5 comments about Workbench Silencers: The Art Of Improvised Designs (Silencers).

1. This book might make you think you can manufacture a suppressor with your pocket change, and you can, but you'll probably end up wounded, maimed, jailed, or dead. The pressures created by modern firearms requires fairly precise engineering to build a safe, functional suppressor. Other requirements such as accuracy, securing the suppressor to the weapon, maintainence etc, require the same level of engineering effort. But this book does have a purpose, it serves as a perfect example of how not to manufacture a suppressor, AND, to bring those out of the woodwork who think we should not be allowed to exercise our First Amendments Rights. Case in point is the reviewer who thinks the law should keep tabs on those who purchase books of this topic and then come get us. But if you are new to this topic the book is useful as a way to learn how to identify unsafe features of home made suppressors. And remember, many people in the emergency room (and many serving a sentence) got there with this famous phrase, "Hey, check this out!".



2. It's a decent starting reference for those wanting to delve into 22 cal. silencer experimenting. Good pictures and lots of details on how to make examples in book.



3. Ignore the people who say it is illegal or this books is useless. They know not what they say and have likely never even made or owned a suppressor.
   
   For the money, this is a great basic book on suppressors.
   
   The nay sayers have no idea of the BATF NFA Title II process that legally allows one to make a suppressor using a Form 1 (5320.1) (see www.atf.gov and click on forms then guns for form 1). You need to make sure your state and possibly county/city will allow you to make or possess a suppressor. MOST states allow suppressor ownership!
   
   This book gives one a great starting point to understand how a suppressor works. It is not meant as a do-all / know-all. For that, buy some of the others authors well written books. It is easy reading and gives a person the basic knowledge of how they work.
   
   Various websites provide information on how to buy or sell suppressors. Use Google to look around for sites, such as www.subguns.com.



4. I found this "How To" book while researching shop tools to purchase on Amazon. Hey morons, this stuff is ILLEGAL!
   I hope the FBI / CIA and every government agency in the USA and elsewhere is keeping tabs on the purchasers and authors of this crap. Keep sending in those cards and letters so those of us with an ounce of sanity can keep track of you.
   Something I am sure the author forgot to mention: "Please stare directly into the barrel when testing these products".



5. Making a homemade suppressor for anything larger than a .22 caliber weapon is foolhardy. I doubt the designs in this book would even be up to that task. The pressures exerted by modern guns is extreme and you risk serious injury trying to contain them with a "soda can silencer". Oh, and I forgot to mention that making one of these will land you 10 years in federal prison every time.

5 comments about Knives 2008 (Knives).

1. We get this book every year and it has never been a bad choice! Full of information and photos



2. This continues to keep the custom knifemaker or enthusiast up to date on what other makers are producing. It is also the only (and very good) catalog of makers. I have all editions since 1980 when it was first published, and find it invaluable as a reference.



3. Great as always! I make custom carry knives as a hobby as well and this annual series of books has always been a great inspiration to me. In reference to the review written by Charlie, I would take him with a grain of salt, just look at his other reviews. A typical self proclaimed know it all but most likely just full of hot air. Any hand made knife loving built following the old time trusted ways of knife making will out perform any "off the shelve" knife hands down. Don't believe me just put Charlie's K-bar in a vice and bend it past 90 degrees watching it snap like a twig, which by the way is the one of the first test of a knife maker. The greatest compliment I ever received was from a man who received one of my Damascus knives as a gift and later told me he had "skun" 25 hogs without having to re-sharpen the knife. Yes many of the knives in this book would be too beautiful to carry, but many of them are just plain high performance steel that I would be proud to carry on my side. To sum it up, I own well over 50 knife making books and videos and would rate my Knives Annuals some of most important I own. In my humble opinion I think that any knife lover would love this book as well.



4. I loved this as I do all the other knives editions. I make knives as a hobby and always have one of these books close at hand for ideas. I must say i disagree with the last reviewer giving it two stars, if you wanted everyday work knives there are numerous companies out there that would be willing to send you a catalogue, if that is what you are into. I feel this edition may be superior to previous editions. In the past some photo's were simply pasted in from professional photographers, now most of the knives have a plain white background, some with multiple views. If you want to know what the professional knifemakers have been up to in the last year or two, this is a great resorce. Enjoy.



