Best Sword & Knife Collecting Books of 2026

The Official Overstreet Indian Arrowheads Identification and Price Guide is an extensive reference book that provides readers with an in-depth understanding of arrowhead types, manufacturing, grading, materials, and values. With over 12,000 images of points from 10 different geographical regions, this book is considered the Bible of arrowhead collecting. It also includes special sections on how to grade, identify, and catalog your points. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in arrowhead collecting and is unmatched in the marketplace.

The Complete Guide to Gunsmithing: Gun Care and Repair is a comprehensive and essential reference for gun enthusiasts and gunsmiths. Written by firearms expert Charles Edward Chapel, the book covers topics from proper tools to gunsmithing jobs in over forty chapters of clear prose. The book also provides a fascinating look at firearms in the first half of the twentieth century, with a thoughtful introductory note by Dr. Jim Casada and eighty-five illustrations. The book is published by SKYHORSE and is a must-have for those interested in firearm collecting and gun repair.

The Shooter's Bible Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly, and Cleaning is a comprehensive resource for gun enthusiasts. The book offers detailed information on popular firearms, including assembly, disassembly, and cleaning instructions. The double-page spreads filled with photos and illustrations provide manufacturer specifications for each model, making it easy for readers to care for their firearms safely. The author, Robert A. Sadowski, is a well-known writer in the firearms industry and has contributed to several magazines. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for both novice and experienced firearm owners.

The Firearms Acquisition and Disposition Record Book from SKYHORSE is a must-have for firearm enthusiasts, collectors, and dealers. Approved by the ATF, this log book provides ample space for recording firearm purchases and sales, including information such as the caliber of firearm, serial number, price, and manufacturer. It also includes a unique space for the National Criminal Instant Background Check System number. With hardbound covers and space for over one thousand entries, this log book is durable enough to last for years. Overall, this book is a valuable tool for firearm dealers and collectors alike.

Gunsmithing Modern Firearms by Bryce Towsley is a must-have guide for anyone interested in firearms care, modification, repair, or improvement. The book offers detailed explanations and color illustrations for just about every aspect of gun modification, builds, and repair. From easy-to-do “kitchen table” projects to advanced techniques, the book takes the reader through various tutorials, including building a precision or hunting rifle from scratch and turning a Mosin-Nagant into a tactical rifle. What makes this book unique is Towsley's easy-to-read and humorous writing style, making it an enjoyable read while learning about gunsmithing.

The Knives 2023, 43rd Edition is a comprehensive guidebook to the world of knives and knifemaking. The book features over 900 full-color images of the best knives and knifemakers from around the world, along with detailed descriptions of their craftsmanship. It also includes captivating historical features on sub-hilt use, New England knifemaking, and the lost art of Guilloche, among others. With its updated Custom Knifemaker Directory and trends section showcasing the hottest designs, this book is a go-to resource for all things knives, blades, and edges. Overall, Knives 2023 is an excellent guidebook for collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the art of knifemaking.

Arrowpoints, Spearheads, & Knives of Prehistoric Times by Thomas Wilson is a fascinating book for anyone interested in outdoor skills, ancient weapons, or anthropology. The book provides a comprehensive history of the tools and weapons used by our prehistoric ancestors to survive. Wilson explains the materials used to craft these tools, how and where they were manufactured, and the purposes for which they were used. The book is lavishly illustrated with hundreds of photographs and drawings, including microscopic details of the flint and other stones from which the tools were crafted. Overall, this book is a rare and insightful look into mankind's not-so-distant past.

The Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way to Perfection is an exceptional guide for both novice and experienced bladesmiths. This book provides step-by-step instructions on how to build your own forge, choose the right materials, and create your own custom blade from start to finish. Whether you're looking to create a survival blade or a utility knife, this book has everything you need to know. The author's passion for bladesmithing is evident in the detailed explanations and beautiful photographs throughout the book. Overall, The Complete Bladesmith is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of bladesmithing.

The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords is a comprehensive guide to the appreciation and appraisal of the blades of Japanese swords. Written by Kokan Nagayama, one of the foremost living sword polishers, the book covers each tradition within the Gokaden and provides practical advice for enthusiasts. The author's own painstaking oshigata illustrations and easy reference charts make this an invaluable reference tool for all collectors. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese swords and their history.

If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to knife fighting, look no further than "Knife Fighting: A Step-by-Step Guide to Practical Knife Fighting for Self-Defense" by Sammy Franco. With over 200 photographs and easy-to-follow instructions, this book teaches you the most practical and effective knife fighting techniques for real-world survival. From knife carry and concealment strategies to knife cuts and angles of attack, Franco's 35+ years of real-world knife fighting experience are evident throughout the book. The reviews speak for themselves, with readers praising the book for its no-nonsense approach and practical advice. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to learn the art of knife fighting.