if you are into making blades, this is not the book for ya! it might seems to be, but it isn't, it doesn't include instruction for making the blades itself. For me, it's more likely to be a wood working process rather than making knives itself.

If you are fond of decorating your knives' sheats and handles, this is the book for you. it discusses more about handles and sheats more than the blade itself, it's a little bit frustrating because we don't usually have complete resources for blades, so making blades is really a need, and it even says "complete guide to ....". reminder for those, that you might consider this book a second option coz the title and contents itself seems to be misleading.

If you're a blacksmith looking for tips on making knife blades, there's not a lot here for you. Sorry. But if you'd like to make a knife without building a forge or buying a stock-removal system, you're in the right place. This book was originally written for the Scandinavian market, and then translated into English. The people of Sweden, Norway and Finland often buy an inexpensive (locally made) knife blade, then assemble the handle from wood, or birch bark, antlers, brass spacers, etc...and make a leather and/or wooden sheath for themselves. They wind up with a 'custom' knife for the low price of a blade, their time, and a few natural materials they gather on the spot. This is a tradition in their part of the world, and this book shows how to do it, and do it very well. It has clearly translated instructions, good illustrations, it's well worth the asking price. FWIW, I've made these knives and I love 'em. They're inexpensive enough to make and give away, and a knife you've made will be one of the best gifts you can ever given anyone. I don't sell my knives, but that's up to you.

If you're interested in learning how to do this, use your favorite search engine to find info on purchasing the blades blanks worldwide, the blade makers include such companies as Helle, Frosts, Brusletto, Eriksson, Karesuando, Marttiini. A lot of the blade vendors in Scandinavia, two vendor's of these blade blanks in the US that I recommend are Ragweedforge.com and Kellamknives.com. With a $12 blade and this book, some wood, some glue and some time you, too, can make great knives.

Bo Bergman might not yet be known outside Scandinavia, but here he has been one of the brightest shining stars in the area of creative knifemaking for over a decade. His book "Knifemaking" is a compilation of two of his bestselling books and it contains all the things you need to know to become a passionate craftsman.

The instructions are very easy to follow and a lot of pictures and illustrations guide you through all the steps. Througout the text you can really tell that Bo Bergman not only knows what he is talking about, but also that he also loves what he is doing.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that wishes to express themselves through a very beautyful and long lasting art.