5 comments about Knifemaking: A Complete Guide to Crafting Knives, Handles & Sheaths.

1. I just finished probably my 10th or so knife using the techniques learned in this book. This book is currently available in a German edition from Dick Fine Tools but the English version is still out of print. It is very nearly worth whatever you have to pay if you are at all interested in Scandinavian knifemaking, an excellent book. As an addition, if you can find Swedish Carving Techniques by Wille Sundqvist he goes into knife usage in depth. These two books will have you making spoons, small bowls and even buttons for a favorite jacket, all with knives and a few carving tools.
   
   phil



2. Bergman does a fine job of encouraging the reader to make, use, and appreciate Scandinavian-style knives. The reader is also encouraged to confront and appreciate a set of knife traditions that, until recently, have been neither well known nor sufficiently appreciated outside their native Scandinavia. In short, Bergman's book is both a useful "how-to manual" and a fascinating cultural study.
   
   Bergman's instructions to aspiring knife makers are sufficiently clear and encouraging such that all but the most inept tool users will come away with sufficient knowledge and motivation to encourage them to attempt to make their first Scandinavian-style knife and, most likely, many more such knives thereafter. I suspect that there have been many useful and even attractive knives that have been made using the instructions in this book that have amazed all who have seen them, including the knifemakers themselves
   
   I was at least as impressed, however, at the insights that Bergman provides non-Scandinavians into the cultures, traditions, and mindsets that surround and inform the making and use of knives in Scandinavian societies. It might not be too much to say that Bo Bergman may, in his way, be "right up there" with Ingmar Bergman, Ole Rolvaag, Soren Kirkegaard, and the Norse and Finnish sagas as a useful point of reference for non-Scandinavians into the subtleties of Scandinavian culture and psychology.
   
   I learned recently that this fine book has gone out of print. This is unfortunate. I can only hope that a means can be found to re-issue this work so that new members of the rapidly growing cadre of Scandinavian knife enthusiasts can also benefit and be inspired by Bo Bergman's skill and wisdom.



3. The nitty gritty: does it allow you to craft a knife? I'm just completing my 2nd knife based entirely on this book, so for me--yes.
   
   The book assumes you have a blade and are interested in the scandinavian approach to turning it into a knife. There is some general discussion, but mostly it is a description of several projects involving different styles and materials in handle making and in sheath making. There is enough detail to allow you to 'join the dots' or use it as a basis for taking off on your own. It is also pleasant to see that the 'suggested tool kit' does not run into $$$$$$ or involve special use machines, which encouraged me to get going.



4. Bergman describes in clearly written detail how to craft a knife handle.



5. I got the recomendation for this book off the Ragweed web site. It was rather hard to find, but Amazon found it for me. I am a beginner knife maker, and this book is perfect for a beginner, you will learn so much. Why bother making a blade when you can buy some great blades from Thompson's Scandinavian Knife supply or North Coast knife supply. Who has the time or equipment to forge a blade? You can get a nice Lauri pt with a rockwell sharpness of 63 that will be sharper than anything you now own. Bo will show you how to make the handle and sheath for your knife. He has quite a few step by step projects that are incredibly detailed. The knifes turn out great and they will be unlike any you see on the net. Many of the Scandinavian web sites just have pukko style knives. He has a large varitey of scandianvian knifes. He has instructions for a handle made out of layers of birch bark that looks awesome. I am making a Sami style knife at the moment and it looks great. You learn something with each knife. His instructions on making sheaths is alone worth the price of the book. He shows you how to make all leather, wood and leather, and all wood sheaths, very cool. I would recommed this book to anyone who wants to make a very function knife that they can actually use. Many of the knife books out there show you how to make huge knives that are really not that practical, if you need a weapon, get a gun. But if you want a knife that has years of tradition behind and can be a great tool,then get this book.

3 comments about German Swords and Sword Makers: Edged Weapon Makers from the 14th to the 20th Centuries.

1. This is a book about German swordmakers. It contains very little information about swords in the technical sense, e.g. construction methods or design evolution. There is a listing of the swordmakers names, dates of swordmaking and family connections. There are many pictures of Solingen factories and other historical venues. There is a list of maker's marks which does not seem to be complete nor is it presented as such. There is not much in the way of pictures of swords showing types, characteristic designs, patterns or maker innovations. The photos are of questionable quality and most of the pictures are illustrations with little provenance. Some interesting information on which makers also exported to the U.S. is included. As is usual these days, there is no appendix or detailed Table of Contents. A good book for historians but not so good for the collector.



