apocalyptic society can't allow "tools" to exist; not in the presence of education, law enforcement, and all the trappings of local democracy. Choi would be a criminal of the worst sort to these people, and they would have dug him out and dealt with him.

That said, the book is nearly perfect. I hope to see more from this author.

A good read !

West-coasters around the world will see a piece of their town somewhere in this very readable, well crafted novel.

The characters, with notable exceptions, come alive with a few sentences. Donna McMahon makes character development appear effortless, no simple task in itself. She avoids sterotypes and plot formulas like the plague, no pun intended. Yes, you could say,"No stereotypes were harmed by the making of this book".

The mix of easily recognizing the feeling of the characters first, then realistic dialogue, and then... detailed descriptions of a shattered environment (that many living on geological fault lines can uncomfortably imagine), works well.

Once you turn the pages, you'll be in a not-so-impossible-after-all future, reminiscent of too many places and lives that have been destroyed and forgotten in our own world.

Blade is a warrior that scares the hell out of me! If he doesn't scare you, I'm moving out of your neighbourhood! ;=)

Dances with Knives is an imaginative look at a post-chaos Vancouver in the early part of the 22nd century. Klale, a young member of the Fisher Guild of Prince Rupert, comes to the island of Downtown, a coastal version of the lawless 19th century Wild West towns, to make a life for herself away from the Guild. She falls into a job as the infamous KlonDyke, a lesbian/gay bar, and becomes involved in the lives of Toni, the mysterious bartender, and Blade, the behaviourally, neurologically and surgically altered human "tool" of one of the local tong leaders. Chaos is coming again to Downtown, as the main cities along the Pacific coast of North America try to link together by means of a railroad. This idea is strongly opposed by the 3 tongs that rule Downtown, but other residents, including the owner of the KlonDyke, see the railroad and the changes it will bring as a means to (quite literally, in some cases) get Downtown out of the gutter.

The book is interesting and the author has paid great attention to building this future world, especially the socio-political framework behind the story. The blurb on the book jacket is a bit misleading, though. Klale is only the titular lead character " it is very much Toni's book. Klale is, instead, a strong secondary character. This book is falls into the sci-fi category, so reference to future technology is a given. But figuring out what their tech toys were (extrapolating from our own) and how they worked, took a little time.

There were a couple of weaknesses in the storyline.

First, Toni, in a previous life, played a part in creating "tools" like Blade, or "wives" (read sex-slaves) like one particular one-scene character. Despite her remorse and attempts to help Blade, and despite the drug addiction that drove her to take that job to feed her habit, the fact remains that she victimised people for money. The author gives glimpses of the hard life Toni led prior to and after working as a Trainer, and describes some of the physical harm she experienced along the way, too, but it doesn't come close to balancing out the things she did. To the end of the book, this reader found it hard to forgive her for them. You can understand the motivations driving the drug addict who kills a stranger for the money in her purse, but would you excuse him because of them? Toni's actions were more akin to the Nazi experiments on people in their concentration camps, and are equally intolerable.

Second, Klale falls in love without Blade, without rhyme or reason. Literally overnight, she discovers that she loves him. But there is nothing that the reader can discern in Blade, from Klale's perspective, to bring this about. He is by turns violent or emotionless, though remnants of the child he had been before becoming a "tool" occasionally show through. The author gives the reader access to Blade's interior life, making him a person to us, but Klale is not granted the same privilege. So this sub-plot seems devised simply to get Blade to do specific things so the main plot can advance, or to serve the author's desire to include a little romance in her story, and it strikes a very discordant note.

All in all, I would recommend the book, because the world created by the author has great atmosphere and the story elicits strong emotions. But the discrepancies noted above do leave the reader a little unsatisfied by the story's end.

I'll save time on the plot summary since you can read it above and just say that McMahon's story is one of the best I've read this year.

Set in a futuristic Vancouver, Dance of Knives gives long time Vancouverites a look at what may become of some of their favourite landmarks and even those who have never visited the west coast city will be able to picture its future based on McMahon's descriptions. While some of McMahon's characters may seem unusual, their interactions and emotions are so realistic that readers will find themselves growing ever more attached to them as they turn the pages.

