All About Pocket Knives

I am a beginning knife collector (just getting started) and a whole lot confused over the different knife patterns and blade configurations. Is there an illustrated guide book that defines each knife pattern and the blade configuration typical of that pattern. Thanks in advance..David Huber

the levine "pocket knives" for example.

Another good one the covers the shapes of blades and the outlines of different pocket knives is The Standard Knife Collector's Guide by Roy Ritchie and Ron Stewart. I mention this one because it's about $15.00. Levines books are excellent also, but they may cost more because of his name, but I'm not sure on that.

I don't think it is possible to get all of the information you want from just one book. I think the ones mentioned are great along with Jim Sargent's books. Also Jim Parker's encyclopedia and price guides are good. Sometimes you can't get everything you want in just one book.
Tom

Bruce Voyles Guide to Antique Knives is also a very good book. It has lots and lots of different brands and shows a picture of each pattern as well as prices in 6 different conditions. The only drawback is that is doesn't list any knives made after 1970.

Yes, I agree with Tom! Just starting out they are very helpful and you just need to build a library as the sickness (of knife collecting) continues to grow. As you grow as a collector, a reference library gets to be very important. I would also recommend the books that Tom mentioned. They are very important to keep dishonest sellers at bay, who are ready to take your hard earned money and then move onto the next victim. We also have a counterfeit knives forum that even seasoned veterans will ask questions or respond to individual knives. Many counterfeit knives are identified, saving $$$$ to those that read the forum. BUT many times the knives are sold at high dollar marks, they should read these forums and books AND never think you know it all - NO ONE ever will.

But by having a good reference library and watching our forums is a great way to learn and to protect yourself from loosing a lot of money.
Good luck!

eBay has a lot of good sellers and some who would take your money and run, leaving you with a counterfeit knife woth a fraction of what was paid.

Welcome to AAPK, a friendly site with great references, I still advise some books for terminology and reference. Everyone needs to protect themselves, this is a good start.

Hi Dave, welcome...........

Hukk mentioned Ritchie and Stewart; I have their 4 edition and it does a great job with pictures of the different patterns and blade styles, or shapes.

Take your time there is "much" to learn. It will soon start to make sense that the different patterns (for the most part) have a certain number of blades.
Blade styles will vary within the different patterns; and many patterns will have the same style blades. Confused yet?
I am.

For example; A Congress pattern, 2 or 4 blades. A Hunter pattern, 1 or 2 blades (for the most part.) Learn to recognize "patterns" then go from there. It worked for me.

I think there are around 40 differnt patterns (for American made pocket knives) give or take. We all have our favorites....you'll be there soon!

Have fun.......................

David,
I wanted to second the suggestion about Richie and Stewart (The Standard Knife Collectors Guide). It is reasonably priced and can likely be found on Amazon or Ebay. It will form a good basis upon which you can build.
As to other books, I probably use Goins Encyclopedia and Bernard Levines Guide To Knives (4th Edition) most. They will be more costly but you will probably want to get those as well as Jim Sargent's excellent book at some point.
Welcome to the World's Finest Hobby and keep an eye on these forums.

Many thanks to all who replied. I am so glad that I found this web site, as for the wealth of knowledge to be found here along with the helpful and curtious support from it's members...Thanks again..David