| It has been more than 20 years since a major work on switchblades has been published, and never has one showcased as many different types as Rich Langston's welcome new book. The Collector's Guide to Switchblade Knives contains a history of the early cutlery industry in America; a detailed examination of the evolution of switchblades; and a user-friendly, up-to-the-minute, illustrated reference section that helps collectors and novices alike identify all kinds of knives from museum-quality antiques to Granddad's old folder that's been hidden in the attic for decades. Langston, a life-long knife lover and collector, provides an honest appraisal of more than 160 autos based on maker, condition, markings, materials, functioning and availability. This handsome hardcover is for collectors, enthusiasts, historians or anyone even considering buying or selling a switchblade |
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 Unquestionably the best book written on this subject. |
| Review Date: November 7, 2001 |
| Reviewer: JACK TANIS, |
| Considering the enormous popularity of switchblade knives, there is a pathetic dearth of credible literature on the subject. Nearly all the books, and certainly all the major ones, were written long ago and have been out of print for many years. Not only has Rich Langston corrected this, he has surpassed his predecessors in doing so. Beginning with the premise "that automatic knives are a definite part of history and deserve to be studied," Mr Langston thoughtfully explores and elaborates upon that history. His well-documented, friendly style facilitates that deserved study. Actually, friendly is understated. This book is a labour of love, yet the author's love of the subject is disciplined, not indulgent. His presentation is as clear and objective as it is enthusiastic. The largest section of the book is the illustrated gallery of over one hundred fifty automatic knives. From the modest to the magnificent, with values of from two figures to four figures, each knife is shown, photographed in close detail, followed by its description, commentary and value. The particular knife, the one pictured on the page rather than that model in the abstract, is graded and valued. This approach is inspired and will prove especially helpful to collectors. This book compensates for the lack of extant material on switchblade knives, easily filling that void. In relative terms, it is the best work of its kind. In absolute terms, it is an excellent book, written by a man who has an uncanny understanding and appreciation of his subject and who succeeds splendidly in sharing his knowledge with the reader. |
Completely reliable history of the switchblade knife
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| Review Date: January 8, 2002 |
| Reviewer: Midwest Book Review, Oregon, WI USA |
| In The Collector's Guide To Switchblade Knives: An Illustrated Historical And Price Reference Richard Langston draws from his immense expertise and personal collection to present a fully updated and completely reliable history of the switchblade knife in American history. This comprehensive, "reader friendly" guide will enable novice and experienced collectors alike to identify all kinds of automatic knives from museum-quality antiques to the knife in the back of the bureau drawer gathering dust for the last decade. Using a dual grading system, dealers, owners, and collectors are provided with a reference offering an honest appraisal of more than 160 automatic knives based on manufacturer, tang markings, condition, availability, functioning, opening mechanism, hand, and blade materials. The Collector's Guide To Switchblade Knives is especially recommended for switchblade enthusiasts, collectors, dealers, historians, and writers seeking background authenticity for their stories involving an form of automatic knife. |
The Love of Subject
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| Review Date: January 23, 2002 |
| Reviewer: , Santa Rosa, CA |
Richard Langston's book is best summed up by the title of this review. His historical and informational references are effused
with his personality and wit. I enjoyed reading the beginning of this book so much, it left me wanting for more. The early days
of the cutlery industry in the United States, and Upstate New York in particular, were a fascinating time. To read about this
history from the perspective of someone who has been an enthusiastic student for most of his life, is a gift not often discovered. |
Excellent Reference
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| Review Date: November 3, 2006 |
| Reviewer: W. B. Cox, or. |
The most comprehensive book on collectible early switchblades on the market
Well layed out easy to understand, very good book. |
Unquestionably the best book on the subject
|
| Review Date: November 8, 2001 |
| Reviewer: JACK TANIS, |
| Considering the enormous popularity of switchblade knives, there is a pathetic dearth of credible literature on the subject. Nearly all the books, and certainly all the major ones, were written long ago and have been out of print for many years. Not only has Rich Langston corrected this, he has surpassed his predecessors in doing so. Beginning with the premise "that automatic knives are a definite part of history and deserve to be studied," Mr Langston thoughtfully explores and elaborates upon that history. His well-documented, friendly style facilitates that deserved study. Actually, friendly is understated. This book is a labour of love, yet the author's love of the subject is disciplined, not indulgent. His presentation is as clear and objective as it is enthusiastic. The largest section of the book is the illustrated gallery of over one hundred fifty automatic knives. From the modest to the magnificent, with values of from two figures to four figures, each knife is shown, photographed in close detail, followed by its description, commentary and value. The particular knife, the one pictured on the page rather than that model in the abstract, is graded and valued. This approach is inspired and will prove especially helpful to collectors. This book compensates for the lack of extant material on switchblade knives, easily filling that void. In relative terms, it is the best work of its kind. In absolute terms, it is an excellent book, written by a man who has an uncanny understanding and appreciation of his subject and who succeeds splendidly in sharing his knowledge with the reader. |
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