If I have any criticism of this book at all it would be that I found the story took a while to get moving, but once it did I found I couldn't put it down. As the story unfolded I found characters doing the unexpected and events resolving in ways I hadn't predicted. For a new author to surprise me this much with a first novel is quite a triumph.

If you're looking for a great read this summer pick up Dance of Knives, it's well worth your time.

It is a pleasure to see such talent in a writer such as Donna McMahon. In DANCE OF KNIVES, the characters are wonderfully constructed, the plotline is imaginative and the readers interest is kept by building suspense and mystery. Being set in a lesbian bar of 22nd century Vancouver is truly fresh and exciting. Recommended.

The words of Ed Fowler are a welcome change from the ususal gobbledegook that is heard today. I would enjoy reading Ed's observations even if I weren't a knife collector. Part two of Mr. Fowlers life quest is a continuation of the first edition and there's nothing wrong with that. It's refreshing to have a craftsman divulge the discoveries that has resulted in what I think is the perfect working knife.

Ed has compiled a compendium of useful info in this small book, containing charts and guides to anecdotes from his life reguarding knives. Ed Fowler's Knife Talk : The Art & Science of Knifemaking is a must for anyone even considering working steel to become a bladesmith.

Pete Blackwood

Mr Fowler would cringe at that description, I'm sure. A down to earth man and great wit. Fowler is very much admired by knife users and makers alike. This IS a very entertaining book. Just be aware that knifemaking demands a lot of time, often alot of equipment, and inate skill on the maker's part. This book won't make you a knifemaker. It may inspire you to want to be one though. Compared to the other books in this price range and size, it has alot of information and fairly good illustrations. It does show you that a man's personality is very important to the quality of his craft.

If you are a knifemaker, then you may appreciate this book. If you're a fan of Ed Fowler, you may appreciate this compilation of previous articles for a magazine. As a person interested in knives, I was more interested in learning about different materials, hardness scales, knife functions, styles of knives, and the like. This book does not address those issues. I don't care to learn how to skin a rattlesnake, buy dying sheep for their horns, and I'm not interested in Ed Fowler's dating and subsequent marriage. I didn't expect to get story (with no instructions) about knife sharpening. All in all, the book was very disappointing.

Ed Fowler has a deep passion for all things knife. A fantastic collection of short stories and articles from someone who has been there and done it. He makes you feel that you are there in his forge and before you know it you have learned something new. A little how-to, a little history, and a lot of Ed's philosophy of life. As comfortable as your favorite boots.

Awesome book (prequel to the Tale of the Malazan Empire series). Explains a lot about the things we read in the series. Great story and even better action.

I wasn't sure how I was going to like a different author after having grown used to Steven Erikson's writing, but I was quickly converted to Ian Esslemont's style. I think he uses some big vocabulary words in places where they don't add anything to the text, but that is my only criticism.
The plot moves along pretty well for the first 150 pages and then just takes off until the end. This is pretty typical of the other Erikson books in the series as well. It is nice to get a snapshot of history as to what happened with Malaz Island and Kellanved / Dancer before they ascended.

If you are looking for another Malazan book, step on up. Night of Knives is great. It provides lots of interesting back story to the whole Shadowthrone/Cotillion acendency. Also, it provides some interesting info about some of the little events at the end of The Bonehunters (like why Shadowthrone ran away when the Deadhouse door openned). Interesting.

Night of Knives is the first addition to the Malazan series by Ian C. Esslemont (ICE). The fantasy world featured in the Malazan Book of the Fallen was co-created by ICE and Steven Erikson, who has published 7 full-length novels and 3 novellas set in the world.

I loved Steven Erikson's works and was worried to see the world in the hands of another author. However, ICE did not let me down. Night of Knives features all the epic fantasy storytelling action that I've come to expect in a Malazan novel. He has shown the potential to write a series just as grand and Erikson's.

