Master of the Forge: William F. Moran Jr. and His Classic Blades [Hardcover]

B.R. Hughes (Author), C. Houston Price (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1996

Now, for the first time, a full-color, hard cover book about the world's premier bladesmith, Bill Moran, and his classic blades. Knives made by Moran are rarely found for sale and are such highly valued collectibles that many of us could never own one. The next best thing is owning this coffee table book featuring his hand-forged creations in full color. Destined to be a collectible in itself, this book features the story of Moran's half century as a bladesmith, as well as the founding and growth of the American Bladesmith Society.

This beautiful coffee table book pictures more Moran knives than have ever before been shown in print more than 200 photographs, most printed in full color. Knife photo sections include Bowies, Classic Daggers, Combat Knives,Camp Knives, Utility Knives, Folders and miscellaneous treasures from the famous forge. The knife photographs are accompanied by descriptions as well as Moran's own comments about each collectible piece. Also included are some early photos of Bill and Margaret Moran.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...the quintessential account, in word and picture, of Moran's life and knives. His childhood, maturation into adulthood, relationship with his wife of 28 years, Margaret, as well as the making of the knives, the "Iron Mistress" effect, reintroducing damascus, the founding of the American Bladesmith Society (ABS), entry into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame, the founding of the ABS Bladesmithing School, even some of his old catalogs and brochures - it's all here. -- Blade Magazine, Feb. 1997

A lot has been written about Bill Moran and the beautiful knives he has been forging for the past 50 years or more, but there has been nothing to equal this outstanding hard cover book, perhaps the most original to be offered in generations... the text reveals facets of this famed gentleman's life that will give you a real insight into Bill Moran, the man, not just the mastersmith. Like his knives, this book is destined to be a collector's treasure. -- Bud Lang, in Knives Illustrated, Oct. 1996

A must have for anyone interested in forged blades. -- Steven Dick, in Tactical Knives, Jan. 1997

B.R. Hughes and Houston Price faced an enormous challenge in presenting the story of this gifted man and his life achievement. That they managed so well speaks highly of their literary and production abilities. Frankly, it is doubtful that anyone will eclipse their effort. "Master of the Forge" will become a monument to the authors as well as to Bill Moran. -- Jim Williamson, in Gun Week, Sept. 20, 1996

Question: What do you get when you pool the talents of America's top custom knife writer, top knife magazine editor, top knife photographer, and a true living legend pioneer custom knifemaker? What you get is very likely the handsomest and most entertaining knife monograph ever published. -- Bernard Levine, in Knife World, Sept. 1996

From the Publisher

This work has been published in a limited printing of 2400 hard cover Collector Editions and 100 Premier Editions bound with genuine leather. (The Premier Edition sold out the week of publication!) No reprints will be done; all plates have been destroyed.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 214 pages
• Publisher: Knife World Books (1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940362481
• ISBN-13: 978-0940362482
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,874,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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