Some of my favorite resources for getting started in exploring the rich history of traditional pocket knives
Getting Started:
Levine's Guide to Knives & their Values by Bernard Levine and Bud Lang
If you want a grounded understanding in knife patterns, history, etc, then start here!
The Standard Knife Collector's Guide by Roy Ritchie and Ron Stewart
American Pocket Knives A History of Schatt & Morgan and Queen Cutlery By David A. Krauss
David is a really nice guy and his book is an excellent read on one of my favorite old companies. Also, David's intro on knife history is a must read.
Fascinating Reads:
The below are all in the public domain
A Man of Samples - Something about the Men He Met "on the Road." by William H. Maher · 1886
The Cutlery Trades An Historical Essay in the Economics of Small-scale Production by Godfrey Isaac Howard Lloyd · 1913
The Manufacture of Steel Containing the Practice and Principles of Working and Making Steel by Frederick Overman, A. A. Fesquet · 1873
Archaeology dig of the New York Knife Company by the University of the State of New York. · 1999
This is a fascinating look at the survey and excavation of the grounds of this former powerhouse of a knife company. What was left behind will shock and astonish readers!
The American Cutler - Official Organ of the Cutlery Industry
US Trade mag from the early 1900s targeted to manufacturers, job shops, and retailers. Multiple bound years available
Catalogs:
One of the best ways to piece together knife history - and maybe even test urban legends.
Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett and Co - One of the best hardware stores of our great-great grandfather's time! Famed hardware store based in Chicago and originator of the True Value brand. The below catalog PDF links are large downloads.
Web Resources:
Self-descriptive! This site has many good reads on both Queen and Schatt & Morgan with new content added frequently
Support a great magazine and writers. A digital subscription also gets you access to their lengthy magazine and book archive.
The World's best manufacturer of production pocket knives. You can get them from Austin!