The story takes place before the action of all the other novels. The story is told mostly through the perspective of two characters: Temper, a retired veteran of many campaigns, and Kiska and young female talent with aspirations for greatness. Many characters from Erikson's works are featured and we get to learn more about there background. Dassem Ultor, Surly, Topper, The Claw, The Talon, Tayschrenn, Kellanved , Dancer, Edgewalker all show up. We also get to meet some new Bridgeburners! The events all unfold over a 24 hr period, the night of the Shadow Moon when it is rumored that Emperor Kellanved and his lieutenant Dancer will return after years of traveling the world. A proposition not everyone is thrilled about.

This book is a must read for any fan of the Malazan Book of the Fallen. Though I recommend not reading this until after completing all of Erikson's current novels. It will spoil some plot points and reveals in Erikson's stories.

Another interesting Malazan story! This novel takes place in the city of Malaz; the time frame is in the early days of the ascent of the Malazan empire.

This novel is extremely well written, captivating and well paced. Like Erikson, Esslemont has that intangible skill with prose that draws you into the tale, almost making you feel like your right there. I had difficultly putting this book down...it just got better and better.

There is also an excellent map of Malaz City that helps sort out some of the geographic twists and turns that occur in the telling of this tale.

And finally...I find it hard to believe that another writer could pen a Malazan tale as well as the original author, but it has actually happened. This is a wonderful addition to the ongoing story of Erikson's Malazan Empire. Anyone who has enjoyed the previous books will want to read the newest edition of this series. 5 Stars. (more if I could)

R.Nicholson

P.S.

Apparently Erikson and Esslemont are 'co-founders' of the Malazan world, and both have agreed to and have welcomed each others contributions.

Informative book, but basically the same info of the $50 knife shop by same author. If you glean info with a fine tooth comb from this book and add to the info from $50 knife shop you now have the sum total of Wayne Goddard's
published knowledge.

Both books: for die-hard knife makers, otherwise go for $50 knife shop.

This book has a lot in it, I am an absolute beginner but I like where Goddard is coming from. This book and his other are the best I have come across so far. If you like where his head is at you will enjoy and get a lot out of them, I have.

There is a lot of detailed information in this book, most of which are from ABS master smith Goddard's regular Q&A column from Blade magazine. As a bladesmith for more than 30 years, Goddard explains the theory and practice of his craft clearly and simply. The section on what happens to steel during hardening (quenching) and tempering is especially well done which plain old knife enthusiasts (non-metallurgists) will appreciate.

For the beginning or intermediate bladesmiths, this book is worth every dollar for the value of the information alone. For inspiration, there are a number of colour plates in the book to display Goddard's lovingly-crafted knives. Well written, easy-to-understand, plenty of photographs, and overall, a great pleasure to read. Just wish it was better organized.

Wayne Goddard is probably one of the top 10 hand-made knife makers in the United States. This book, however, was a somewhat disappointing rehash of his BLADE magazine articles of past years. There are sections of the book which are repeated verbatim on more than one page, and the disjointed collection of old articles is somewhat difficult to follow at times. On the other hand, the information that is presented clearly is very useful if the reader is interested solely in blade forging, as the stock removal method is almost entirely dismissed. Included is an excellent dissertation on the chemestry of steel.

This is the Second book a knifemaker should buy. If you are new to knifemaking, you would be better served by reading "How to make Knives" by Loveless and Barney, or one of the other how to books. If you have already made a knife or two, Wayne's book is for you. It answers many questions that will come up when you continue to make knives and sharpen your skills. Wayne also answers many questions from his popular series in Blade Magazine adding quite a bit of detail for a through presentation.

All of the techniques, materials and processes are complete and more importantly up to date. Wayne covers the Crucible partical metallurgy steels (CPM) and steels that are currently in vogue such as BG-42 and ATS-34 as well as old standbys like 5160, 52100, O-1, and D-2 (to name a few).

While not a reference book, "The Wonder of Knifemaking" could easily serve a knifemaker in that capacity. If I could only have one knifemaking book (believe me, I have them all; even the little paperback from Atlanta Cutlery and Bob Engnath's Catalog, God bless him) it would be "The Wonder of Knifemaking" by Wayne Goddard.

I rated this book 4 Stars because the organization could have been a little better. There is so MUCH information in so many places in such a short span. Ok...Ok, I'm writing a critical review here and this is the only thing I can fault. I just didn't want this piece to read like a commercial from the Wayne Goddard Fan Club. If you are a knifemaker, buy this book.

