Collector's Guide To Switchblade Knives: An Illustrated Historical And Price Reference [Paperback]

Richard V. Langston (Author), Richard Langston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2001

It has been more than 20 years since a major work on switchblades has been published, and never has one showcased as many different types as Rich Langston’s welcome new book. The Collector’s Guide to Switchblade Knives contains a history of the early cutlery industry in America; a detailed examination of the evolution of switchblades; and a user-friendly, up-to-the-minute, illustrated reference section that helps collectors and novices alike identify all kinds of knives from museum-quality antiques to Granddad’s old folder that’s been hidden in the attic for decades. Langston, a life-long knife lover and collector, provides an honest appraisal of more than 160 autos based on maker, condition, markings, materials, functioning and availability. This handsome hardcover is for collectors, enthusiasts, historians or anyone even considering buying or selling a switchblade

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rich Langston has been a knife enthusiast and collector for more than 40 years. His collection now includes thousand of knives of all types. However, his main love has always been switchblades and other knives with unusual opening mechanisms. Now retired from his law enforcement career, Rich spends his free time researching and lecturing on the cutlery industry.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (November 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581602839
• ISBN-13: 978-1581602838
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #467,307 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Kitchenware
  • #79 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Power Tools

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Four 'blades up' for this book, July 26, 2006

By 

J. C. Hinton "DBJ" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Collector's Guide To Switchblade Knives: An Illustrated Historical And Price Reference (Paperback)

Richard Langston is an acknowledged expert in this field and a well known avid collector of automatic knives. He does not disappoint in the "Collector's Guide to Switchblade Knives" . While the book is a little heavily oriented to towards the early twentieth century companies of Pressbutton, Schrade Walden, and their derivatives, this is in keeping with the spirit of the hobby as these are generally the most sought after knives. His insights on the histories of these companies is invaluable from the standpoint of determining age of these products. On the down side, I would have liked to have seen a little more historical and dating information about other companies products and imported knives, but you can only get so much in one book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Love of Subject, January 23, 2002

By 

"djackson99" (Santa Rosa, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Collector's Guide To Switchblade Knives: An Illustrated Historical And Price Reference (Paperback)

Richard Langston's book is best summed up by the title of this review. His historical and informational references are effused
with his personality and wit. I enjoyed reading the beginning of this book so much, it left me wanting for more. The early days
of the cutlery industry in the United States, and Upstate New York in particular, were a fascinating time. To read about this
history from the perspective of someone who has been an enthusiastic student for most of his life, is a gift not often discovered.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Completely reliable history of the switchblade knife, January 8, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Collector's Guide To Switchblade Knives: An Illustrated Historical And Price Reference (Paperback)

In The Collector's Guide To Switchblade Knives: An Illustrated Historical And Price Reference Richard Langston draws from his immense expertise and personal collection to present a fully updated and completely reliable history of the switchblade knife in American history. This comprehensive, "reader friendly" guide will enable novice and experienced collectors alike to identify all kinds of automatic knives from museum-quality antiques to the knife in the back of the bureau drawer gathering dust for the last decade. Using a dual grading system, dealers, owners, and collectors are provided with a reference offering an honest appraisal of more than 160 automatic knives based on manufacturer, tang markings, condition, availability, functioning, opening mechanism, hand, and blade materials. The Collector's Guide To Switchblade Knives is especially recommended for switchblade enthusiasts, collectors, dealers, historians, and writers seeking background authenticity for their stories involving an form of automatic knife.