EDGEMASTER, 50 Australian Knife Stories represents a decade of writing by Keith Spencer in his monthly knife column, EDGEMASTER, for the Australian Shooters Journal.- Interested in Aussie knifemakers?
- Who started the Australian custom knife scene?
- Who did what, and where, and when?
- Knifemaking, collecting, using...
- Real-life stories ~ history in the living
$25.00 Aust + $8.00 post
EDGEMASTER 50 Australian Knife Stories
A selection of published articles from a decade of writing 1988 - 1998
by Keith SpencerMore than 150 knifemakers and collectors are referenced in the text with over 270 photographs that have not been previously published.
This extraordinary publication is very much a history of Australian bladeware - custom knifemakers, manufacturers, collectors, places and events are all widely covered. Historic and contemporary knifemakers and events are detailed. The fight against anti-knife legislation is outlined.
It took 200 pages, and 80 000 words to present a range of articles that truly reflect a decade of Australian knife history.
Includes chapters on Understanding the Hand-made Knife by USA writer, Bernard Levine; The George Lee Sye Story (pioneer of Australian custom knifemakers); With Hacksaw and File ( basic knifemaking for beginners); and The All-Aussie Knife - Australian knives, past and present.
The first ever compilation of Australian custom knifemakers. An expose of the fascinating work of a dedicated band of Australian artisans to a generally unenlightened public and those in the world who appreciate the time honoured art of custom knifemaking.
An historic publication for knifemakers and collectors
$10.00 Aust + $8.00 post Includes chapters on: New Zealand Bowie Legend by NZ writer/maker, Bill Reddiex; Heritage Knives of Australasia (indigenous and imported bladeware); and Knife Enhancement (featuring special skills associated with knifemaking).
[2nd Edition] ... Spencer's Guide II Australasian Custom Knifemakers
An expanded edition with many more Australian makers, including artisans from New Zealand. More knife stories, more pictures, more makers. Contributions by leading overseas knife writers and a complete directory of who's who in Australian custom knifemakers, and where to find them.
A historic publication for knifemakers and collectors
$19.95 Aust + $8.00 post or purchase the three as a package $45.00 (plus $11.00 post)
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General History - Knives and Edged Tools
Flooks latest book is an informational reference tool on antique London knives, makers and cutlery dealers.
- Top class presentation. (Knifeworld)
- An excellent guide for discerning collectors of English bladeware (Knives Australia)
Hard Back 230 pages with clear photos$139.00 + $11.00 post
Code: LKB
The London Knife Book ... by Ron Flook.
Much has been written about Sheffield-made bladeware in England, but very little indeed about the Cutlers Company of London, which has its origins in the 13th century. About the mid seventeen hundreds Sheffield took over the mantle from London as England’s main cutlery production centre.
Unfortunately, a scarcity of records and artifacts make it difficult to closely examine the activities of London cutlery producers from the beginning, but author Ron Flook lists more than a thousand names involved with making or selling knives in London between 1820 and 1945.
More than 200 images of skillfully fashioned knives, either London-made or marketed, feature in Flook’s book, which serves as an excellent guide for discerning collectors of English bladeware.
It was a brave endeavour by Ron Flook to embark upon researching and compiling this special publication, which among many things, highlights the definitive characteristics of the little-known ‘Shakespear Knife’ concept advanced by Wilkinson Sword Co Ltd.
(Reviewed by Keith Spencer - AKC / Knives Australia)
$12.50 + post
Code NCAT: J Nowill & Sons 1910 catalogue
A real capture for knife collectors and historians.
The crossed keys trademark was granted to John Nowell back in 1842 in Sheffield, and is still in use today, more often nowadays to be found on outdoor and British military blades.
But back in 1910, J Nowill offered a range of cutlery items including pocket and pen knives, razors, scissors and tableware....many exported and marketed directly to the colonies.
This fascinating reproduction of the original 1910 catalogue features over 170 illustrations of the cutlery offered by the Nowill Company a hundred years ago.
