Illustrated Directory of Knives, Daggers & Bayonets

This is a visual encyclopedia of edged weapons from around the world, including knives, daggers, bayonets, machetes and khanjars, with over 500 illustrations. This is a visual encyclopedia of over 350 edged weapons from around the world from the Stone Age to the modern day. Each specially commissioned colour photograph is clearly labelled to show the significant features of each blade plus at-a-glance specification boxes give date of manufacture, country of origin and size. This title covers some of the world's most deadly and beautiful knives, daggers and bayonets, including fighting knives from Africa, the ceremonial kris from Indonesia, the double-edged Japanese ken and the distinctively decorated Indo-Persian peshkabz. It is written by a leading arms and armoury expert, a comprehensive volume perfect for both dedicated collectors and amateur enthusiasts. Since the first sharpened tools used by early man over a million years ago, edged weapons have developed and evolved into many forms. They are now valued as collectable antiques, admired for the intricate skill and workmanship that lie behind the lavish and often beautifully coloured decoration on the blade and hilt. This comprehensive illustrated chronology takes you on a visual tour of sharp weapons throughout history: from the hand-held flints of the Stone Age, through to the survival weapons of the two world wars and the civilian knives of modern times. There are also intriguing blades from Africa and Asia, including the Japanese tanto and aikuchi, Sudanese throwing knives and Indian Katars. Presented in an accessible and easy-to-follow format there are specially-commissioned photographs of each item, clearly labelled with the blade's defining features as well as at-a-glance specification boxes detailing date, country of origin and length. Written by a leading arms and armoury expert and featuring over 350 pieces shown in more than 500 stunning pictures, this book is an indispensable resource for both the serious collector and amateur enthusiast.