I just found a reference website.  All of you seasoned collectors may already know about it or at least know the information on it, but it is going to be a tremendous help to me in learning more about knives.  Particularly any other newer collectors may find it helpful also.  When you log on, at the top is a row of six "books".  The first two are labeled Reference and Dictionary.  Anyone may access these.  You have to be a member of their club to access the last four.

But there is much information in those first two.  There are pictures and descriptions of the various blade types.  The tang stamp date codes and pattern numbers are explained.  Jigging patterns are explained.  There is an exploded view that labels the various parts of a knife.  In the dictionary there are definitions under every letter of the alphabet except Q.

Hopefully this information will be helpful to other members of this site.

http://www.casexx.com/HistoryHome.asp