Loveless style droppoint

A

AV8R

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Aug 28, 1999
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I read that when Bob Loveless first introduced his droppoint, many potential customers felt that both the blade and the grip were too thin. He encouraged them to take the knives out and use them, after which time if the customer still felt that the knife was too thin, they could return it. He said only 1 ever came back.

I have an SR Johnson droppoint, made in the classic Loveless style. 4" blade, ironwood grips, finest hunter I've ever seen. Initially, after receiving the knife from Steve, the grip felt very thin to me, didn't fill my hand at all. The blade stoch is 3/16, so that's plenty thick for this knife, but the grips are thin. I just figured that the knife was designed for a smaller hand. I haven't carried or used it or cut anything, but I handle / play with it a lot around the house and the darn thing is beginning to feel really comfortable!! I'm starting to think that if I really had to use a knife all day long, this thin grip would be the way to go. It's not as secure as a grip that fills your whole hand, but it maneuvers much better and seems to allow a better feel for the edge. I'm starting to think that this is the way to go for a hunter/utility knife and that the large hand filling grips are better for fighters/bowies.

I'd like to know if others have had the same thoughts or experiences. I'd especially like input from those who have done a lot of skinning work or use utility knives extensively. Thanks,

Pete
 
I have a cold steel master hunter. which is basically a loveless drop, but the handle really fills my hand. I am quite happy with it.
 
Thanks for the reply. I understand that many knives patterned after the Loveless have thicker grips, but the classic Loveless droppoint has very thin grips. I'm interested in knowing how comfortable and practical the thin grip is, under frequent working conditions.
 
The opinions I'm looking for would almost have to come from someone who's used a Loveless, SR Johnson or another exact rendition of the classic droppoint utility/hunter.
 
I need the thicker grips.

I don't have large hands but I have to hold on securely.


so i shy away form thin.
 
I don't know from Loveless, but as for extensively used knives, I think of kitchen cutlery. Pretty small handles for the most part, even the larger chef blades. Maybe had some influence on the Loveless design ideals? Field dressing and meat prep in the kitchen aren't all that different after all.
 
I've always felt it necessary to have a strong, full grip also. But now I'm thinking that might not be the way to go for a knife that is being used all day for somewhat intricate cutting, skinning or light utility. The shape and balance of my SR Johnson seems like it's designed to minimize hand fatigue and provide a feel for the edge....

Good point on the kitchen knives, that makes a lot of sense. I'm going to Email Steve Johnson and inquire as to the origins of the "Loveless style" droppoint. Asking Mr. Johnson is the next best thing to asking Bob Loveless, himself. I'll post his reply here when he sends it. In the meantime, here's that awesome knife I've been referring to:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1158944&a=8520635&p=54681783
 
I think what you might be asking only you can answer.

know one can tell you what is more comfortable not even loveless.

I have owned $300. customs and found them terrible and uncomfortable.

the only way is to work with a few knives and feel which one sticks to your hand.

my cold steel sticks to my hand like glue I love it.

there is no one way we are all different shapes and sizes and feels


take care

chris
 
Farmer...

Just picked up two of the new Gerber Millinium "Loveless" drop points in the traditional style...

One for the wife's collection, one for me to "use"...I'll respond back here in a few months with comments...after huntin' season...

Guys, this new knife is the "real deal" as sold by Gerber through A. G. Russell and kind...at 2001 pieces and <$250 they're gonna go fast.
 
I have a Loveless semi-skinner in stag and find the handle on a par with other custom knives of this category. I am not sure how thin is thin. There have been instances where makers tried to make the handle as thin as possible but without knowing the thickness of your handle, I really can't comment. By the way, my opinion is that any product with Loveless design on it is way overpriced and offers absolutely no collector value. - Dick
 
Melvin:

Thanks, Let me know how you like it....

Dick:

Kinda thin is thin. You're kidding about the collectability thing, right ??

Guys, not trying to get too technical here. I'm just trying to find out if thin handled, Loveless style knives are popular with those who use and work with knives A LOT for skinning and intricate utility purposes, versus a larger handle that fills your hand. I'm curious about this because, like most people, I like a knife that I can really hold onto. However, I suspect that might be great for a fighter, a bowie, a machete, etc.... but not necessarily for a smaller utility knife. Some 4" bladed knives DO offer full grips (some Randalls, Ed Fowler.....) My best guess is that these larger grip knives are intended to be used for a wider variety of applications including some heavy, demanding tasks, while something in the thinner Loveless style is intended for more specialized applications and is thus better suited for that specialized application (skinning, intricate cutting tasks). Don't get me wrong, I love my Randalls and nothing feels as good as my Fowler, just wondering about the thinking behind the different designs.
 
Farmer, Dwight Towell experimented with very thin full tang knives in the 70's. They were great to look at but didn't catch on. The thinness you are referring to may be the difference between a full tang knife with slab sides and an enclosed tang knife with a completely round handle. The consensus seems to be that the full tang will be stronger but the reality is that they are about the same for custom knives. The full tang knives handle about the same as the enclosed tang knives, just different construction that Loveless popularised in the 60's. No, I was not kidding about collectablity. What is collectable about an item that the designer did not produce with his own hands and is made by some commercial cutler? Better to invest in one Loveless than 10 designer copies. -Dick
 
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