Review of Logic of Steel: A Fighter's View of Blade and Shank Encounters (Paperback)

The Logic of Steel is the second book that I have read from Mr. LaFond.Like his first book, "The Fighting Edge", I was taught techniques of self-defense.As I was transported into the seedy world of knife encounters, I realized that I need to purchase a gun.I definitely would be on the losing end of a shank attack, especially if I can't tell I'm being stabbed!I really enjoy his style of writing.The information flows easily and the author does not write above your head.The dialogue was hilarious.I can't believe what people will do and say.The chapter headings and quotes are the best, particularly his use of the actual words from ancient Greek and Roman soliders.The Logic of Steel will give you the knowledge of how to handle yourself if in a knife attack and what you can do to get out of the situation.However, I must say that the Eboniclanguage was a little confusing to follow.Thanks for the glossary.I will end with my two favorite lines from the book.

Tatto Rick -- "There is no objective truth.Life is a subjective mess...Chaos is the rule.Order is a mathematical fantasy."

James La Fond -- "The true study of fighters is the study of the fighter's character, not his technique."

Product Description
The Logic of Steel is not about the art of knife fighting. Its sole purpose is to capture the cold, hard, logical nature of edged-weapon encounters as experienced by author James LaFond and more than 90 other people. This analysis of more than 250 knife fights is told from the perspective of the attackers, eyewitnesses and victims. The action is broken down by weapon type and use patterns. The circumstances, motivations and mechanics of real-world blade and shank encounters are illuminated through the use of gripping (and sometimes comical) first-person accounts, photographs and hard statistics. The author also examines the psychology, injury patterns and legal ramifications of knife fighting, as well as providing invaluable tips on preventing clinches and groundfighting from escalating into a knife fight, surviving unarmed against a blade-armed assailant, "dressing for success" against a knife fight, spottinga knifer and predicting his behavior before it's too late, assessing when it is in your best interest to run for your life instead of fighting a knife-wielding opponent and much more.

About the Author
James LaFond works as a night laborer in Baltimore, where he has been documenting the violent underside of the human population and the relationship of ordinary aggression to contemporary martial arts studies since 1966.

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Review of Modern High-Security Locks: How To Open Them (Paperback)

After one has learned the basics of lockpicking... how a lock is made and what are the basic tools for lockpicking... (from Steve Hampton's _Secrets of Lock Picking) one soon finds out that not every lock pops open in 30 seconds or less. Now it is time to progress to the next level of lockpicking. In this book the rea-der will learn some new tools such as a road runner rim tension wrench and a monkey twisted-wedge diamond pick. Then it's on to tackle multiple row pin tumbler locks, key disc tumbler locks, even electronic key locks.

To master all of the locks mentioned in this book will take tons of practice but Hampton will show the way. However this book is only the sophomore level. There is more to learn.

Product Description
Master locksmith Steven Hampton, author of the best-selling Secrets of Lock Picking, takes the art of picking locks one step further with Modern High-Security Locks. Here, he collects some of today's most popular pick-resistant locks and sets out to see which ones hold up to their claims. However complex a lock gets, it must be durable, dependable and user-friendly. It has to be tough enough to endure physical attack, but it can't be machined too tight or it will jam up with just a breath of dust. It must be simple and easy to lock and unlock with its key, or the customer will not pay the higher price for it. It is this delicate balance between security and utility that allows the locksmith to open this new generation of locks. Hampton shows locksmiths how each lock is picked and how long it will take. He details the tools of the trade and includes patterns and instructions for making your own picks and tension wrenches. He even includes ancient Tibetan Buddhist tantric visualization exercises to help locksmiths learn to "see" the inner workings of the lock within the mind's eye. Veteran locksmiths or those new to the trade will find Hampton's latest book an invaluable sourcebook. For academic study only.

About the Author
Steven Hampton became interested in locks and electronics at an early age. At 14 he acquired a set of U.S. Air Force electronic training manuals and began building various transistor circuits by scalping radios and junkyard TVs. At 17 he was making his own lockpicks and was considered a master lockpicker, and by the time he was 18 he'd invented the magnetic padlock, which is still on the market today. After a stint in the navy, he studied digital electronics and worked in many technical fields. He also became interested in the martial arts, studying Tibetan White Crane kung fu, jujitsu and wing chun.

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Review of Equalizers (Black Medicine) (Paperback)

I have read the whole Black Medecine serious and thought that they were absolutly great. I enjoyed the first and the second volumes about the preasure points and the weapons at hand. I liked most of the third volumeon low blows and different self defence techniques. Now this book is anexellent summary to all of them. I expected a book on how to kill someone,but instead Mashiro explains on how to use the weapons, techniques andpreasure points to make your opponent submit with as little effort asposible. The techniques are effective and something that a none martialartist can use in a everyday life. They are simple and very usefull. Ienjoyed the book and think it is a must in any self deffence library.

Product Description
Learn how to utilize the intimidation and shock force even of unfamiliar weapons in this long-awaited fourth volume of the acclaimed Black Medicine series. Dr. Mashiro shows you how to pick up and operate modern spray and electric shock weapons, firearms, hatchets, knives, sticks, shields and more under the stress of an actual violent attack.

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Review of Randall Made Knives: The History Of The Man And The Blades (Equipment & Techniques) [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

This is the best knife book I've read, and I've gone through more than my share.It must have taken years to pull the material together.It is comprehensive, well written, and I particularly enjoyed how the photographs matched the text.Gaddis has been in the knife business for a long time and his experience is evident, as well as his love of the subject.Truth be told, when I was done I got myself a Randall knife. Maybe not the clear cut "best" given the amount of competition in the current knife market, but they are certainly second to none and also carry a piece of U.S. history along with them.I'm as impressed by the knife as I am by Gaddis' work.

Product Description
This authorized history of Bo Randall and his blades was compiled through meticulous research that included correspondence, original sketches, personal interviews and rare photos - including his never-before-seen first knife. Destined to become the definitive history for collectors, bladesmiths and historians.

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