Military Knife Books?

[CarMan]

Anyone willing to let me know if this book is good or not? I’m just getting started on US military knives from WW 2,
mainly but also like Korea & Vietnam & I’m looking for a good reference book. Or are there better ones? I found this one used but haven’t gotten it yet. These reference books seem pricey. Thanks

[Gunsil]

That is not a bad book but it is all over the place as far as era and country. You don't mention what military knives you are interested in, USA, Britain, Germany, Australia? WW1, WW2, Vietnam, more modern? Mike Silvey put together some good books on American military knives of WW2 and Vietnam, and M H Cole wrote a series of mostly WW2 era American military knives. Flook's book on British military knives is an excellent publication. There is no one book that has it all. Military knives, even just American military knives is a broad subject and to become well versed on the subject you will need to acquire more than one book. There are also military knife forums and Frank Trzaska's military knife website where you can learn a lot for free. None of these books are inexpensive and many out of print. Don't study and I assure you that you will get burned buying fakes and repros. I don't know where you are located, but attending gun and knife shows one can learn a lot but there are also unscrupulous sellers at these venues that will steer you the wrong way. Like any collecting field, there are many nuances that can only be learned by studying books and handling the knives themselves.

[CarMan]

That is not a bad book but it is all over the place as far as era and country. You don't mention what military knives you are interested in, USA, Britain, Germany, Australia? WW1, WW2, Vietnam, more modern? Mike Silvey put together some good books on American military knives of WW2 and Vietnam, and M H Cole wrote a series of mostly WW2 era American military knives. Flook's book on British military knives is an excellent publication. There is no one book that has it all. Military knives, even just American military knives is a broad subject and to become well versed on the subject you will need to acquire more than one book. There are also military knife forums and Frank Trzaska's military knife website where you can learn a lot for free. None of these books are inexpensive and many out of print. Don't study and I assure you that you will get burned buying fakes and repros. I don't know where you are located, but attending gun and knife shows one can learn a lot but there are also unscrupulous sellers at these venues that will steer you the wrong way. Like any collecting field, there are many nuances that can only be learned by studying books and handling the knives themselves.

I guess I should have mentioned that I’m interested US military knives. I appreciate the info, thank you.

[Gunsil]

You still don't say what era. Books on WW2 knives do not contain info on 'Nam knives, and books about 'Nam knives don't contain info on WW2 knives. Find Mike Silvey's books they are well illustrated and he wrote at least one on WW2 knives and one on Vietnam era knives. Likely you will have to pay a bit since they are out of print. There are no books that cover all U.S. military knives.

[CarMan]

You still don't say what era. Books on WW2 knives do not contain info on 'Nam knives, and books about 'Nam knives don't contain info on WW2 knives. Find Mike Silvey's books they are well illustrated and he wrote at least one on WW2 knives and one on Vietnam era knives. Likely you will have to pay a bit since they are out of print. There are no books that cover all U.S. military knives.

I appreciate the help, thank you.

[Mumbleypeg]

Unfortunately most of the better knife resource books are out of print. The best ones are expensive. There’s a reason for that! As Gene said, studying and learning will save you money even though the books are pricey. So are good collectable knives.

Ken

[CarMan]

Unfortunately most of the better knife resource books are out of print. The best ones are expensive. There’s a reason for that! As Gene said, studying and learning will save you money even though the books are pricey. So are good collectable knives.

Ken

Thank you sir. Ya I’m seeing how pricey good condition WW2 knives can be.

[Gunsil]

Yup, top collectable US WW2 knives in top condition bring over a grand, and some bring over two grand. I have seen mint Case V-42s sell for ten grand. Even a fairly common blade marked MK2 in near mint-mint condition will run $300. If you wish lower grade knives there are still bargains out there but you gotta know what to look for. Most MK 1s are still affordable but they are all going up as the greatest generation passes.

[CarMan]

Yup, top collectable US WW2 knives in top condition bring over a grand, and some bring over two grand. I have seen mint Case V-42s sell for ten grand. Even a fairly common blade marked MK2 in near mint-mint condition will run $300. If you wish lower grade knives there are still bargains out there but you gotta know what to look for. Most MK 1s are still affordable but they are all going up as the greatest generation passes.

Definitely the greatest generation. I’m blessed to still have a gentleman in my life that was friends with my parents & served in the Army for over 35 years. He marched across Europe with Gen. Patton. I’m telling you I’ve heard this man’s stories since I was about 8 and I could here them 1,000 more times. My children grew up listening to him as well. He’s a walking history book that will soon be gone.
Thank you for the help.

[Gunsil]

You're welcome! My father was with the 106th at the Bulge and was captured by the Germans. Spent the end of the war in Stalag 9-B. He was 5'11" and weighed 77 pounds when the camp was liberated.