2. While written material information is excellant in this book, It lacks enough photographs to make it useful for a collector to successfully identify a sword he may have. Also it should have included French, British and German designs. Sorry but this book does not help me at all. The proof marks are availible almost everywhere else. Also to make this book better, it needs more pictures! Spread out the photographs thru the book insted of the "lump-sum" at the rear. Better books than this are out there.



3. I'm a swords-lover, and I found this to be the best, most complete and usefull book ever writen on the subject. If you like swords, it's history and development, you can not skip this one - it's the most amazing research ever done on german swords and it's makers. I'm very happy to have a copy of this fine and fascinating work. You'll be proud to buy one, too.

5 comments about Black Man With A Gun.

1. Everyone should read this book! I am not a Black man. (In fact, I am about as far from the strong, handsome Black warrior on the cover of this book as a red-headed Clint Howard look alike can get). However, Mr. Blanchard presents a compelling and articulate thesis of which people of all colors should take heed. A well armed citizenry is the foundation on which our freedom is based, and the protection of that freedom and our collective rights is a responsibility that falls to all people. Yes, the Black man should have a gun. He must have a gun . . . for the sake of us all! Personally, I would feel safer from crime and more secure in the health of OUR country if I knew there were more Black Men With Guns and mighty rippling biceps like Mr. Blanchard to protect us. It is high time for law abiding, honest, and attractive Black men to empower themselves. It is high time for us all to empower ourselves! Viva la "Black Man With a Gun." Viva la "Asian and Mexican Man With a Gun." And Viva la "Gay Man With a Gun."



2. This is one of those rare books that distills its message into a simple, easy to swallow morsel, yet retains all the power to transform you. Long tomes full of statistics have their place to support Second Amendment rights, but getting a doubter to actually read them is another matter. "Black Man With a Gun" on the other hand, is tailor made for today's attention-span challenged youth or busy adult.

   The hook of course, is the title, or rather the image conjured up in your mind by it. You almost would think you're about to read why we should increase gun control for all the armed black men (read: criminals) out there. But one quickly realizes that the term is a stereotype, and that Mr. Blanchard's mission is to make the term "black man with a gun" bring to mind instead the law abiding citizen who happens to be black, and is armed not to victimize, but to protect himself and others from being victimized.

   I'm not sure the hardcore anti-gun nut will be convinced by this or any book, but I was something of a fence-sitter, with no real interest in guns (indeed feared them) until I read it, and it knocked me firmly onto the side of personal gun ownership. I am a white female. Though his book primarily addresses blacks - because many blacks carry the legacy from history that they should not arm themselves, and because an armed citizenry is so critical to freedom - everything Blanchard says is applicable to people of all races. It is more important, not less, for the weak and the underdogs of society to be armed. It is more important, not less, for those in communities of high crime, to be able to defend themselves and their homes, yet it is the righteous in these very communities who are likely to reject firearm ownership. This leaves them at the mercy of the criminal. Blanchard makes it crystal clear that he is addressing the law-abiding, not criminals, how important it is to be armed against the threat from those among us who would do us harm. It is a message the black community needs to hear, and a message anyone who through goodness shuns violence needs to hear, to counter those who prey on their very goodness.

   This book made me confront the fact that as a woman, I am defacto weaker than any presumed assailant, and that only a firearm will give me the chance I need to defend myself. If Blanchard convincingly argues that gun ownership is necessary for minorities to hedge against oppression, it was a no-brainer for me to conclude that the entire female gender is at a physical disadvantage and must carry weapons to remain safe.

   Mr. Blanchard happens to be a Christian preacher, and his motives are clear: The protection of the innocent. He acknowledges the unfortunate need to use violence toward that end, and provides in this book an excellent starting point for those new to firearms, as well as a thoughtful new perspective for those already familiar with guns. He'll not only give you the emotional, historical and philosophical rationale for gun ownership, he also gives you solid basic information on how to get started if you've never owned a gun before. For me, this was the starting point that led to my purchasing several firearms, acquiring training, and even entering shooting competitions. Now, guns are not only my protection, they are a fun hobby. I wish more good people of all races would exercise their Second Amendment right more fully in this way. I once feared guns. Now, knowing that good people all around me legally own and carry, I realize that it was never really the guns I feared, but rather the bad guys. I highly recommend this book for anyone.




