In need of advice

[Daniel]

Hi I'm thinking of buying the book Japanese military and civil swords and dirks,but since I already got Swords of imperial Japan Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson is it worth the money.I mean it's not just a 50$ book. Is there anyone who read them both.What's the difference between them. Thanks in advance regards Daniel

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Daniel,

The 2 books mostly overlap. Jim Dawson's book has more information than Fuller & Gregory but there are the odd bits in the 2nd that you won't find in the 1st. Given the high price that Fuller & Gregory usually brings ($250 to $350) I would stick with Dawson.

Grey

[SwordGuyJoe]

I have the Dawson and think it is very comprehensive and cheaper and easier to find than the F&G. My suggestion is to get started with Dawson and if you find yourself with extra money and come across it, pick up the Fuller & Gregory.

[Mark]

the Dawson book does not seem to have as good coverage of Dirks, and there are a lot of different models/styles. I spoke to Jim a while back and if the economy imporves he plans to do a book on Dirks