WARNING!
Don't be fooled by "5th" rate imitations of Levine's Guide.
The 4th edition was the last legitimate edition.
go to: KNIFEMAKERS OF OLD SAN FRANCISCO, 2nd EDITION
Please email me to check availability and price of second-hand copies.
Or you may send a check or money order in U.S. funds payabale to:
BERNARD LEVINE
PO BOX 2404
EUGENE OR 97402-0124 USA
Additional postage required for shipments outside USA. Email me for details.
or telephone 541-484-0294 (Pacific Time Zone)
WARNING!
Don't be fooled by "5th" rate imitations of Levine's Guide.
The 4th edition was the last legitimate edition.
Click HERE to read about and SEE the defects of the "5th" edition.
Still puzzled by 4th vs "5th"? Read this comparison review from Knife World magazine.
1) LEVINE'S GUIDE TO KNIVES AND THEIR VALUES,
4th Edition
512 pages, 8-1/2 x 11, softcover, 1997. Please email me to check availability and price of second-hand copies.
LEVINE'S GUIDE 4th EDITION is the complete guidebook
to the identification, history, and value of knives of all types:
antique and modern, factory and custom, folding and fixed
blade, primitive and high-tech.
Part I, "Collecting Knives," explains which knives people
collect and why, demystifies knife authentication, valuation,
and investment, and guides you in developing your own
expertise.
Part II, "Folding Knives," combines pictures, charts,
and
text to identify and value virtually every folding knife ever
made -- not just a few brands, as in other knife books.
Part III, "Fixed Blade Knives," covers everything from
bowie, hunting, and military knives, to art knives and
exotics from around the world -- even humble kitchen knives.
The EXTENSIVELY REVISED 4th EDITION includes
a
brand new detailed listing of over 3,000 20th century custom
knife makers; new, expanded, and revised sections on Gerber,
Schrade, Buck, Case, Marble's, Remington, and all the other
popular brands; enlarged and completely rewritten sections on
bowie knives, hunting knives, and Indian trade knives -- the
hottest areas in antique knife collecting; updated detailed
information on U.S. military knives, both issue and hand-
made; hundreds of new pocketknife and fixed blade brand
listings; newly uncovered knife history; expanded information
on the most popular factory and knife-club limited edition
knives; many new charts and illustrations; brand new
introduction; updated glossary and index; enlarged list of
dealers; and of course ALL THE LATEST KNIFE PRICES.
Click HERE
to view 4th edition Table of Contents
WHAT READERS SAID ABOUT PREVIOUS EDITIONS of LEVINE'S GUIDE.
"The best of the collectors' books"
Geoffrey Tweedale, author The Sheffield Knife Book
"If I was permitted only one book on knives, this would be it."
Houston Price, editor, Knife World
"The most valuable reference tool I've ever had"
James E. Baker, collector
"the single best source of general knife information available."
Terry L. Kranning, knifemaker
"It is so satisfying to see a 'revised' edition that has so
much valuable additional data."
Stuart Miller, collector
"Best knife book on the market! I read through it every day."
Craig R. Henry, collector
"All you'd ever want to know about identifying, valuing, and
collecting knives. Lots of history, lore, illustrations, and
solid information."
Sports Afield Magazine
"Levine's Guide to Knives is a book carried and used at
gun/knife shows and flea markets. If a collector doesn't have
their own they will always be looking for one to borrow. A
great gift for those too cheap to buy their own."
Zack Burkett National Knife Magazine
"I have just started collecting knives this year and I am
reading your book. You will be happy to know I always have it
with me, and yes it's becoming beat up and dog-eared. I
figure you never know when you're going to see an old knife
that's for sale. I want to thank you for writing this book
and sharing your knowledge. It has made my start more
knowledgeable and less uncertain, which has made it more
fun."
Michael A. Losicco, collector
"Let me also thank you for bringing the dignity of your
scholarship and your delightful wit to the field of knife
collecting."
Dave Holmes, collector
"Your premise throughout, that a knife is only worth what
someone is willing to pay for it, is the gauge of the book."
W. C. Wakefield, collector
"I just couldn't believe anyone could get all that
information in one book. You did a great job. Thanks for
letting me be a small part of it."
M. H. Cole, author, U.S. Military Knives
"My hat is off to you. I don't know what better compliment I
can pay you for the tremendous job you did in producing
Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Values, than to tell you
that this is the best job I've ever seen done by you or
anyone else in our industry."
Albert M. Baer, Chairman,
Imperial Schrade Corporation
"Mega biblion, mega kakon."
Callimachus (c260 B.C.)
"Bernard Levine - considerado el mas importante autor de libros
sobre cuchilleria, y uno do los mayores expertos en la materia.
Autor de verdaderos 'clasicos.'"
Abel A. Domenech
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
"Your book has given me many hours of enjoyment and
information. What I really want to say is, 'thank you.'"
Marvin Pursley, collector
2) KNIFEMAKERS OF OLD SAN FRANCISCO,
2nd EDITION
Includes much new information, dozens of new photos.
Special Bonus: up-to-date price guide enclosed free.
160 pages 8-1/2 x 11, softcover, 1998. Please email me to check availability and price of second-hand copies.
From REVIEWS of KNIFEMAKERS OF OLD SAN FRANCISCO:
"The most important book ever published on antique American
knives."
A. G. Russell, Knife Collectors Club News
"Out of the crucible of Gold Rush days the fine art of
western knifemaking was forged, perfected by leading artisans
who came to San Francisco from all over the world. Author
Bernard R. Levine has fashioned a handsome and absorbing
volume documenting the genesis and development of this
exacting craft and the unique role it played in the history
of the City."
Dick Brill, San Francisco Progress
"... interesting reading and could easily pay for itself many
times over with the discovery of a California-made edged
weapon."
Canadian Journal of Arms Collecting
"This isn't just a book about knives, however, it is also a
book about people and the way they lived in 19th century San
Francisco... It's a handsome book, an intelligent book, an
interesting book--whether you are fascinated by knives or
not."
Michael G. Mattis, Sacramento Bee
"San Francisco's makers had the opportunity to create
distinctive styles of knives that were both functional and
attractive, and they were under no cost limitations. San
Francisco was prosperous, and the San Francisco style was
ostentatious. Someone having a fancy dinner would order a
carving set for that dinner.
"In western cities during wilder times, most men carried a
dress bowie knife or dirk. If you were taking your wife out
for the evening, you were expected to carry a sidearm.
"In addition to carving sets and personal armament, the
California knifemakers turned out distinctive razors,
corkscrews, and champagne knives.
"One firm proudly displayed a line of equipment for rigging
the odds at faro, the then popular gambling game, including
an adjustable dealing box and card trimmer."
Bob Lyhne, Palo Alto Times
"Attractively illustrated... thoroughly researched...
gracefully written."
American West
"Outstanding reference."
Kyle Husfloen, Antique Trader Weekly
"The whole thing is beautifully produced."
William Hogan, San Francisco Chronicle
"A quality book."
William R. Williamson, Blade Magazine
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