3. Kenn hits the mark, and correctly dispels fears of gun ownership by the masses. Everyone should read this book, and everyone needs to own a gun. When there are no more guns, the politicians and conquerors can do what they want with us.



4. Kenn Blanchard's first book is an eye opener for many reasons. Chief amongst them is that this book should wake women up. All women should be concerned with their own safety, and Kenn's book is proof.
   This is an informative book about gun control and the effects it can, and has had, on society. Not a difficult read!



5. As I expected, Blanchard's first book is geared more toward the non-gun owner and the new gun owner. It is full of up to date and useful information for the "beginner" gun owner.

   However, as a lifelong gun owner, collector, competitive shooter, and veteran of just about every book written on or near this subject, I found it quite worthwhile, and definitely worth the modest price. As a self trained student of American History, I was already well aware of the racist roots of gun control, and the lingering cultural effects and prejudices are quite evident even to an average white guy like me.

   This book is unique because it offers the rare chance to read this accurate view of the historical facts from a Black writer, and I encourage everyone interested in individual rights to read this book. The emotions that seeps through between the lines of this book are powerful. It is easy to gather that Blanchard is way more than a guy writing a book. He lives his values every day as the paramount Black proponent of the inherent human right to self defense. It is refreshing and encouraging to see a man like Blanchard with the courage to tell the truth, even when it is not popular. I place his efforts directly in parallel with the likes of Lew Rockwell and John R. Lott Jr., making this book one not to be missed.

No comments about Arrowheads Early Man Projectile Points.

No comments about Varmint and Small Game Rifles and Cartridges.

2 comments about Loading the Black Powder Rifle Cartridge.

1. I bought a few of Mr. Matthews books while doing some personal research on Blackpowder cartridge shooting and found this book to be one of his better books.
   While I don't think it is detailed enough to guide the total novice through the many processes involved in loading a cartridge (Matthews doesn't claim that it is either)you do get a lot of information. I found it interesting that Mr. Matthews believes that modern blackpowder isn't as good as the old time stuff was sometimes known to be.
   It doesn't do much brand this or brand that but gives a sort of autobiographical account of the author's years of experiences and things that have worked for him. As examples, you'll get whole chapters on casting the bullet, the powder charge, lubricating the bullet, loading the cartidge.
   I think it might just be enough to give a novice an idea of whether or not this is something they want to get into. For the person who really does want into the field I'd think you might want more details on equipment but it is still a worthwhile book to own.



2. Book is well organized and provides a good summary of one man's experience. It is not however, the last word on all aspects of loading black powder cartridges. A beginning black powder loader will find helpful information on all aspects of loading black powder cartridges. The book leans heavily towards .45 caliber but the information is equally applicable to .38, .40, or .50 cals. The book recommends many specific products and provides addresses from which the reader can order. Altogether, a valuable reference that even experienced shooters will find enjoyable.

No comments about Webley Air Pistols: Their History and Development.

No comments about German Swords of World War II: A Photographic Reference, Vol. 3: DLV, Diplomats, Customs, Police and Fire, Justice, Mining, Railway, Etc..

No comments about Custom Rifles in Black & White.

1 comments about Timber: Toil and Trouble in the Big Woods Ests.

1. From the late 1950s into mid-1960s Superior Publishing provided an outlet for Ralph W. Andrews to publish a number photo books of working men of the Pacific Northwest. Timber is one of those books. If one has only a passing interest in how logging used to be then probably one or two books would suffice. On the other hand if you're like me and enjoy collecting all of his works you can still find most of them still available. "Timber" has a number of great photos from when logging started with oxen and then later with donkeys (the mechanical kind not the animal) but it also has some great stories and photos about the terrible fires in Idaho during 1910. There's also the background about the Tillamook Burn of 1933 in Oregon. Most of these books by Andrews have a similar approach which is a number of black and white photos combined with stories told to Andrews or which he's gleaned from periodicals long since discontinued. While Andrews has had his critics for his approach, thankfully there was a person such as he willing to do the work in collecting the photos and Superior willing to publish them.