This book is definitely for collectors, it has a history of the sword and its development and detailed drawings of the temper lines from the various schools and smiths. Lots of technical information about swords. If you are interested in making, collecting or looking up information about the custom knife world this is the best desk reference there is. It features articles on current trends, history of knives, lots of photos of the years best knives plus a complete index of makers, organizations, dealers, suppliers plus lots more. It is annual.
Back issues are especially handy for tracking the development of the craft.
Jim Weyer is a nationally known photographer and the photographs are of exceptional quality. I recommend these books for both the maker and collector of fine knives. For the maker, it is an idea book with thousands of examples of style, technique and inspirational craftsmanship. For the collector, they give a historical record of the development of the craft and document the work of the significant makers. These books are on sale now at bargain prices.