General Books for Knife Collectors
IN STOCK NOW! 
$49.00 + $11.00 post
Code: K10 Knives 2010
(with free DVD) edited by Joe KertzmanThe 30th annual edition of everyone’s favorite guide to handmade knives, their makers, suppliers and other aspects of the knife world. Softcover, 312 pp.
KNIVES 2010 is the source for photos, addresses, and information on your favorite custom and factory knives, as well as a selection of articles from the best writers in the business. Includes a complete directory of custom knifemakers, supply houses, knife manufacturers and importers, and other knife related businesses such as photographers and engravers.
- Over 1000 FULL COLOR photos
- Includes a BONUS DVD of not-seen-in the book images.
Essentially, the 6th edition of the Levine’s Guide to Knives and Their Values books, with a new title, new editor, and contributions from several prominent US knife authorities such as Pete Cohan, Bill Claussen, Richard White, Dave Ellis, and Larry Oden. Still the best-ever general information and identification guide to antique knives, and a must-have for every collector’s bookshelf.
It is definitely one of the essential books for the novice collector and packed with enough information to satisfy the advanced enthusiast
Softcover, 576 pp.$54.00 + $11.00 post
Code: BKV Blades Guide ...
to Knives and their Values
"The new Blade’s Guide to Knives & Their Values... lists 2800 knife manufacturers, from the U.S. and around the world, and their dates of operation spanning over two centuries. It contains a multitude of lists, charts, photographs, and illustrations that enable one to identify and place a value on virtually any knife one is likely to find. There are detailed histories of the important American knife companies since their beginnings in the 19th Century, histories of the major cutlery centers of the world, and sections on military knives, hunting knives, and exotic foreign and antique knives from every continent.In addition there are special sections covering the pioneers of modern hand made and factory made knives from W.W. Scagel and Bill Moran to Buck and Gerber, hundreds of current custom makers, several dozen pages covering the expanding market in commemorative, club, and limited edition knives that has developed since the 1970s, and even listings for butcher, kitchen, and table cutlery, a market that has a small but growing following.
All this and much more in 576 pages filled with drawings, photographs, catalogue cuts, and loads of informative text. "
" Reviewed by Ron Bucher "Ideal for Insurance details
and Legislated Record Keeping
$6.95 (+ post)
The Military Edge
Highly recommended - fantastic presentation
Softcover, 256 pp. Full colour photographs
$54.00 + $11.00 post
Code: BIH Bayonets - An Illustrated History
From Argentina to Yugoslavia, this latest book from longtime researcher and militaria expert Martin J. Brayley provides an extensive and in-depth examination of bayonets from 37 countries from around the world - over 300 bayonets in all!The history of the bayonet is indeed an interesting one, and this comprehensive reference does a splendid job of covering its origin and evolution, as well as the physical description, manufacturing data, service history and effectiveness of each model. With nearly 500 supporting color photos, Bayonets: An Illustrated History will quickly become THE resource to which to turn for information on the bayonet and its history
Knives of War is a very useful resource for military knives from WW I through to end of the 20th century.
Softcover, 119 pp.$55.00 + $11.00 post
Code: KOW Knives of War
by Hughes, Jenkins and Buerlein
Subtitled "An International Guide to Military Knives from World War I to the Present" -- which about says it all --This new book reprints material from Hughes/Jenkins two well known but difficult to find "Primer" books with additional info on knives like the Gerber Mark II and Carlson's Raiders Gung Ho knife.
While not intended as a substitute for such standard references as M.H. Cole’s Best of U.S. Military Knives or Book III (for American knives) or Ron Flook’s out of print British & Commonwealth Military Knives (for British knives), collectors will find Knives of War a very useful resource for international military knives from WW I through the end of the 20th century. Not only is it a big improvement over the two original Primers, it’s also a lot easier to find and a whole lot cheaper!Another 'bible' from the research of respected historian Robert Burlein ... a must for any collector with an interest in military knives. 
