In this superb little volume, an experienced custom knife purveyor teaches you the ins and outs of buying handmade knives for pleasure and profit, from how to get the best deals to choosing wise investments for the future. A must-have book for anyone interested in buying a custom knife - or anyone interested in selling them!
BOOK REVIEW
reviewed by Knife World staff
A collector of and dealer in handmade knives for over 16 years, author Les Robertson has done all of us a favor by penning this insightful little book. Much more than a guide to purchasing custom knives, Custom Knives Buying Guide is a revealing look at the hows and whys of the custom knife business. It should be required reading for enthusiasts and knifemakers alike.
The book begins by taking a quick look at the reasons we buy custom knives — utility, pleasure, and profit, for example. Each motivation requires a different approach, and a thorough understanding of what you want out of the purchase is essential. As the author points out, it is always best to do your homework.
That “homework” begins with the following chapter. Many have found that selecting the right custom knife for their wants and needs is not as simple as it appears. Fortunately, the author has used his experience to make this chapter, “Knife Buying Skills,” the heart of this book. Not only does this section tell you what you will need to know in order to make intelligent purchases, it explains how to determine these things by asking the right questions and doing a bit of preparatory research. These pages are loaded with useful advice, and the reader will find himself drawn to them again and again.
The next two chapters discuss knifemakers and custom knife dealers and what one should know and expect when dealing with them — very helpful, particularly if you’re just starting out. Finally, the book concludes with “Tips and Suggestions,” a collection of helpful items that didn’t fit in elsewhere.
With a price tag of about $10.00, this book is an extremely inexpensive education in the custom knife business; an investment that could save the enthusiast hundreds of dollars on their next purchase. What I hope does not go overlooked is the fact that the information contained herein is just as useful to every knifemaker with an eye toward success in this field. If you fall into either of these classifications, this book may well be the best ten bucks you’ll spend in the knife business.
Softcover, 80 pp. Not illustrated.
