The book Of Knives and Men

“OF KNIVES AND MEN” SHOWCASES THE STELLAR HEIGHTS OF THE KNIFEMAKING ART

From the beginning, the knife has been a more treasured, and a more personal tool than any other used by man. It has been critical in survival situations, a means of completing daily chores, an essential tool in many livelihoods and an implement of war and self-defense.

So it’s not surprising that we’ve come to revere the knife and to elevate examples of it with ornate embellishments and to pay homage to it by using it as an artistic platform to imbue it with our creative visions.

The book “Of Knives and Men” showcases the best of artistic knifemaking worldwide. Firefly Books photo

“Of Knives and Men” is a tribute to those artists and craftsmen worldwide who have taken knifemaking artistry to greater heights using innovative materials and modern techniques. This 240-page hardcover book by François-Xavier Salle and published by Firefly Books features the work of 46 artisans covering the past 30 years. It showcases 217 knives and sheaths with full-color photographs, specifications, and profiles of the makers.

“‘OF KNIVES AND MEN,’ IS A TRIBUTE TO THOSE ARTISTS AND CRAFTSMEN WORLDWIDE WHO HAVE TAKEN KNIFEMAKING ARTISTRY TO GREATER HEIGHTS…”

There’s a section at the end of the book detailing handle materials, and engraving, etching and carving techniques used in these creations. Whether you’re a collector, investor, aspiring knifemaker, knife aficionado, or you simply appreciate fine art, this book is an inspirational resource that documents the incredible possibilities of this art form.

Maker: Haley and Adam Desrosiers (USA) Type: Keyhole integral Steel: Composite Damascus Handle: Damascus steel and carbon fiber Sheath: Reptile skin by Francesca Ritchie. Caleb Royer photo

Maker: Haley and Adam Desrosiers (USA) Type: Semi-integral hunting Steel: Twisted multi-bar Damascus Handle: Sambar deer antlers, pommel in explosion Damascus steel. Caleb Royer photo

Maker: Arpad Bojtos (Slovakia) Type: Folding dagger with liner lock Steel: Damascus stainless steel Handle: Mammoth ivory, gold, silver and mother-of-pearl. Carved inlays representing Clytia and Apollo. Francesco Pachi photo Bottom: Artistry in knifemaking is nothing new, as evidenced by this decorative stone-age knife. Yannick Kepinski photo

Artistry in knifemaking is nothing new, as evidenced by this decorative stone-age knife. Yannick Kepinski photo

A 19th century folk art knife with carved wooden handle. François-Xavier Salle photo

Top, Right: Maker: Jean-Louis Regel (France)
Type: Two Bowies (can be dismantled)
Steel: Twisted and explosion multi-bar Damascus with guard and pommel engraved with gold thread (left), and wootz with guard and pommel of blued steel and gold (right)
Handle: Mammoth ivory (left), and fossilized walrus ivory (right). Caleb Royer photo

Maker: Tony Karlsson (Sweden) Type: Folding knife with liner lock Steel: Mosaic Damascus (blade and bolsters) Handle: Brown mammoth-hide scales. François-Xavier Salle photo

Samuel Lurquin (Belgium); Type: Fighter Bowie; Steel: W2 forged; Handle: Steel guard, stabilized Koa; Sheath By: Aaron Sybrant. Caleb Royer photo

Glenn Waters (Australia)
Type: Kaiken folding knife with liner lock, flipper
Steel: VG-10 Suminagashi San Mai, gold dragonflies
Handle: Titanium, mother-of-pearl, titanium clip with dragonflies, Maki-e lacquer.
Caleb Royer photo

Thomas and Claes Löfgren (Sweden)
Type: Fixed blade
Steel: Mosaic Damascus by Johan Gustavsson
Handle: Mammoth ivory and molar, stained and stabilized fossilized walrus teeth.
François-Xavier Salle photo

THE DETAIL

Available: Amazon.com
MSRP: $39.95
Publisher: Firefly Books
Website: FireflyBooks.com
Language: English
Hardcover: 240 pages
ISBN-10: 0228104009
ISBN-13: 978-0228104001
Dimensions: 8.25 x 0.56 x 11 inche s

Editor’s Note:

A version of this article first appeared in the March/April 2023 print issue of Knives Illustrated Buyer’s Guide.