Softcover, 186 pp.Code: AMF BAllied Military Fighting Knives
and the men who made them famous..
Robert BurleinJust Reprinted! After 18 years, Buerlein’s superb book is still the definitive reference on Fairbairn-Sykes Commando, Marine Raider, V-42, OSS stiletto, Ek and Randall military knives. Its pages are littered with detailed information, historical photographs, and quality black and white images of countless knives, many of them very rare.
Now’s your chance to finally acquire this scarce volume, or retire your treasured old copy, at a price far below the $200 that used copies recently commanded.
Code: ERF The Essential Ray Floro
Raymond Floro is regarded as one of the leading edged weapon instructors in the world today.
The Floro Fighting Systems (FSS) has been described as "effective and extremely efficient to learn".
Discover for yourself why Raymond is held in such high regard by combat instuctors and professionals from military and law enforcement agencies around the world.
When it comes to edged weapon instruction, Raymond is your man .... and this DVD presentation is it!2-disk set $99.00 + $8.00 post
Japanese Culture
A must-have book for any reader or collector
with an interest in Japanese blades.
The Cool Collection:
Major Simon Cool (1891 - 1961) was born in Doesburg in the Netherlands. He developed his collection of arms and armour from a smaller collection inherited from his Uncle. During the war, the collection was hidden in a secret compartment in the cellar of the Cool's house. Also concealed was a collection of Japanese swords and guns belonging to a Jewish doctor who stayed during the occupation. The doctor later gave his collection to Cool, who subsequently added to it.In 1956, Major Cool and his wife visited their two sons who had migrated to Western Australia a few years earlier. They decided to gift their collection to the Western Australian Museum. By May 1960 the collection had been shipped, unpacked and was on display in a gallery in the Perth Museum. In 1971, when the Fremantle Museum opened, a significant part of the Cool Collection was exhibited in the Museum's Sultan Gallery.
Japanese Swords
and fittings in the Western Australian Museum
by George TrotterFirst published in 1989, this 130 page book was out of print for several years, then reprinted in 2002 with new information on the more modern bladesmiths, and the correction of a number of textual errors and omissions.Contains clear photographs and extensive text descriptions, including an introduction to Japanese blades, Koshirae, periods of manufacture, swords, table of nengo dates, reading signatures and dates, and photo after photo with complete descriptions.The Western Australian Museum holds an extensive and varied collection of Japanese swords and fittings. The majority of the items came from Major Simon Cool's private collection and from Colonel G.F. Weick's collection from the United Service Institute Museum.
The Author: George Trotter
George Trotter is best known in Australia for his studies in the field of Japanese swords. With a major in East Asian history and Japanese from the University of WA, George corresponded for many years with two highly prominent men in the field of Japanese swords, Mr Willis Hawley (USA) and Mr Albert Yamanaka (Japan). George's interest continued to develop.
In 1982, he joined the History Department of the WA Museum and began work on the Arms and Armour Collection held there. Here he was able to access the entire collection of Japanese swords and wrote the catalogue 'Japanese Swords and fittings in the WA Museum.'Fantastic value at only $24.95 + $8.00 post
Japanese Woodworking Tools - Odate
The popularity of Japanese woodworking tools and techniques has experienced steady growth among both the hobbyist and the professional woodworker. This book, originally published in 1984, is considered the authoritative work on the subject. Odate not only discusses all the tools used by a typical Japanese woodworker, but also infuses the book with his own memories of a rigorous apprenticeship in Japan, and how a classically trained-craftsman comes to understand the spirit of each tool and the true nature of craftsmanship.
Japanese Woodworking Tools -
Their Tradition, Spirit and Use
by Toshio OdateThis was one of the first books in English about the Japanese woodworking tradition, and it remains among the very best.
Japanese woodworkers spend years learning to use their tools with speed and skill. Shoji maker Toshio Odate imparts the wisdom of a shokunin (master craftsman). In addition to offering practical advice about using fine planes (kanna), saws (nokogiri), chisels (nomi) and sharpening stones (toishi) , the book teaches the spiritual tradition associated with each tool. Profusely illustrated with line drawings and black and white photos.