In Summary, I think Wayne just wanted to get everything he has discovered, learned, or worked-out in his 20++ years of knifemaking onto paper for everyone to have; that's the kind of guy he is. Oh boy did he do an excellent job.

My best basic book,will answer all your questions,and will get you started and on your way,if you are not new to knife building it will reinforce you knowledge even more..

I got this book last night and have read it cover to cover. Wayne gives great confidence to the beginner. Just the simple fact that you don't have to go broke to make knives is very fullfilling. Some great shop tips and good ways of looking at shop problems.

Buy this book and David Boye's book, and you are well on your way.

I was hesitant on ordering this book, I've read or bought almost everything I can find relating to bladesmithing or blacksmithing. I got the book, and read it from front to back, then read it again. This book not only offers insight on how to make needed equipment, but also explains how to make knives of both stock removal, forging and wire damascus. I've never read a book on this subject where it felt like the author was talking directly to me, explaining things that I was thinking. This book is definitely one for the beginner smith.

Even though he has not been able to buy an anvil yet, hubby has re-crafted several knives using the methods described in this book. It is only a few months old, but is already very worn and tattered. When ever he gets quite (no metal grinding or scraping noises), I know he has sat back down with his book for more inspiration or a bit of clarification.

I bought this because I'm thinking I may want to make a few knives in the future, and I wanted to see what could be done in a low-commitment way.

The $50.00 limit is a bit arbitrary, and perhaps outdated. It really depends on scrounging a motor and making your own grinder/sander. That sounds like more trouble than it is worth, to me.

Other than that, I found the minimal equipment list a useful reference for any future excursions into this craft.

The book has a lot of information about Damascus-style blades made from steel cable; although an interesting concept, I don't care for the look of the blades, so I found that information of less value than the rest of the book.

The procedures for hardening and tempering, on the other hand, made me feel that this part of the process was actually accessible. Before reading this book, heat treating in general was an intimidating mystery. Now, it is just something that requires care and practice.

I spent the day on the couch reading this book. There are very few books that I can't put down when the sun it out. The suspense held my attention. The social aspects of the town believeing in Wayne was an interesting thing to overcome for Joe. The integrity of Joe is something we need more of. Read it - you'll enjoy it.

The Gordian Knot is the best piece of non-fiction that I have read in a long time. Mr. Gore did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life, such that you think you would know them if you passed them on the street. The story keeps you reading until the very end; I just could not put it down. Looking forward to the next work of Robert A. Gore!

THE CHARACTERS OF THIS BOOK ARE VERY MUCH ALIVE. THE STORY DRAWS YOU IN TO KEEP YOU INTERESTED. IT IS HARD PUT THIS BOOK DOWN, AS I WANTED TO FIND OUT HOW THE AUTHOR COULD BRING THE STORY TO IT'S CONCLUSION. ALSO, THE THEOLOGICAL,PHILOSOPHICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE CHARACTERS WERE SOMETHING I CONTINUED TO PONDER AFTER FINISHING THE STORY LINE.

THE GORDIAN KNOT is new and fresh and drew me into the story as I wondered how I would react in the shoes of each of the town's participants. The beloved Reverend Silas Wayne, pillar of the community, has managed to trap its leading members in ways they don't want anyone else to know. He has committed a heinous crime, yet he is never questioned until young Joe Tolleson, a sophisticated, brilliant sixteen-year-old, confronts him. The trial scenes are riveting, as the plot twists and turns, and Joe himself is blamed for the murder. You'll stay up all night to finish this novel.

The Gordian Knot is the best piece of non-fiction that I have read in a long time. Mr. Gore did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life, such that you think you would know them if you passed them on the street. The story keeps you reading until the very end; I just could not put it down. Looking forward to the next work of Robert A. Gore!

We get this book every year and it has never been a bad choice! Full of information and photos

This continues to keep the custom knifemaker or enthusiast up to date on what other makers are producing. It is also the only (and very good) catalog of makers. I have all editions since 1980 when it was first published, and find it invaluable as a reference.

