So far sales of my book have been refreshing. One never knows how a book on as narrow a topic as Clandestine Knives will be received. I have already shipped copies to New Zealand, Scotland, the Netherlands and France. Thank you all for your support and especially those who paid the big bucks for overseas postage. The next volume, on X-daggers and Shanghai daggers, is progresssing rapidly, since now I know the process for getting a book in print. It will be more reading and close to 200 pages long, maybe more. There will still be plenty of photos of all those fabulouus "fake" bayonet conversions in my collection and in other collections. I have written about what I see as two possible paths to the final design of the First Pattern Wilkinson. Yes there will be outcies from some people, that's Okay I accept that there are strong opinions one way or another. The only people who know the 100% actual proof are all dead. We are left to sort it out from historical truths and some lesser, but intriguing,  tales. It has been a challenge sorting it all out. I think those of you who own Metford-Fairbairns, like this beautiful example, will be happy.

The good news is the books are here. A friend and I went to Rochester, NY to pick them up. Cost was $35 in gas and $40 for lunch at a great little Japanese restaurant. So I saved over $225 in shipping costs. More good news is the copies look great. The bad news is the oveseas postage for the book is going to be $30. That is a real kickk in the butt! So please take that into account if you decide to order a copy. Sales within the USA are still $55 including shipping. 

Happy days, the proof copy arrived on monday. All I can say is it is super! The printing company did a splendid job keeping the colors bright and accurate. The text is clear and easy to read. I never counted the number of photos but it is over 160. Here are some of the rarest knives you will ever see, many full size (or larger) and in color. I have attached photos of the front and back cover of the proof copy. By the way this single copy cost me $75 plus shipping! I expect the balance of the books to be printed in a week to 10 days. Then I have to drive to Rochester, NY to pick them up. They quoted me $313 for shipping to my house! 

I have a prospective list of 40+ buyers already. If you are seriously interested please email me with your mailing address. This first printing is going to be $55 shipped in the USA. Outside of the country, I will have to go to the post office and get a quote on shipping and charge $50 plus the actual shipping costs. I will be able to accept USPS money orders or paypal. Please make the paypal to "friends and family" so I don't get hit with the fee. Thanks to all of you who have patiently waited and supported my work.