Joe Kertzman’s Art of the Knife opens up an enchanting world of the steel blade in all its richness, diversity, and singular splendor. The book convincingly demonstrates that the making of edged weapons is a true art form, one that demands not only the highest level of professional skill but also a refined artistic sensibility.
The volume presents outstanding examples of custom-made bladed weapons, produced as unique pieces and possessing genuine museum value. The author, a highly qualified specialist in knife-making, accompanies each piece with detailed commentary.
This book is devoted to knives of exceptional artistic merit – rare objects of which only a limited number exist worldwide. In its own way, it is a unique publication, offering insight into the creative labor of the masters whose works are featured within its pages. The book refrains from imposing evaluative judgments on these masterpieces, as they speak eloquently for themselves, rendering any intermediary unnecessary.
The vivid color palette and superb photography fill the pages with extraordinary, finely crafted knives of astonishing design. Intricate engraving, exquisite carving, skillful etching, masterful gilding, expert gemstone inlay, precise ornamentation, and striking sculptural forms – all captivate, fascinate, and inspire admiration. Yet the true focus of the book lies in revealing how these knives are created. This process constitutes the beginning, the climax, and the resolution of the entire narrative; it is the essence of the work and the source of its enduring significance.