5. Wow,it is hard to believe they could find that many photos of Damascus bladed "investment grade" knives. 2008 should make a lot of expensive custom knifemakers happy, but if you are a knife user, the picking are pretty slim.

5 comments about The Craft of the Japanese Sword.

1. An excellent book. It has all you need to know to either understand the craft of the sword or to begin your own explorations into the craft. Or both.Craft of the Japanese Sword is well written and illustrated, with an emphasis on the artisanship and detail of each step in creating these beautiful works. Ken wa hito nari.



2. It's a good book, good information!
   Photos should be color, that's the only thing I don't like!
   But anyway, I like it!



3. This book is an excellent introduction to Japanese swordmaking by looking at modern masters and how they make swords. If you are just beginning an interest in Japanese swords and how they are made, this is the book for you. The book takes you through the process of forging the blade, polishing, making the habaki and finally the scabard. This book is highly recommended!



4. This book shows how a sword is made following the traditional metods. I loved it!



5. This is the book which introduce many people outside Japan to understand modern Japanese sword making. It also helped Yoshindo Yoshihara to become one of the most recogniseble face amongst swordmakers in the West. Even so one must point out that although Yoshindo is very highly ranked in Japan he is by no means the finest swordmaker as we speak. His brother Shoji Yoshihara (who appeared in the Last Samurai)is considered more skillful and he is not alone amongst swordsmiths. However one cannot underestimate the contribution the author and Yoshindo san has made for swords by being involved in this wonderful publication.

5 comments about The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide (Japanese Arts Library).

1. Although the title is a bit misleading, as the book also includes other edge weapons besides swords as well as their fittings, it was informative for a novice collector. The color photographs are outstanding.



2. 
   This is one of the BEST books on the Japanese Sword including history, terminology, et cetera. I really don't know how anyone could have a sword collection or interest without this book. A friend bought this for me as a gift, way before I was interested in swords... now I have hundreds of books (mainly on swords), and this is certainly my favorite. Great book, GREAT illustrations and photographs, superb glossary. You certainly wont be disappointed.



3. This book is exactly what the title says it is. It truly is a comprehensive guide to various japanese swords detailing the types and nomenclature of the swords.



4. i loved this book it gave me all the information i needed on the art of the japanese swords.



5. IF YOU COLLECT JAPANESE SWORDS YOU MUST HAVE THIS EXCELLEBT BOOK

3 comments about Arrowheads and Projectile Points (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).

1. Good overall, although only basic pictures, simple text but get the point across. THis book is really the same for over a decade now, but has updated realistic prices. Lar did great and his son has done well since his passing. Good value price too.



2. Mr. Hothem puts together a book that is easy reading but I wish it had a section which showed exactly what characteristics designates certain points from each other (with a diagram). Otherwise, I found the book to be a nice companion book to other arrowhead books I have.



3. This 223 page's book is an excellent introduction to the world of prehistoric amerindian projectile points and arrowheads. In some very nice photos and inscriptions you could find the "keys" to what you collect, their relative prices, regional classification and chipping techniques. A simple and practical relation describes the U.S. materials used to make arrowheads and blades including all the regional types, edges, shapes, individual characteristics of each piece and instructions to take care with them. Indispensable to begginers and advanced collectors this book certainly attempt the amateur archaeologist's expectation.

5 comments about Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way To Perfection.

1. As a beginner this was the book I was looking for, the title says it all "The Complete Bladesmith". Very comprehensive and informative.



2. So far I have found this book to be very straightforward, easy to understand, and quite helpful. Not only do I find it informative, but I enjoy reading it too.



3. This book is about how to make knives by different materials, for example 1050 steel. It's a quite good book, especially for beginners with reasonable price. Highly recommended to all!



