[.ca] Knife Talk (ISBN 0873415841)

excellent information from someone whos done it:
Ed Fowler has a deep passion for all things knife. A fantastic collection of short stories and articles from someone who has been there and done it. He makes you feel that you are there in his forge and before you know it you have learned something new. A little how-to, a little history, and a lot of Ed's philosophy of life. As comfortable as your favorite boots.

The comprehensive guide:
Ed has compiled a compendium of useful info in this small book, containing charts and guides to anecdotes from his life reguarding knives. Ed Fowler's Knife Talk : The Art & Science of Knifemaking is a must for anyone even considering working steel to become a bladesmith. Pete Blackwood

For Knifemakers Only:
If you are a knifemaker, then you may appreciate this book. If you're a fan of Ed Fowler, you may appreciate this compilation of previous articles for a magazine. As a person interested in knives, I was more interested in learning about different materials, hardness scales, knife functions, styles of knives, and the like. This book does not address those issues. I don't care to learn how to skin a rattlesnake, buy dying sheep for their horns, and I'm not interested in Ed Fowler's dating and subsequent marriage. I didn't expect to get story (with no instructions) about knife sharpening. All in all, the book was very disappointing.

Ed Fowler not only knows knives, he understand them!:
Quite frankly this book was a wonderful surprise. I'm a knife nut but I'm not that familiar with the technical aspects of knives and this book is more than just about making custom knives....it's about their lore, their usefulness, their part in our lives. Ed does a magnificant job relating how knives are part of out lives and how important they are. He writes wonderfully and it is amazing how Ed Fowler can take such a simple but technical subject as knives and make it a joy to read. I guess the real beauty of this book is Ed's uncanny ability to captivate his reader and make you completely understand the point he is trying to get across. If you love knives this is the best book of the year. If you're just getting interested in knives or better yet, custom made knives, this is your starter manual. More than just technical aspects of knife making, it's more like knife LIVING!

An Knifemaker Icon:
Mr Fowler would cringe at that description, I'm sure. A down to earth man and great wit. Fowler is very much admired by knife users and makers alike. This IS a very entertaining book. Just be aware that knifemaking demands a lot of time, often alot of equipment, and inate skill on the maker's part. This book won't make you a knifemaker. It may inspire you to want to be one though. Compared to the other books in this price range and size, it has alot of information and fairly good illustrations. It does show you that a man's personality is very important to the quality of his craft.