Knifemaker's Bookstore
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To ignore history is to miss out on the connection we share through our craft with the experience of our forebears. Much of who we are and what we do can be traced to the affects of the past. I have always felt like knifemaking opened a doorway to the past and made history come alive. I will offer books that I have found to be helpful and enlightening. I hope that you will enjoy them.
The Archaeology of Weapons : Arms and Armour from Prehistory to the Age of Chivalry by R Ewart Oakeshott
by Richard Francis Burton A classic.Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times : Together With Some Closely Related Subjects by George Cameron Stone This is a must have standard for every knife library. It goes in an out of print and according to Amazon it will be offered again come January 2000. It is a thorough collection with photographs and descriptions of nearly everything. I have worn out one copy and am well on my way through my second.
Three Roads to the
Alamo : The Lives and Fortunes of David Crockett, James Bowie, and William Barret Travis
by William C. Davis This book has just been released and is causing quite a stir among the
Bowie historians. It confronts some popularly accepted notions of the Bowie legend and
will stimulate debate for years to come. It is a well researched and documented book that
reads like a good story.
Greece and Rome
at War by Peter Connolly Excellent book covering the weapons, armor and
tactics of that era. Very useful books for edge weapons development.
A Search for Structure : Selected Essays on Science, Art,
and History by Cyril Stanley Smith
Wonderful reference with articles on Damascus and a perspective that keeps me coming
back to it for rereading.
A History of Metallography : The Development of Ideas on the Structure of Metals Before 1890 by Cyril Stanley Smith.The books by Dr. Smith are excellent references and offer a wonderful perspective on the history of metal working.
On Damascus
Steel by Leo Figiel. A great resource book on Damascus steel, patterns etc.