Loveless Bolts - What say you? Like them, love them, hate them and why?

Hale Storm

Hale Storm

Ronnie Hale Custom Knives
Gold Member
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Sep 18, 2013
Messages
2,861
EDITED - This thread started out as a question about Corby bolts. I've been enlightened and educated by our very own member, Matthew Gregory.
We shall shift focus and talk about "Loveless Bolts".

My below statement is still true, however I do not feel this way about Corby bolts any longer. 😆

I'll go first. This is MY opinion.
I don't like them. I feel they take away from some beautiful custom knives.
They always seem like a "shortcut" to me, not to mention the fact that the threads of the bolt always show so it's never a flat surface on the scales.
It feels like the maker got to the end of adding the scales and took the quickest., easiest way out.
I think if you're going to take the time to drill the recess for the Loveless, then why not just add fasteners?
Am I missing something in why makers use them?
I'd love for people to weigh in on this.
Thanks in advance BF fam.
 
Last edited:
The threads on Corby bolts when properly used do not show, all you see is a solid surface. To me corby bolts look cleaner than loveless fasteners or handle screws/bolts and add a level of security that pins do not (unless PROPERLY peened). A counterbore makes the drilling operation easy.

In short, corby bolts are a strong, secure, and clean looking scale attachment option.

niX1aUv.jpeg
 
Matthew Gregory said:
You’re using them wrong. With proper planning, the threads don’t show, as Josh mentioned. There are fewer more positive fasteners than a properly used Corby.
Click to expand...
I've never used them. I use multiple style fasteners but never Corby. And if i peen solid brass pins, I always put a 60* chamfer on the hole so the material will peen out and hold tight over time. The above picture from navman is gorgeous.
 
THIS is what I'm talking about.
corby1.jpg
 
Hale Storm said:
THIS is what I'm talking about.
View attachment 3143602
Click to expand...


Ah. Yeah, those aren’t Corby bolts - those are Loveless bolts. They look like this before assembly.

LovelessBoltsskuCPLB1_1200x.jpg





They were popularized by Bob Loveless, but I kind of wonder if he wouldn’t have used Corby bolts had he been given the chance. Both operate the same way, but those exposed threads seem to be polarizing.
 
Matthew Gregory said:
Ah. Yeah, those aren’t Corby bolts - those are Loveless bolts. They look like this before assembly.

LovelessBoltsskuCPLB1_1200x.jpg





They were popularized by Bob Loveless, but I kind of wonder if he wouldn’t have used Corby bolts had he been given the chance. Both operate the same way, but those exposed threads seem to be polarizing.
Click to expand...
You sir, have cleared this up for me!!
My disdain is now for "Loveless" bolts (RIP Bob). I shall endeavor to persevere and use some Corby bolts going forward.
What an "oh hell" moment. Thank you again Mr. Gregory.
 
Hale Storm said:
EDITED - This thread started out as a question about Corby bolts. I've been enlightened and educated by our very own member, Matthew Gregory.
We shall shift focus and talk about "Loveless Bolts".

My below statement is still true, however I do not feel this way about Corby bolts any longer. 😆

I'll go first. This is MY opinion.
I don't like them. I feel they take away from some beautiful custom knives.
They always seem like a "shortcut" to me, not to mention the fact that the threads of the bolt always show so it's never a flat surface on the scales.
It feels like the maker got to the end of adding the scales and took the quickest., easiest way out.
I think if you're going to take the time to drill the recess for the Loveless, then why not just add fasteners?
Am I missing something in why makers use them?
I'd love for people to weigh in on this.
Thanks in advance BF fam.
Click to expand...
I think that on the right knife they can look perfectly acceptable even correct. But if you are making a high end piece they are to be avoided.

Imagine a 5" loveless style hunter with olive green micarta, brass guard and a belt finished blade. The bolts don't look out of place. However it's not for most knives. (actually just noticed your pic above! LOL)
 
I had no clue what a corby bolt was so did a google search and found this video which I thought was great at explaining them.

 
Last edited:
Surprised there are people who don't like fasteners. I don't dislike corby. They hold good. Threads beat pins everyday. I use "loveless" threaded fasteners. Generally I make mine, but not always. I use a variety of materials. And a variety of thread sizes.
IMG_20250503_151847094.jpgIMG_20250504_082306794.jpg
Often I don't have access to a lathe so I made a little drilling fixture. Sometimes with the lack of precision, they look wonky eyed. I actually like it. I hope my knives are warm and have soul. Definitely not sterile and cold.


Just today this picture was shared with love.
*Not my picture
Edit to add, and definitely not bragging, but I also made the copper bead too.
IMG_1491.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Bob must have had a reason for using the design that he did as he always thought things through. He usually used stainless steel pins on his nickel silver guards, too, which seemed strange to me, but it must have made sense to him. I usually prefer the clean look of Corbys, myself. And, by the way, the Loveless bolts used by most people today are not exactly like Bob’s; his had a counter sunk head on one side so the threads only show on one side.
 
Crag the Brewer said:
Surprised there are people who don't like fasteners. I don't dislike corby. They hold good. Threads beat pins everyday. I use "loveless" threaded fasteners. Generally I make mine, but not always. I use a variety of materials. And a variety of thread sizes.
View attachment 3144715View attachment 3144717
Often I don't have access to a lathe so I made a little drilling fixture. Sometimes with the lack of precision, they look wonky eyed. I actually like it. I hope my knives are warm and have soul. Definitely not sterile and cold.


Just today this picture was shared with love.
*Not my picture
Edit to add, and definitely not bragging, but I also made the copper bead too.
View attachment 3144720
Click to expand...
Id be bragging....😉 ......Its a beauty👌
 
I am a bit of a nerd about design and engineering so I guess that's why I like them. Although I might prefer something user serviceable.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top