Great as always! I make custom carry knives as a hobby as well and this annual series of books has always been a great inspiration to me. In reference to the review written by Charlie, I would take him with a grain of salt, just look at his other reviews. A typical self proclaimed know it all but most likely just full of hot air. Any hand made knife loving built following the old time trusted ways of knife making will out perform any "off the shelve" knife hands down. Don't believe me just put Charlie's K-bar in a vice and bend it past 90 degrees watching it snap like a twig, which by the way is the one of the first test of a knife maker. The greatest compliment I ever received was from a man who received one of my Damascus knives as a gift and later told me he had "skun" 25 hogs without having to re-sharpen the knife. Yes many of the knives in this book would be too beautiful to carry, but many of them are just plain high performance steel that I would be proud to carry on my side. To sum it up, I own well over 50 knife making books and videos and would rate my Knives Annuals some of most important I own. In my humble opinion I think that any knife lover would love this book as well.

I loved this as I do all the other knives editions. I make knives as a hobby and always have one of these books close at hand for ideas. I must say i disagree with the last reviewer giving it two stars, if you wanted everyday work knives there are numerous companies out there that would be willing to send you a catalogue, if that is what you are into. I feel this edition may be superior to previous editions. In the past some photo's were simply pasted in from professional photographers, now most of the knives have a plain white background, some with multiple views. If you want to know what the professional knifemakers have been up to in the last year or two, this is a great resorce. Enjoy.

Wow,it is hard to believe they could find that many photos of Damascus bladed "investment grade" knives. 2008 should make a lot of expensive custom knifemakers happy, but if you are a knife user, the picking are pretty slim.

This book is part of a series of books that has been coming out now for many years. They consist of an article section, a trends in cutlery section (with lots of artfully done photos, and a directory section of the cutlery collectible trade and custom makers, etc. I have the whole run and look at them now and again for reference.

Ken Warner is up to his usual high quality pulling together of fascinating articles and photos of the world of knives. It is a delight to anticipate opening the covers of the book each year.

Of course I'm a little prejudiced as he saw fit to include an article by me, and to my amazement the book is a well done accomplishment in spite of my being included. Seriously, if you do not have this book and have an interest in handmade knives it is a must-read. You will not be disappointed.

Knives 2000 is definitely better than last years issue. The first improvement is a cross reference index so you can find out what page the picture is on for the maker you are looking up. For example, I was looking up Canadian knife maker Matt Harildstad since I really like his work. The index showed a reference to page 86 of his drop point hunter. I am glad Ken did this for this years issue.

Other improvements is a section on sheaths, engraving and scrimshaw. Therer are some excellent articles this year by some very well known members of the knife community to include: *Bernard Levine *Bruce Voyles *Ken Warner (the author) *Butch Winter (excellent article about owning a counterfeit knife that may not be counterfeit) Also included is a section on knife trends, state of the art knives, factory trends and of course my favorite part; The Directory of literally hundreds of makers. The directory alone complete with addresses, phone numbers and price ranges is well worth the cost of the book.

I'm glad to see the new issue out. This is a must for any knife collector/user's library.

I bought it as a gift for my husband and he loves it. It has every knife imaginable in it. He hasn't put it away yet and he has had it for 6 months! Gives you values of knives. Good for someone who likes to collect knives and maybe just starting out as well.

Looking at this book might give one the impression that is a do all, end all book encompassing everything that needs to be known. This is not the case.

This book is a somewhat short (100 pages - pictures included), but to the point book about how to properly select personal carry knives. What kind of knife in itself is right for you, how best to carry it, and deploy it in a quick and efficient manner, these are the major points that are gone over in this book. Along with that is what mechanical qualities you should look for when buying one. Only a handful of combat situations are mentioned in order to give perspective.

A number of common misconceptions I had nearly sent me into buying a knife that was totally incorrect for my situation. It turns out that though they were visually appealing, they had little or no true tactical combat value. WHEW!

Just for the sake of repeating, this book is only like a buyer's guide for a self defense knife. It does NOT detail actual combat strategies, moves, defenses, etc. If that is what you are looking for I would recommend -Knife Fighting : A Practical Course- by the same author.