189 pages. A large softcovered book, (9" x 12") Black and white photographs, sketches.A must for anyone interested in the Japanese craft tradition.$54.00 plus $11 post
Knifemaking & Bladesmithing
"Lesson number one... do not lose concentration ...ever."Nine basic steps:
- Preparing the Forge
- Firing the Forge
- Forming the Stack
- Heating the Billet
- Applying Flux
- Taking the Weld
- Drawing Out
- Making the Fold
- The Dasmascus Billet
The Damascus Bladesmith:
featuring knife-forging specialist Myron Husiak
and interviewed by Keith SpencerAn instructional DVD for those interested in spending time with a bladesmith as he demonstrates and discusses the process of forging a damascus blade. Filmed on location in Melbourne, Victoria, the video features Australian knife-forging specialist Myron Husiak, as interviewed by Keith Spencer.
Myron Husiak, a foundation member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild and a valued member of the Australasian Knife Collectors Club began forging damascus blades before D.-I.-Y. (do-it -yourself) books on pattern-welded knives were published. Myron had to scrounge snippets of information on the subject, then set about experimenting with this ancient art of bladesmithing that had its origins in the Middle Eastern city of the same name - Damascus.Myron shares words of bladesmithing wisdom in this truly unique DVD.
Running time - 75 mins Colour / DVD PAL
$A29.00 + $8.00 post
- Outlining the blade shape
- Cutting out the blade
- Profiling and surface grinding
- Surface sanding by hand
- Preparing to grind
- Hollow grinding the blade
- Hand sanding the grind
- Squaring the tang
- Hand sanding for finish
- Fitting the guard
- Fitting a basic handle
- Shaping the handle
The Beginners Guide to the Custom-made Knife
Now Available in DVD-Pal format
featuring full-time Australian knifemaker, David Brodziak.David Brodziak is an established full-time Australian knifemaker of note, who plies his art in the south-coast Western Australian port of Albany.
An award winning artisan recognised long ago by Australian collectors and users, David has also developed a significant export market to discerning collectors overseas. On average he produces a knife a day to satisfy orders.He also has knives permanently displayed for sale in selected venues around the state. Not all of David's creative pieces command high price tags. He has an excellent reputation for producing stylish practical knives for all sorts of applications. To be a full-time maker you need to be both versatile and efficient, but above all, the finished product must be top quality. David meets that criteria.
Running time - 60 mins
Colour / DVD PAL
$A29.00 + $8.00 postDAMASTEEL HANDBOOK 92 pages of photos, illustrations and riveting text clearly describing the applications of Swedish Damasteel (stainless damascus steel), the powder metallurgy technology by which it is manufactured and the wonderful variety of intricate patterns available.Published by the producers of Damasteel, this reference book is a must for those with an interest in blended metals for cutlery, jewellery, firearms and furniture fittings.$29.00AU + $8.00 post
A modern reprint of the how-to classic, highly recommended to anyone interested in making or repairing folding knives.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Safety Rules
- Parts of a Knife
- Types of Blades
- Small Hand Tools
- Machinery
- Grinding & Buffing
- Assembly & Disassembly
- Blades & Springs
- Pins, Bolsters, Scales and Shields
- Switchblades, Lockbacks, Rigid Blades
- Handle Material
- Heat Treating
- Make Your Own Knife
- Etching Blades
Softcover, 92 pages.
$25.00AU + $8.00 post
Knife Repair & Restoration A modern reprint of the how-to classic, highly recommended to anyone interested in making or repairing folding knives. For those of you that aren't familiar with the author, Adrian Harris is better known to the knife world as “Colonel Coon” - maker of a very popular line of collectable knives in the 1970s and 1980s. Harris was also Schrade's factory repairman for a time. A short profile of “Col. Coon” is included.
