Illustrated Encyclopedia Focuses On Knives
By Lee and J.J. MacFadden
Special to the Herald Courier
“Knives: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Knives for Fighting, Hunting, and Survival” by Pat Farey, 2003, The Lyons Press, $24.95, hardbound, 144 pages: The use of knives is as varied as their types, and this book sets out to simplify this wide range. From the introduction to the index, Farey provides an intriguing look at an everyday tool most of us take for granted.
Within the introduction are a glimpse into form and function, the collecting of knives as a hobby, knife choices and military knives. Farey freely admits that this book is in no way comprehensive, but he does attempt to cover the main styles and models available.
The history of knives is first explored, from ancient obsidian blades to Bronze Age dirks and finally Iron Age knives. However, this is not the crux of the book. The truly useful information comes in the following chapters.
Blade materials are one aspect of knives with which few non-enthusiasts are likely familiar. Farey outlines them – different types of modern-day steels, non-ferrous metals, plastic, titanium, stellite and ceramics. It is noted, for example, that although titanium is famed for being as strong as steel but lighter weight, it also is known for not taking an edge. Even so, there are blades of this type readily available, and some people find them ideal for their purposes. This material is used for high-end diving knives as well as for knives routinely carried by the Navy SEALS.
The differences between fixed and folding blades is also a topic. Fixed blades, in general, are stronger, and may be made in larger sizes. However, the folding blade is much more convenient to carry, and it is often made to accommodate multi-tasking. The parts of fixed and folding knives are diagramed, as well, and there are two pages of excellent drawings to instruct the reader on the various blades of both types of knife. These blades are then discussed more thoroughly.
Knife locks are critiqued, as well as knife edges (plain, semi-serrated and serrated). An extraordinary number of tools available in folding knives is touched upon – even pliers may be had – and the reader learns such fascinating facts as multi-blade knives being dated as far back as the early 1800s.
Combat, survival and rescue knives are examined, and the chapter on collecting knives takes a look at knives from around the world. Farey also shows something of how to maintain a knife properly and describes carrying systems.
Lee’s take: Fascinating material.
J.J.’s take: An amazing amount of information simplified.
LEE AND J.J. MACFADDEN are twins and voracious readers living in Bristol Tennessee. E-mail them at leeandjj.doubletake@yahoo.com.
Special to the Herald Courier
“Knives: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Knives for Fighting, Hunting, and Survival” by Pat Farey, 2003, The Lyons Press, $24.95, hardbound, 144 pages: The use of knives is as varied as their types, and this book sets out to simplify this wide range. From the introduction to the index, Farey provides an intriguing look at an everyday tool most of us take for granted.
Within the introduction are a glimpse into form and function, the collecting of knives as a hobby, knife choices and military knives. Farey freely admits that this book is in no way comprehensive, but he does attempt to cover the main styles and models available.
The history of knives is first explored, from ancient obsidian blades to Bronze Age dirks and finally Iron Age knives. However, this is not the crux of the book. The truly useful information comes in the following chapters.
Blade materials are one aspect of knives with which few non-enthusiasts are likely familiar. Farey outlines them – different types of modern-day steels, non-ferrous metals, plastic, titanium, stellite and ceramics. It is noted, for example, that although titanium is famed for being as strong as steel but lighter weight, it also is known for not taking an edge. Even so, there are blades of this type readily available, and some people find them ideal for their purposes. This material is used for high-end diving knives as well as for knives routinely carried by the Navy SEALS.
The differences between fixed and folding blades is also a topic. Fixed blades, in general, are stronger, and may be made in larger sizes. However, the folding blade is much more convenient to carry, and it is often made to accommodate multi-tasking. The parts of fixed and folding knives are diagramed, as well, and there are two pages of excellent drawings to instruct the reader on the various blades of both types of knife. These blades are then discussed more thoroughly.
Knife locks are critiqued, as well as knife edges (plain, semi-serrated and serrated). An extraordinary number of tools available in folding knives is touched upon – even pliers may be had – and the reader learns such fascinating facts as multi-blade knives being dated as far back as the early 1800s.
Combat, survival and rescue knives are examined, and the chapter on collecting knives takes a look at knives from around the world. Farey also shows something of how to maintain a knife properly and describes carrying systems.
Lee’s take: Fascinating material.
J.J.’s take: An amazing amount of information simplified.
LEE AND J.J. MACFADDEN are twins and voracious readers living in Bristol Tennessee. E-mail them at leeandjj.doubletake@yahoo.com.
Labels: Knives
posted by infomegamedia | Saturday, October 11, 2008
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