Pieh Tool

Barney/Loveless

Learn how with "the bible of knife-making."  Barney and Loveless give complete instructions on making high quality handmade knives.  Forging and stock removal, mirror polishing, sheath making, safety techniques, required tools and supplies and more.  Step-by-step information on making straight knives.  Tips from Bob Loveless, Bill Moran, Buster Warenski and Corbet Sigman.

Build Knives with a Living Legend

Hollis

All of the knife industry has been touched by the late Bob Loveless, a pioneer in knifemaking. This book written just months before his death is an inspiration for all knife enthusiasts. It is a look into the Loveless' workshop and his life. You'll learn his methods for creating a knife including tempering and design, the tools he used, and care of your knife. He was an innovator in his field and this book is a tribute to him and his craft.

"While this may not be the last word in a biography of this knifemaking legend, it certainly is a good start of filling in the blanks."
- Steven Dick of Tactical Knives Magazine

Sinkevic

A lavish exploration of the culture, symbolism and craftsmanship of Arms and Armor at a time when their artistic and ornamental importance, in fine art as much as in the armor work itself, was superceding battlefield use.

Ida Sinkevic is Associate professor of Art at Lafayette College, Pennsylvania. She has written a number of articles and books on numerous artistic subjects.

Edited by Joe Kertzman

The annual 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 over 1000 photographs and a complete directory of custom knifemakers, supply houses, knife manufacturers and importers, and other knife related businesses such as photographers and engravers.  

Chapman

CD/PDF

Little Uglies II, Revision 2008 CD is an updated version of the original "Little Uglies". It’s packed with more photos, drawings, shop tooling and knives, some forging sequence images are borrowed from his other publications.

Printing can be done on your computer printer or at Office Max, Staples, Office Depot and probably your local print shop.  The revision has 17 more pages than the original.

Hrisoulas

This advanced study of steel reveals forging secrets that for centuries have been protected by guilds.  Never-before-seen instructions, diagrams and photos explain the tricks behind using Japanese mokume gane, differential heat treating, power hammers, and other techniques to make kukris, wavy blades, spears and swords that bear the master's mark.

Chapman

A fixed blade and simple folder are illustrated with step-by-step instructions using hot and cold iron techniques.  Building a simple touchmakr is covered along with an "Antler Drilling Engine" and a few Damascus tricks thrown in.  Many of Gene Chapman's bench notes, tidbits, sources and hints are included about knifemaking and hot iron work that was learned with hands on experience.  This should save many frustrating moments for bladesmiths and knifemakers.

Hrisoulas

Pattern-welded blades are among the most beautiful and durable creations ever to emerge from the bladesmith's forge, and now Jim Hrisoulas reveals the secrets of this ancient craft.  From the welding of the starting billet to the final assembly of the completed blade, Hrisoulas provides in-depth instruction in forging basic, precise patterns and the more stunning complex designs.

Chapman

Penny Knife is about building a historic springless folder from the colonial era.  These inexpensive folders were popular then and the story goes they were named because they cost a penny back then.

Juranitch

Recognized as "The Bible Of The Cutting Edge," it belongs in the library of anyone who's serious about sharpening.  Written by Guinness world record holder John Juranitch, it contains all the knowledge and insights gained during his more than 45 years in the sharpening industry.  Crammed with photos, illustrations and cutting edge secrets wyou won't find anywhere else.  Its 14 chapters cover topics like how to choose a knife, sharpening theories and applications, steeling, using a hone and much, much more.  You'll get answers to the most asked sharpening questions.  You'll learn the truth about common myths like why you should never use oil on a hone.  And you'll get the insights necessary to put a great edge on knives, axes, fish hooks, arrowheads, chain saws and other tools.  It's a history, a handbook, a reference manual that the simplest, most complete way to give yourself a razor edge on sharpening.

Watson

In a process handed down from his grandfather, Jim Watson explains and illustrates sharpening techniques for numerous woodcarving tools and knives of various sizes and shapes including pocket knives and kitchen knives.  The necessary materials for proper sharpening are listed and discussed with methods for reconditioning and making you own new knives and tools as well as information on resurfacing the sharpening stones.  By following Jim's instructions and adding a little practice and patience, everyone will be able to achieve and maintain a superior edge, as keen as the piece of steel will allow.

A Celebration of Artistry and Craftsmanship

Shackleford

In Spirit of the Sword you will go through a stunning visual journey of the history of the simplest and greatest weapon ever devised. Whether you're a historian, collector or enthusiast you will get everything from fascinating information on the history of swords from around the world to the helpful tips on collection and displaying swords in this book!

Price

Over 1000 black & white pictures, many showing the different items Price has made.  The photos provide step-by-step instruction on how the pieces are made.  He covers the selection of metal, taking measurements, decorative techniques, engineering the joints, strapping, mail, padding and hammerwork.  A chapter covers the work of other modern armourers and projects specifically devoted to making a helm, body armour, etc.  He has been doing armouring for almost 20 years, both in the SCA and other medieval re-enactment groups.

Goddard

"Your questions, comments, and sometimes complaints are what keep me going as a writer. Keep it coming!"
~ Wayne Goddard

As a columnist for BLADE Magazine, Wayne Goddard has been answering real questions from real knifemakers for more than twenty years. Now, find all the details in one place in this handy reference for every knifemaker, amateur or professional.

    * Clear and precise answers on every aspect of knifemaking, from selecting steel to heat treating and finishing the blade
    * Tips and tricks for knifemakers of all skill levels
    * Completely revised and updated with more than 11 years of new answers

Success with Woodworking

Laughton

Accessible and jargon-free for even inexperienced woodworkers, and illustrated with 200 color photographs and diagrams, this first in the Success with Woodworking series tackles a fundamental, yet vital for success, woodworking process: tool sharpening. From the reasons why blunt tools ensure poor-quality work to advice on how to achieve the perfect cutting edge, this introductory guide makes the theory and mechanics of sharpening easy to understand. It covers sharpening by hand, from oilstones and honing to slips and strops; machine sharpening, including controlling heat buildup and grinding wheels; and how to sharpen specific tools: turning and carving tools, marking devices, scrapers, planer blades, green woodworking tools, and household items. With these hands-on exercises and practical advice, top-quality work is guaranteed.