By Adrian HarrisThis edition contains all of the material in the original book PLUS two additional chapters entitled "Make Your Own Knife” and “Etching Blades", as well as dozens of B&W photos, line drawings, and tables.
BOOK REVIEW reviewed by KW Staff
This excellent little book is one of those gems that appeared in print many years ago, stuck around for a short time, sold out and disappeared, almost forgotten but for a core group of enthusiasts who thought it the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now, twenty four years after its initial publication, one of those devoted fans has endeavored to reprint it so that others can be exposed to the cutlering expertise of Adrian Harris.
Mr. Harris penned "Knife Repair & Restoration" in 1981, while his “Colonel Coon” brand of collector-grade knives was in its heyday. Through it, Harris’ in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of folding knives was conveyed in a simple, easy to understand manner, accessible to anyone with an interest in knife repair. Evidence that it works is easily found in the fact that the man reprinting it, Eugene Blankenship (“The Knife Doctor”) used it as the foundation for building his own expertise in knife repair.The book is divided into nine major sections, with an additional two sections on safety and the parts of a knife. The larger topics are covered under chapters entitled Small Hand Tools; Machinery; Grinding & Buffing; Assembly & Disassembly; Blades & Springs; Pins, Bolsters, Scales and Shields; Switchblades, Lock-backs, Rigid Blades; Handle Material; and Heat Treating – just about everything you’d need to know to get started repairing knives. If you want to know how to make a cutler’s “steady,” or use a slackner, or crink a blade, or spin a pin, or if you just want to repair an old knife and have no earthly idea what any of those things are, this book explains what to do in simple language, and shows you how with the all-new illustrations.
Cutthroat razors - Collectors and Users
DVD:
Lynn Abrams' World Of Straight Razor Shaving
Highly Recommended Viewing
by users world-wide!$39.00 plus $8.00 post (Express post included)
across Australia.But this DVD, with it's 3 ½ hours of instruction and demonstration, should solve that problem for you. Presented in eight sections, ‘chapters’ include honing, stropping, shaving demo, E-bay buying, introduction to mugs, soaps, and brushes, cleaning razors, soaps, mugs and brushes, buying a razor, and a look at some of Lynn’s own razor collection.
A remarkable DVD, and likely to become the most important shaving tool, after your razor of course! (International quotes for airmail provided.)
The Art of Craft Work
" The Best book on market; clear, full. If you can cut a potato, you can carve toys, puzzles, chains, much more. Over 464 illustrations." (reviewed by Alibris)
$29.00 plus $8.00 post
(Why not make your own set of 4 woodcarving tools to go with this book - while you learn, or as a personalised gift)
Code: WWC Whittling and woodcarving
By Elmer John TangermanFirst pubished in 1936!
Throughout the ages one of the most popular ways to utilise the creative urge has been whittling or woodcarving. In this volume Mr. Tangerman, one of America's foremost authorities and craftsmen, whose articles in craft magazines have taught and inspired millions, presents a full and thorough introduction to this entertaining art form. With this book which is one of the few works that bridge the gap between whittling and serious carving, a beginner who is moderately handy can whittle or carve scores of useful objects, toys for children, gifts, or simply pass hours at applying his ingenuity to wood.
Softcover 293 pages, black and white illustrations
Other books in our catalogue:
- Japanese Woodworking Tools - Odate
- Cutting Targets With the Japanese Sword
- Teach Yourself the Cut-throat Shave - Leadbitter
- Standard Guide to Razors - 2nd Edition
- Custom Knifemaking -McCreight
- The Complete Bladesmith - Hrisoulas
- The Master Bladesmith - Hrisoulas
- Sharpening Made Easy - Bottorf
- Goins Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings - Goins
- Switchblade - Benson
- A complete Guide To Scrimshaw - Schroeder
- How to Scrimshaw and Carve Ivory -Collins
- The Art of Engraving - Meek
- Bowie Knife - Thorpe
- Knife Throwing - Collins
- Knife & Tomahawk Throwing - McEvoy
