American Knives First History and Collectors Guide by Harold L. Peterson.

- Paperback
- Copyright 1958
- 178 pages
- lots of B/W photos

Great history and back stories. Topics include Knife Names, Knives of the Explorers and Colonists, The Bowie and its Associates, Naval Dirks and other Knives, The American Indian and His Knife, Pocket Knives.

American Knives: The First History and Collector's Guide by Harold L. Peterson is a 1958 book that served as a foundational text for knife collecting, covering a wide range of American knives from historic, military, and pocket styles to those of explorers, colonists, and Native Americans. The book includes information on knife manufacture and sharpening and features over 180 black-and-white illustrations of knives. It also discusses key figures like the Bowie knife and influential modern makers W.D. Randall and Bill Moran.

Key features:
• Content:
o Covers a wide array of knives, including those of explorers, colonists, military, naval, and Native American origins.
o Details the history and variations of the Bowie knife.
o Includes chapters on pocket knives and knife manufacturing.
o Highlights the influence of modern makers like W.D. Randall and Bill Moran.
• Illustrations:
o Features more than 180 black-and-white illustrations, including photographs and figures.
o The illustrations are often described as helpful for collectors.
• Historical significance:
o Considered the first book on American knife collecting and was highly influential in the growing hobby of the time.
o Provides a historical perspective on knives from the time of the Civil War and the Wild West