Which book to buy

mikekoz · Post by **mikekoz** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 2:51 pm

I am a new collector and am looking for a book to get me started. It is simple, I want a book that will help me identify and get information about knives that I purchase. For example, I buy an old knife, I want to know who made it (if it is not clear on the knife itself), when it was made, what it is made of, and its value to a collector. I purchased Levine's Guide to knives, and even though I have not had a chance to really look through it, does not do this for me. This book seems to have a lot of good historical information on knives, manufacturers, etc. There is some information in the book that helps, but I guess it is just not what I had in mind. It seems a lot can be learned from a knife from looking at the tang markings, which are not present in this book that I can see. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thank you again!

ButchTN · Post by **ButchTN** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 3:13 pm

Hi Mikekoz. IMO "Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings" is one of the best reference books as far as who made it and dating an older knife. The "IBCA Price Guide to Commemorative Knives 1960 - 1990" by J. Bruce Voyles is also an excellent reference source if you have some older commemerative knives. I dont think that you are going to find ONE book that has everything you want in it (maybe others more knowledgeable than myself might know of one). I would also like to suggest "Knife Collectors Encyclopedia" by Jim Parker, I found it to be very informative and just a great read. Good Luck.

Butch

jonet143 · Post by **jonet143** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 3:58 pm

bernard levines books are very helpful. sargents guides. i have about 15 different books for reference. they can get expensive. well worth the investment if yoy are going to continue collecting knives. your local library probably has severl titles to choose.

stockman · Post by **stockman** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 5:07 pm

Hello Mikekoz, What you want will be real hard to find in a book or two. I have several books maybe 25 or more and I don't have all the information that I need. It will depend on where your intrest is and try to buy books to fit that. I'am looking for books all the time new and old. I know this can be expensive but will save money in the longrun. Good luck and good hunting.

Stockman

Roger - 50/2050 · Post by **Roger - 50/2050** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 5:14 pm

Howdy Mike,

Like the other old pros here are telling you, you will have to buy more than one book that's for sure! ....For starters, a few books that have helped me in the past & continue to keep on helping me more than words can say are as follows below,

1.) Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings

2.) Counterfeiting Antique Cutlery by Gerald Witcher

3.) American Guide to Knives & Razors identification & value guide - 5Th or 6Th editions by Jim Sargent (both are great)

"Texas collector", Roger - 50/2050