Customer Reviews

Blade's Guide to Knives & Their Values

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is the latest effort from the same folks who destroyed "Levines Guide to Knives and Their Values" by publishing the emasculated 5th edition. This effort is a step up, albeit a small one and from a position pretty low on the ladder. The format of the book has been improved, with clear page numbers and reformatted data tables, but most of the photos are the same and the text is still the same as that in Levines 4th edition.The listing of knife markings and manufacturers is pretty good with lots of additions, but still missing the quality ratings of the manufacturers. Pricing examples for individual examples of knives have been updated. Some sections are unchanged from data displayed in Levine's 4th edition. The process for valuing a a pocket knife has been improved? to one taking 4 pages to explain and it is hidden in the middle of the volume and not listed in the Table of Contents. MY guess is that somebody wasn't too proud of the effort or process. In Levine's 4th edition the process is explained using 1/2 a page inside the back cover. I bought it because I thought it was a real update to Levine's 4th edition, but I'm disappointed to find in most areas it is not and definitely not worth the expense if your copy of Levine's 4th edition is still in one piece. Just one man's opinion.

As a neophyte to knife collecting I thought a book with the sub-title "The Complete Handbook of Knife Collecting" would be a great start. NOT. There are bits and pieces in the book that are interesting. It lists the different materials used for knife handles, but fails to give even a basic idea of how to identify them. In the listing of American Knife Makers, the list isn't alphabetical. For a resource book this is insane. While this book appears to have logical sections, nothing in the sections appears in a logical order, and they seem to be merely touching the surface of each topic. There is a suggestion to be sure not to confuse two companies with similar names, and not even a hint how to do that. It appears to be more of a compilation of unrelated articles than a guide. There is more history about companies than information about the knives they made. This is a book for the "immediately useless reference book" shelf.

I'm a history buff and enjoy the history behind different patterns. There is a fair amount in the book. Unfortunately, my expectations were set based on the local library having Levine's 4th edition. As an example, compare the jack knife sections and the descriptions on patterns. I assumed this book would be an update on values, but leave content intact. Instead, big chunks are missing. Blade is a fine magazine, but this book is a big disappointment.

I have several books like this and use them all quite useful for buying selling and collecting vintage and antique blades.
As far as ergonomics or ease of use this is far from Mac easy, few reference books are you need to be able to read and use indexes.
This also is little use for newer knives or less collectible ones.
I think it is worth the money if you need it or just want another good book.
My only gripe is that I collect knives that are not rare or valuable enough to be in this book..lol
Josh Jeffords

This book would benefit greatly from an index or an alphabetical format. Not enough info on fixed blades and too much on folders. If you are new to collecting check out other titles before you buy.

The book is kind of hard to use as in you never know where to find what you are looking for. Has a lot of pictures but poor text but is still a must have.

If you collect knives this is a must have book, well written and very accurate.

I'm not going to go long here. It just didn't help me much. I think it was a bit of a rip of really.

This book covers everything from old factory made folders to custom knives and their makers. It is a very useful book for finding old knives in one place.