4. A great book for the beginner, but not to be taken as a metallurgical point of reference. Antiquated theories such as 'edge-packing' and other misconceptions are taught in this text. This is not a problem, assuming the reader does enough research - either before or after reading this book. It offers great explanations of techniques, complete with well-explained drawings, diagrams and pictures, as well as plenty of good information on intelligent shop layout, tool selection, etc.
   
   Certainly worth owning, just BEWARE the dated information!



5. When i received this book i see much more detais, and contents that i have expected. Details about the forge to the finishing of a sword. I'm a new blacksmith in pratice but i recomend this book to anyone who want to progress in the art of bladesmith !

5 comments about Gun Digest Book of the AR-15, Vol. 2.

1. The primary value of this effort is the evaluation of manufacturers which have changed in the two years between volumes. Otherwise this is a disorganized mess, with some of the poorest proofing I have seen in years. Typos appaar on almost every page. All of the real meat on the AR-15 is in the first volume and that is the one to buy. Leave this one in the bargain bin.



2. I found Vol 1 well written and very informative. However, this volume reads like it was rushed to capitalize on the success of Vol. 1. I would try other AR-15 books first. Try Volume 1. If you really need something new buy it, but do not expect it to be as well written as volume one.



3. Sweeney gives a lot of information, most of it interesting and valuable. The comparative benefits of the AR, the AK and various calibers are well analyzed.
   
   Unfortunately, Sweeney also knows where his bread is buttered (hint - it is not by the readers who bought his book). Sweeney admits that he got a lot of free goodies from the gun manufacturers (presumably in the expectation that he would write favorable reviews) and he delivers. The readers bought the book in the expectation that Sweeney would write the whole truth about what he learned testing guns; unfortunately, the writer short changes us there. All reviews are either favorable (very) or bland. We can infer that the bland reviews mean that there wasn't much good that he could find to say about those products, but I don't pay $20+ dollars for a book to read between the lines.
   
   On a couple occasions, Sweeney discusses interesting topics, but stops short with the explanation that the public does not need to know that kind of sensitive information. Once again, I don't pay a writer to tell me that I am not entitled to know what he knows; I pay him to tell me what he knows. If he keeps the information to himself while being paid for the book, he is not delivering on the bargain.
   
   Buy this book on the remainder shelf for $5, or better yet, get it from the Amazon used book department where I am selling my copy. You don't need this book on your permanent shelf.



4. Interessante quanto il Vol.1. Sweeney è sempre divertente e molto competente. Comprato al prezzo di Amazon, rispetto a quanto si trova in Italia, è da non farsi scappare.



5. Regarding AR-15 Volume #2
   Most of the reviews here are clearly for the first volume which I also enjoyed thoroughly. I could hardly wait for volume 2 to become available. However it was quite a let down. It was virtually void of the technical information Patrick usually provides and instead was filled with quips and comments. He spent too much time trying to be funny and or arrogant instead of providing his usual first class reviews. Editing left a lot to be desired as relevant pictures were often pages away from the text they supported. I have many of Patrick's books, but,I definitely would not recommend AR-15 Volume 2, sorry Patrick, you let us down with this one.

5 comments about The Official Price Guide to Collector Knives, 14th edition (Official Price Guide to Collector Knives).

1. Well its a typical price guide. The values in it are way overinflated and none of the knives actually bring that much money. It is also missing prices for several highly collectible knives.
   The Case XX section of this book is kinda difficult to find what you are looking for.
   If you are thinking of buying this book then dont, I would recommend POCKET KNIFE TRADER'S PRICE GUIDE VOLUME 8 it is much easier to figure out and has actual prices and it is cheaper. It is also fresh off the presses and is written by a group of people who are directly involved with Case and Tony Foster who knows everything about knives.



2. A lot of good information in this book from Mr. Price!
   I would have liked to see more info on obscure knives but I also understand there are only so many pages in the book(750 or so), what info is found between the pages is detailed and accurate.
   A definite worthy addition to anyones library that collects knives.



