I would also recommend Jim Hrisoulas' book The Complete Bladesmith. Jim posts over on the forums at iforgeiron.com http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/ as well and is mostly happy to answer questions that arise from his books when he has the time.

The 50$ knife shop is a great book, one of the best beginner knife books printed IMO.

Another great online resource is the bladeforums.com

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=741 is the knifemaker's workshop area, and some of the most knowledgeable smiths and metallurgists around freely share info there for anyone who asks.

Learning just a little bit of materials chemistry can go a very very long way with smithing, particularly with blades. Kevin Cashen, a frequent poster on the bladeforums, has some great articles on his page http://www.cashenblades.com/ about demystifying heat treatment.