Help with decisions on a Loveless Style drop point hunter . . .

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HazenPingree

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Jun 15, 2014
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I've just ordered the first of what I hope will be many custom knives, and it will be a Loveless style drop point (either 3 5/8 or 3 3/4 blade) with green micarta scales.

I have a couple decisions to make, and I was wondering if anyone could provide some guidance, advice or demonstrate via pictures the differences between these items . . .

1. Green linen micarta vs green canvas micarta

2. Stainless guard vs nickel silver

Thanks!

PS Comments on blade length (usability, balance, aesthetic qualities) would also be appreciated.
 
I posted this in the custom knife forum, but since this gets more traffic, I thought I'd post it here as well. I've also searched for discussions on these issues, but nothing quite matched up.

I'm a longtime lurker who has recently settled on a maker for my first (of what I hope will be many) "custom" knife. it will be a Loveless style drop point (either 3 5/8 or 3 3/4 blade) with green micarta scales.

I have a couple decisions to make, and I was wondering if anyone could provide some guidance, advice or demonstrate via pictures the differences between these items . . .

1. Green linen micarta vs green canvas micarta

2. Stainless guard vs nickel silver

Thanks! I will tell you that I'm leaning toward green canvas, stainless and 3 5/8".

PS Comments on blade length (usability, balance, aesthetic qualities) would also be appreciated.
 
Unfortunately you're well into personal preference territory.

If its tapered tang with the longer blade I'd suggest the lighter bolster (no idea which would weigh less) just for balance sake. Canvas vs Linen makes no difference, I personally like the rougher look of canvas micarta and would prefer it unpolished at that.

I'd suggest talking to the maker, to get his/her input.
 
I am the proud owner of a Loveless-style drop-point hunter from W.C. Davis (Bill), pics to follow.

A few things:
1) "nickel-silver" is a type of brass and as such will produce a greenish oxidation when exposed to the elements or stored in a stained (acidic) sheath for long periods of time
2) Linen micarta is usually well polished which makes it a bit slippery when wet but also prevents the temporary staining from blood and oils often seen with rougher canvas micarta. Canvas micarta, when left rough as is normal, is very grippy, wonderful stuff, but may not be as aesthetically pleasing as polished linen and will absorb some moisture from humid environments, blood from animals, etc. The absorption is only the very surface strands of cloth and can be cleaned easily with soap+water+brush.
 
Thank you for the input thus far; so canvas micarta is probably a more utilitarian material, while the linen would make for a more refined looking knife?
 
Canvas and linen micartas are by far the most popular handle materials for the Bark River knives we sell. The difference, in my experience, comes down to looks. Having a difference in grip and strength has been negligible.

Here is a loveless style drop point hunter in green linen
classic_drop_point_hunter_a2_green_linen_micarta_259_95__61604.1435240625.1280.1280.jpg


Here is the green canvas
drop-point-hunter-green-canvas-micarta-4__28644.1409957741.1280.1280.jpg
 
I know you must be very excited anticipating the arrival of a new hand made knife that will be made just for you... It's a rush when they arrive...

As far as the handle material goes, I know Bob liked working with micarta very much so you made a nice choice there... Go with the cosmetics, and pick the one you think looks best..... Lately, there have been several threads showing "canvas" versions in different colors, and when finished properly, I think it looks more interesting that than the linen... I'm not an expert, but I doubt there is a difference in performance or longevity...

Definitely go with a Stainless guard... It is a superior steel.. It will enhance the look, and be easier to maintain.. Also, nickel silver will effect the resale value negatively if you ever decide to sell it.. 416 SS is popular with many makers, and has been used as a replacement for N. S. for many years now....

I myself would get the largest size blade, in every case, as long as it fit the general parameters of Bob's design that is being used...

Good Luck, Rich Slaughter
 
No problem at all. I have gone back and forth with which I like better, and I think with that style knife I am more of a fan of the linen.
 
A good drop point hunter doesn't have to be custom or expensive. Take a look at the Rough Rider Drop Point Hunter. It's a really nice knife and inexpensive (give it away if you don't like it; they are that inexpensive).
Rich
 
Buy a Lone Wolf Loveless hunter. They are out of production, but they are good knives and a true Loveless design and an authorized execution. Guard and bolster are steel :) tapered tang as well IIRC.
 
I agree with everything just typed. Go for the stainless. I've lately grown very fond of canvas micarta. The stuff is gorgeous. Here's an example of green linnen:

10672426_1496034474015206_3436543956436063408_n.jpg
 
Just to complete this in the unlikely event that anyone was wondering what I ended up doing . . .

I went with James Sponaugle of Gordonsville, TN; green linen micarta, 3 5/8, stainless guard, simple sheath. I am very pleased, and James was a pleasure to work with.

23831357519_95e58776ef_z.jpg
 
i totally forgot to add pics of my own WC Davis version, but thank you very much for the update! :thumbup:
 
HazenPingree said:
I've just ordered the first of what I hope will be many custom knives, and it will be a Loveless style drop point (either 3 5/8 or 3 3/4 blade) with green micarta scales.

I have a couple decisions to make, and I was wondering if anyone could provide some guidance, advice or demonstrate via pictures the differences between these items . . .

1. Green linen micarta vs green canvas micarta

2. Stainless guard vs nickel silver

Thanks!

PS Comments on blade length (usability, balance, aesthetic qualities) would also be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Personally, I prefer the looks of canvas. Subjectively, I feel it gives you a slightly better grip. They both look gross when exposed to oils and dirt. Though I have never used a high-polish micarta.
Get stainless, tougher and easier to maintain.
 
HazenPingree said:
Just to complete this in the unlikely event that anyone was wondering what I ended up doing . . .

I went with James Sponaugle of Gordonsville, TN; green linen micarta, 3 5/8, stainless guard, simple sheath. I am very pleased, and James was a pleasure to work with.

23831357519_95e58776ef_z.jpg
Click to expand...

I'm glad it turned out awesome. It looks amazing!
 
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