Book review: Folder.
Although pocket knives are as old as the road to Rome, the recent decades have seen some important improvements. The modern folding knife has gotten a carrying clip, ways to open it with one hand, and modern materials, such as Micarta, G-10, titanium, carbon fiber and more advanced steels. In addition, new ways of locking, more ergonomically shaped handles and other blade shapes emerged.
All this is for author Thomas Laible enough reasons to refer to "modern pocket knives" in the subtitle of his book on folders. Laible is a passionate knife enthusiast and has been editor of the German magazine Messermagazin for ten years.
The German-language book 'Folder.' thus describes the genesis of the modern pocket knife, from about 1980 to the present day. It deals mostly with factory knives. The author discusses the various aspects of the modern 'Practical Folder' in eleven chapters: definition, development, construction, the handle, the blade, locks, one-handed opening mechanisms, the carrying clip, two-handed opening knives and slipjoints, blade steels and the law. The chapters are lavishly illustrated with full color photographs from some of the world’s best knife photographers.
Laidle knows his subject and writes smoothly (although in German). He presents a tremendous amount of information, but more importantly, he gives a glimpse into the enormous versatility of the folding knife, and the stunning variety of models. The book is beautifully edited, and would definetly deserve an English translation.
Thomas Laible, Folder. Alles über moderne Taschenmesser.240 pages, ca. 330 photographs, hardcover. Wieland Verlag 2023. ISBN 978-3-948264-15-4. Price € 39,90 (without shipping costs). For more information see https://wieland-verlag.com/buecher.
All this is for author Thomas Laible enough reasons to refer to "modern pocket knives" in the subtitle of his book on folders. Laible is a passionate knife enthusiast and has been editor of the German magazine Messermagazin for ten years.
The German-language book 'Folder.' thus describes the genesis of the modern pocket knife, from about 1980 to the present day. It deals mostly with factory knives. The author discusses the various aspects of the modern 'Practical Folder' in eleven chapters: definition, development, construction, the handle, the blade, locks, one-handed opening mechanisms, the carrying clip, two-handed opening knives and slipjoints, blade steels and the law. The chapters are lavishly illustrated with full color photographs from some of the world’s best knife photographers.
Laidle knows his subject and writes smoothly (although in German). He presents a tremendous amount of information, but more importantly, he gives a glimpse into the enormous versatility of the folding knife, and the stunning variety of models. The book is beautifully edited, and would definetly deserve an English translation.
Thomas Laible, Folder. Alles über moderne Taschenmesser.240 pages, ca. 330 photographs, hardcover. Wieland Verlag 2023. ISBN 978-3-948264-15-4. Price € 39,90 (without shipping costs). For more information see https://wieland-verlag.com/buecher.