I'm not a streetfighter, and I don't need a Marine survival knife that can slit somebody's throat, hammer in a tent peg and has fishing gear secreted in the handle. I just wanted to know why my grandfather carried a Barlow knife and why a pocket knife has so many blades.

This book not only satisfied my curiousity about the history and purpose of folding knives, but it helped me choose a new knife and sharpen the ones that I already have.

The author covers both traditional styled knives and the latest high-tech materials & one-hand openers. He also discusses multi-tools (think Leatherman) and survival knives. For what it's worth, he does cover folding defensive knives.

Most of what is available on the subject today is either aimed at military hobbiests or collectors who like to spend big bucks on exotics. This book is written by somebody who just likes to carry and use pocket knives--working knives for people who aren't afraid to get their blades dirty.

I found it informative and enjoyable, and recommend it for anyone who is interested in pocket knives. A serious collector would probably want to read this book also, but it isn't intended for people who put their knives in a case and look at them.

No, it doesn't explain what the 'all purpose hook' is for on the Swiss army knife.