Joe Kertzman - Knives 2013: The Worlds Greatest Knife Book

L ooking at the knives in this book, collectors and enthusiasts everywhere are reminded of something that they and hunters, outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen, sportsmen and sportswomen, farmers, linesmen, utility workers, ranchers, cabinet makers, construction workers and millions of other people have pondered for centuries. How could anyone, no matter their political slant, motivation or agenda, want to outlaw knives of any kind, shape or form? Thumbing through the pages of Knives 2013, it seems absurd to even consider banning such handcrafted works of art. Its implausible that a single piece be considered a dangerous weapon in the hands of anyone but the most deranged of human beings.

Yet, there are people, as witnessed for decades, who want to make it illegal to own and carry anything from daggers to switchblades, from swords to one-hand-opening spring-assisted flipper folders. In the name of concerned citizenry and self-righteous politicians, they lobby to outlaw edged tools, to permanently ink their demise through laws, on dockets and by manipulation of the court system. There are those who want to forever ban knives from public ownership and carry.

It is for these reasons and more that I not only acknowledge Knife Rights and the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI), but also dedicate this book to these two organizations that actively protect the rights of knife-carrying citizens in this country and across the globe. The American Knife & Tool Institute (www.akti.org) is a nonprofit association that has been a voice of advocacy for the entire knife community since 1998, ensuring that Americans will always be able to make, buy, sell, own, carry and use knives and edged tools. The AKTI is recognized worldwide and respected as a credible, accurate source of knife legislation information, legislative input and industry information. The organization has a successful, proven record of accomplishments in making effective changes to restrictive knife laws and promoting reasonable and responsible laws and enforcement.

Knife Rights (www.kniferights.org) provides knife and edged-tool owners an effective voice to influence public policy and to oppose efforts to restrict the right to own, use and carry knives and edged tools. It encourages safe, responsible and lawful use of knives through education and outreach, enhancing positive perceptions of knives and edged tools and their owners and users. It encourages the marketing of knives in a responsible manner conducive to the organizations goals, and it cooperates with advocacy organizations that have complementary interests and goals.

It is with pleasure that I recognize the work of Doug Ritter of Knife Rights and Jan Billeb of the American Knife & Tool Institute, as well as all their members, board members, presidents, vice-presidents, contributors and supporters.

Additionally, Id of course be remiss if I didnt dedicate this book to the F&W Media staff that helps make the Knives annual a reality each yearJim Schlender, Corrina Peterson, Steve Shackleford, Sharon Bartsch, Lori Hallman and Bruce Wolberg. And finally to my wife, Tricia, our kids, Danny and Cora, and my parents Jack and Cathy, all of whom have helped shape me into the editor and man that I am today. Thank you to each and every one of you.

Joe Kertzman