Customer Reviews

The Standard Knife Collector's Guide (3rd Edition)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The strong suit of this book is the section recounting the histories of dozens of knife manufacturers, as well as the six appendixes, which give detailed identification information and price guidance for Buck Creek, Case, Cattaraugus, Robeson, Remington, Taylor, and Winchester.

But the stuff that is missing is annoying, especially in a book that calls itself a "standard guide," and is in its third edition. There is neither a glossary nor an index. The title itself is misleading: this book deals only with pocket knives, and less than exhaustively at that. I was surprised not to see information on modern innovations like the Tanto blade and the Walker lock. Important makers such as Keen Kutter, Leatherman and SOG are not mentioned. Then again, the authors also fail to mention Damascus steel, switchblades, gravity knives and butterfly knives. There is a windy essay on the desirability of bone as a handle material, but no advice how to tell bone from ivory, Delrin or other imitation materials. A chapter about knife shields (or escutions) promises to tell why they are important, but fails. In one spot the authors go on at length about counterfeit knives, and in another they discuss reproductions, but they fail to make the obvious connection between the two, or explain the difference. Very little information appears about watch fob knives or "gentleman's" knives. The authors rank Marbles pocket knives as a "top priority" collectible, but there is almost no specific information about them.

More annoying are the little errors and typos throughout the book. When I found Bakelite identified as a type of hard rubber, I almost threw the book across the room. This is such an obvious mistake that it leaves me wondering what more subtle inaccuracies are in the book. Finally, nobody has edited the text for clarity or consistency, leaving the reader to plow through repetitious paragraphs, some of which actually say nothing.

I would not recommend against buying this book, but it is a disappointment. Unfortunately, it is all too typical of the quality of material that we find in books about collectibles, and not only from this publisher. Collectibles books are expensive, and apparently profitable since there are so many. The buying public deserves better, and should demand it.

Other than proposing to be a knife price guide, this book has no information about knives, other than a very cursory overview, for someone who knows absolutely nothing about knives. The book fails miserably in its attempt to be an informative price guide. The concockted mathematical formula for determining a knife's value is devoid of reality. In the case of certain brands, such as "Case" and "Cattaraugus", the values are so far below real world values that the book is almost entertaining as a jest. Someone who wants to learn about knives and gain a feel for their values would best be served by getting a copy of Levine's 4th Edition. I wish I had read my own review before I purchased this book.

Positives: Comprehensive overview of the various manufacturers. Good valuation system that gives direction on which brands are more desirable. Decent discussion of knife care. Good glossy color insert.

Cons: Does not discuss the history of various patterns(Stockman,Trapper, etc.), but this seems beyond the scope of the book (find an old copy of Bernard Levine's Guide to Knives...either the 3rd or 4th edition). A general overview of patterns and their intended use would be nice.

This book will get you headed in the right direction of knife collecting. This combined with the Bernard Levine book mentioned above is all you need unless you specialize in a brand. There are Case, Cattaraugus, etc... specific books. As to some other comments, I guess I knew this didn't cover fixed blade knives, but I guess it should be "The Standard Pocket Knife Collector's Guide."

This was one of two knife collector books I purchased as a beginning collector/seller. I was glad to see a WR Case & Son, Buck Creek, Cattaraugus, Robeson, Remington, and Winchester pricing guides. Also, good commerative price guide and knife history as well.

Excellent in every way. The authors have incorporated years of common sense in their advice. The rating scale is a stroke of genius. Thank you.

I found a cigar box full of old pocket knives in my mother in laws attic. I wanted to learn more about them and what they might be worth. This book answered that question easily while also sparking some interest in acquiring other similar knives of value. I would recommend it or "Official Price guide to collector knives" by Price to anyone wanting to know more about pocket knives they might have.

What I didn't like about this book was the poor quality pictures and sketches for many of the knives, they were of copier type quality. But they were good enough for me to learn what I wanted to know.

Still reading this book but it seems adequate for the price. If you are looking for some info about knives this might be a good start!

The updated 6th edition of identification and values packs in black and white photos of all kinds of knives and covers their history as well as collector ratings by condition and the latest values. Knife collectors will find Standard Knife Collector's Guide a detailed, important reference perfect for identifying and assessing a collection.

MY 12 YEAR GRANDSON HAS JUST STARTED COLLECTING KNIVES, ESPECIALLY CASE KNIVES. HIS ENTIRE FAMILY HAS BEEN THRU THIS BOOK AND ENJOYED THE PICTURES AND INFORMATION. IT IS A GOOD STARTER BOOK.

Do not waiste your money if you have the 5th edition from last year. stewart

If you do not have last years book, it's one of the best general info on knife companies and thier history. But Stewart does not mention Jim Sargent's book "American Premium Buide to Knives and Razors" with contributors like Case Guru Tony Foster. You need to own both. I cannot wait to see the new Case guidebook slated to be out in the fall of 2009 by another Case guy.

Buy bothe Stewart's 5th or the new 6th if you do not have the former, and DO BUY Jim Sargent's book above.