3. This book is great. I wanted a book listing knife values and this shows everything on that subject for all knives.



4. If it wasn't for Case knives it wouldn't be much of a book.
   There is some good basic information, about the same as included
   in most knife books. Many many knife makers are not mentioned.
   I purchase reference books on all my interest and with few
   exceptions these books list a great percentage of the total
   industry, not just a few as this book does. It sure could have
   been better described.



5. Best collectors book I seen yet. Indespensible to any collector of Case pocketknives. I use mine every day.

5 comments about Mastering Skeet.

1. The book i ordered (mastering Skeet) actually came to me withthe packaging and the book completely destroyed. The book had been folded over and the binding popped which allowed all the pages to come apart. I had to throw it away.
   
   "Very Disappointing"



2. I bought this book for my husband. He found it very helpful. There are many good illustrations and very detailed lessons to practice. It covers many areas of skeet shooting that the new shooter or the veteran can utilize.



3. Really good source for every skill level shooters. Nice and smooth expalnations and covered with pictured examples and effective exercises. Very liked it...



4. King Heiple's new book on skeet is a very innovative and helpful way to learn the game of skeet. I have a large collection of skeet books from the 40's onwards and King's book is unique in that it stresses the WHY you do things, in addition to the HOW. An excellent book for new students, old skeet shooters that want to understand WHY (so they can fix it when it is broken) and a must have book for Instructors or wanna be Instructors. For many of us students it is much easier to do something that feels uncomfortable if we know WHY we are doing it ... King Heiple and the book; Mastering Skeet provides this and a whole lot more. Get it, Use It and I will see ya at the Stadium during the World (well maybe :)



5. Book is good - reads a little dry - but, covers all of the basic points i wanted to find out about.

5 comments about Tactical Pistol: Advanced Gunfighting Concepts And Techniques.

1. very very good. Interesting book from somebody who has been there, done it and is still there.



2. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in learning shooting from the ground up. Suarez takes a hard stance on technique and ideology in his first book, however the follow on series hits the mark.
   
   Suarez appears to speak from experience, is definitely a focused shooter, and puts the reader in a frame of mind that is engineered towards combat effectiveness.
   
   Some might find the intensity of attitude off putting but the knowledge provided far out weights the aformentioned intensity.
   
   I would definitely recommend this book, along with several others as an addition to a shooters library.



3. The author knows his stuff and presents it in a clear, logical manner. He's a regular cop, not some champion marksman that names all sorts of techniques after himself, like the "Suarez Squat Shot", like some other shooting authors do.



4. This book should be required reading for anyone looking to use a handgun in a self defense manner. Whether you have your pistol in the bedside table drawer, or carry every day, if you intend to defend your life, and those of your family this book is a must read! Mr. Suarez knows his topic. The Tactical Rifle and The Tactical Shotgun should also be on your list.



5. There are some good reviews here - perhaps enough to determine whether this book is for you. I just thought a few things could be clarified. To suggest that the only viable market for this book is someone belonging to a militia is to suggest that only the militia are interested in self-defense. It is perhaps desirable to point out that not everyone purchases a firearm to be enthused. Nor does this fact equate them with more dubious individuals or groups (for all my fellows follow the law). Furthermore, to assert that this book is not intended for citizens authenticates the ignorance (or motives) of the writer.
   
   The author of this book does not advocate nor teach the indiscriminate killing of individuals. Conversely, he advocates the discriminate use of deadly force to prevent the loss of one's life. If the reader cannot determine the intended audience at introduction, he should perhaps be reading this book to fine tune his reading comprehension skills rather than skills as a marksman.
   
   The author does not "pander to our primal fears" but illustrates the need for tactics introduced. The only disturbing viewpoints that I was able to find (outside of comments to ignore some such individuals as have commented on this book) were the ones that advocated your Bill of Rights and ideas about freedom (conveniently located at the rear of the book). - I love America!
   
   For those looking to purchase this book, I will spell it out. This book is about actual combat, not sharp shooting or being enthused. If this is your first book and you do not have any formal basic training, do yourself a big favor and purchase that with this book (its for your benefit as much as anyone else's). Also, become familiar with your local handgun laws if you have not already (also suggested by this author and common sense). -peace