Janich is a precise but impersonal writer who keeps his distance from his readership, which he prefers to keep on a formal basis. The information he conveys, one would think, would be about knives and steel, but he can't resist going back to technique.

I bought this book wanting to read what the title promised. I was disappointed. Things he could have appropriately included would be: 1) the qualities of steel. Does it matter if a defensive knife is made from 420 stainless steel or is there anything to be gained from a higher quality steel like AUS 8 or AUS 6? Gerber uses 440A steel for some of its folders, yet 440A really doesn't have a good reputation among knife afficianados; 2) things to look for before buying and using a knife. I recently bought a knife, the blade of which would not remain open. The cause? The base of the blade was ground at the wrong angle for the liner lock to engage. The blade slid along the angle and disengaged, allowing the blade to close on one's fingers; 3) blade lengths, which he arbitrarily sets as 6-inches for a minimum in a defense knife. Yet many find 4-5-inch knives to be adequate.

I wish the book would have contained more information on knives and that Janich would have reached into his own personal experience. Even tips on knife sharpening would have been nice.

This book goes into details about how to choose fixed and folding blades for self defense. It is oriented towards the selection, not into defense/offense. Some of the knives featured are no longer for sale, but still gives the reader some ideas of what to look for when selecting his defensive blade.
This book is yet another example of Paladin Press' large selection of books in this subject. Since I have the Master of Defense knife he designed, the book was a clear must.

No matter what your expertise in self defense, the carrying of a knife and the study of Martial Bladecraft (self defense with the use of a knife) Michael Janich is still the most level headed, even keeled instructor out there. He has a lot of expertise in the field and probably more respect from other Martial Artists than any other well known figure in the bladecraft industry. Michael writes reviews for new knife models in several knife magazines on the newstands including "Tactical Knives" magazine. Mr Janich's book, Street Steel: Choosing And Carrying Self-Defense Knives, includes good insight into exactly what is necessary in a carry knife. You probably don't need a sword, by the way. As mentioned, he has designed several respected models of knives for different manufacturers including MOD and Spyderco.

I was lucky enough to take a Beginner's course in Martial Bladecraft with Michael. During the break in his course, he brought out 30 to 40 of the recent popular models of folding knives that are on the market. We got to handle the knives and get Mr Janich's thoughts on the pluses and minuses of each model. That information is the basis of this book. This information helps both novice and more experienced people interested in protecting themselves in choosing their carry knife. The information is based on Janich's HANDS ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCE not guesses or knife company hype.
THE book to read on the subject!

It was quite a wait to obtain a copy of Marc Newman's book regarding Civil War Knives & it was worth the wait to find one at a resonable price.Marc's book gives us a look at a lot of knives rarely mentioned in print. Although I believe that a couple of his knives are misidentified as Civil War era (specifically the knives featured on page 32). For the most part, this book gives the reader a chance to see knives carried by both the front line soldier and the officer.These are using knives,,,not the presentation for pomp knives often featured in similar guides. If I were Marc, I would not worry about the misidentified knives. Even Harold Peterson has knives in his " American Knives " that were later identified as contemporary recreations.All & all, Marc has done an outstanding job compiling this selection of historic Americana.

Civil War Knives must be the most boring book in the world but Mr. Newman is still my favorite teacher ever in regard to his knowledge in history or whatever in regard to the artifacts, costumes, and the rest of it. Basically, Civil War Knives will help you do well in college or whatever. If you were to ask me if Civil War Knives is a good book, I would say "yes". Mr. Newman has been researching history since he was 7 years of age so he'll bsaically turn around to you and wind up teaching you a lot about the Civil War in regard to knives, weapons, and the rest of it. Stop playing games and buy the book!

Author Marc Newman has succeeded in his 1998 book Civil War Knives in going a long way toward filling a void that has long existed on the subject of, as the title indicates, the many and various types of knives used by both sides for everything from preparing meals to rendering the enemy hors de combat. The book is well illustrated with clear, sharp photos of the knives. The text, although somewhat lacking in descriptive quantity, more than makes up for it in the quality of writing. My only wish is that he had described the sheaths of those knives which have them. Marc has gone a long way toward supplementing the work begun by Abels, Peterson and Albaugh a number of years ago.