Lovers of our national pastime have the Baseball Encyclopedia.

 

Novice cooks considered kitchen klutzes have the works of Rachel Ray.

 

And, since 1981, knife enthusiasts have had the KNIVES Annual. In the history of “sharp” literature, there has never been a resource packed with as much industry information as the Annual.

 

“The KNIVES Annual has been invaluable to knife enthusiasts no matter what their field of interest or specialization,” says BLADE editor Steve Shackleford. “If you don’t have it, you’re at a serious disadvantage in knife knowledge to those who do.”

 

Edited by noted knife authority (and former associate editor of BLADE) Joe Kertzman, KNIVES ’08 is a 312-page, soft cover publication that features over 1,000 color photos of the top custom knives in the world.

 

The photography in KNIVES 08 — as with every edition of the annual — is spectacular.

 

“Few pieces of art are functional or serve useful purposes other than being beautiful,” says Kertzman. “That’s where handcrafted knives separate themselves from other art. They are cutting instruments, but they are also embellished and stunning and that’s what the KNIVES book strives to parade before the eyes of readers.”

 

While the photography alone makes KNIVES a worthwhile purchase, so does the impressive wealth of information inside, that includes: articles by noted knife authorities, chapters broken into “trends” sections, and the world’s most complete directory of handmade knifemakers.

 

If you haven’t already added Knives ’08 to the bookshelf in your shop or office, now is the perfect time. At only $15 – nearly 50% off the cover price – you can acquire the No. 1 knife resource in the world. Order Here

 

With KNIVES ’09 currently making its way through production, the newest member to the sought after series is tentatively scheduled for release in the fall of 2008.

 

Once again it’s a do not miss.

 

“The goal of the KNIVES Annual is to keep things fresh, update knifemaking trends and showcase the art and handcraft involved,” says Kertzman. “The creativity of the knifemakers makes the job of editing the book a pleasure and an incredible honor.”