BOOK REVIEW Reviewed by Knife World staff Bayonets, Knives & Scabbards is a brand new book on U.S. military edged weapons, edited and published by KNIFE WORLD's Military Editor Frank Trzaska. Over the last two years, Mr. Trzaska has been earning a reputation among military enthusiasts for the ability to convey his knowledge and experience to other collectors through "The Military Edge." It was while conducting research through the National Archives that Trzaska happened across a portion of the document that was to become this book. In time, the other pieces were assembled, and this book is the end result. Simply put, Bayonets, Knives & Scabbards is a government document that details the history of U.S. Army knives, bayonets and scabbards from 1917 through the close of WWII. Included are countless details, facts and figures about the edged weapons utilized by the Army during this time span. Prominently featured are the M3 trench knife, M4 bayonet knife, and bayonets M1905 and M1. Those covered to varying degrees include M1917, M1918, and Mark I trench knives, the M2 parachutists' pocket knife, the V-42 commando knife, M1910 and M1917 bolos, and M1910 and M1917 bayonets. Scabbards for each model are covered in the same detail as the weapon itseIf. While I wouldn't claim that the book qualifies as light reading (it is a government document, after all) it should serve as an excellent source of information for all the models covered. Going far beyond simple production figures, Bayonets, Knives & Scabbards contains details on such subjects as production, storage and performance difficulties and how they were dealt with, information on specific manufacturers, material selection, inspection procedures, modification and repair, production schedules, actual production figures, and general comments. A short section of photos is included, followed by production graphs for the M1905/M1 and M3/M4 and 13 pages of production figures for all U.S. Army edged weapons 1917- 1945. There's more stuff in here than you can shake a stick at! Thankfully, Trzaska has provided a great index, so we can find just what we're looking for without a lot of effort. Bayonets, Knives & Scabbards is a valuable addition to the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in U.S. military knives. Hats off to Trzaska for making it available to everyone.
Softcover, 69 pp. |
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