Loveless Style Knives at Blade

[Bladeandbarrel]

While at the Blade Show I inspected most all (Many) of the Loveless style makers, low and high profile.

A few things stuck out.

-Most of the handle contours, even on better knives were too square.

-Most of the sheaths were poorly executed compared to the real thing.

-Many diverted too much from the Loveless pattern and drastically changed the balance and feel of the original and the result was heavy, clumsy knives.

Some of the best knives I saw were made by Aida, Buchanan, Tamatsu, Shigeno, and of course Takahashi.

The Japanese makers are starting to look like a HUGE Steal compared to most of the Americans. The work is generally cleaner and more in line with an actual Loveless. The pricing is better. Delivery times are better. Problem is you will need an interpreter to get what you want.

Aida is probably the best "overall" of them all and his work was available at a big discount on the secondary market. Unfortunately he no longer does shows in the USA and he has been largely forgotten.

I am considering starting a collection of Japanese Loveless makers. Any thoughts?

 

[eisman]

Any thoughts I'd post would be biased, since I got one of the Takahashi's.

 

[ptgdvc]

It really depends on your objective for the collection.

If we are discussing your pure enjoyment of Loveless tactile and visual pleasure for a lot less money, it is a good idea.

If we are discussing price appreciation, I am neutral on the notion.

 

[Kevin Jones]

First of all I would like to thank Steve Garsson for arranging the Loveless Knife tour and panel of experts who spoke to us.
We saw and handled a WIDE RANGE of styles and vintage Loveless knives.
Quite an education on Loveless knives in only an hour or so and supports what Anthony refers to.

I'm setting here now inspecting a fine Thad Bachanan mammoth ivory New York Special and a beautiful Charles Vestal Chute knife which I obtained at Blade Show for one of our CKCA members overseas. Just one of the things we offer our international members. Both very nice and well executed.

I do get what Anthony is saying. Loveless knives do have that "feel" that few if any other makers have been able to completely obtain.

Not entirely sure that exactly copying every aspect of the Loveless knife is the intension of every "Loveless Style" maker out there.
Some applying "their ideas" or creating "their rendition" of the Loveless design may be productive or at least certainly interesting and/or refreshing.
I'm enjoying being exposed to them all.

 

[JParanee]

I am not really qualified to speak on the subject

All I can say is that there seemed to be alot of interest in Loveless styled knives

Great to meet you in person Anthony keep in touch

 

[mike malosh]

Yes, Thanks STeven for the invite! My son and I really enjoyed it. Once it sunk in he called both his grandpa's and told them all about it.

I do have to agree with what Kevin said.

 

[Kohai999]

A few things stuck out.

-Most of the handle contours, even on better knives were too square.

-Most of the sheaths were poorly executed compared to the real thing.

-Many diverted too much from the Loveless pattern and drastically changed the balance and feel of the original and the result was heavy, clumsy knives.

Some of the best knives I saw were made by Aida, Buchanan, Tamatsu, Shigeno, and of course Takahashi.

The Japanese makers are starting to look like a HUGE Steal compared to most of the Americans. The work is generally cleaner and more in line with an actual Loveless. The pricing is better. Delivery times are better. Problem is you will need an interpreter to get what you want.

Aida is probably the best "overall" of them all and his work was available at a big discount on the secondary market. Unfortunately he no longer does shows in the USA and he has been largely forgotten.

I am considering starting a collection of Japanese Loveless makers. Any thoughts?

1. I have been able to directly compare the Buchanan Dixon fighter to the Loveless Dixon fighter with Phil Lobred doing same. My Buchanan has a "better" blade to some degree and a much thinner, more consistent taper in the tang....the handles however are significantly less round. Thad came on our "Loveless Tour", and is also working closely with the Loveless shop, so we can expect that will change. Charles Vestal also came on the tour, and I would expect that we will see some change there as well.

2. The purpose of the "Loveless Tour" was to cover EXACTLY the areas you are concerned with, Anthony, and I would like to thank Dave Ellis, John Denton, Rhett and Janie Stidham and Lou DeSantis(in order of visiting) for helping those of us on the tour to see what makes a Loveless "all that".

3. Loveless sheaths are pretty good, but Paul Long is making "the best" rendition out there right now, and hopefully will share his observations with makers who ask. The basic difference is in the quality of leather, and edge finishing. To shoot for Loveless quality should be the basic minimum goal, but to shoot for Paul Long quality should be the ultimate goal.

4. I think a Japanese maker Loveless collection would hold it's value very well in Japan, but may not here....you already noted yourself that Yoshihito Aida is slowly being forgotten, and with that loss of memory comes loss of $$$ realized in sale price.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Jon Brand]

I saw tons of loveless style knives, they seem to be doing very well. Also I am sorry I missed the loveless tour. I had every intention of participating but overslept like a baby.

 

[Lorien]

3. Loveless sheaths are pretty good, but Paul Long is making "the best" rendition out there right now, and hopefully will share his observations with makers who ask. The basic difference is in the quality of leather, and edge finishing. To shoot for Loveless quality should be the basic minimum goal, but to shoot for Paul Long quality should be the ultimate goal.

hard to imagine a sheath being made better than one made by Mr. Long.

 

[bluejaunte]

While I have had neither the benefit of the tour nor opportunity to inspect any Loveless knives personally (sadly), I have noticed another trend. Many "interpretations", especially chute knives, seem to have a more profound belly than any of the originals that I have seen.

Has anyone else noticed this as well? If so, what is driving it?

 

[Bladeandbarrel]

I guess my point was partially that the unknown Japanese makers have seemingly already had the Loveless "tour" but most of the very lauded Americans had not. Of course, Kuzan Oda and Aida-san have spent time working in the shop on a full-time basis which may explain their mastery of the genre. Aida is considered the Loveless of Japan and has trained many makers there as well.

I am sad I missed the Loveless tour.



I think it is much more difficult to create exacting Loveless replicas than knives that happen to look somewhat "Loveless". That is part of the mystique to me. Because of this, I am tempted to start an Aida collection. If I ever need to sell them I will just fedex them to Japan.

 

[Kohai999]

I am sad I missed the Loveless tour.

I think it is much more difficult to create exacting Loveless replicas than knives that happen to look somewhat "Loveless". That is part of the mystique to me. Because of this, I am tempted to start an Aida collection. If I ever need to sell them I will just fedex them to Japan.

Of course, it is damned difficult to make the "right" Loveless replicas. The Japanese are complete experts at reproduction....and Americans are known for the pioneer spirit...that would be one major distinction right there.

Heck, Anthony, all we did was form up a group and visit the great Loveless dealers mentioned above. If you are at Blade next year, do the same thing...but try to let people know better than I did....thought that the Blade Show team would let me make an announcement, but that was not to be.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[rbslaughter1]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the T.B. Dixon Fighter compaired to the original Loveless design, Steven.. Interesting.. Best, Rich

 

[WilsonCombatRep]

Loveless rocks!

 

[Charles Vestal]

While I have had neither the benefit of the tour nor opportunity to inspect any Loveless knives personally (sadly), I have noticed another trend. Many "interpretations", especially chute knives, seem to have a more profound belly than any of the originals that I have seen.

Has anyone else noticed this as well? If so, what is driving it?

Hi Aaron,

Here is a scan of a page from a Loveless catalog, from the early 70's.

You can see the belly in the Chutes of this time period.



Steven, Thank you for putting together the Loveless Tour. I had a chance to handle more Loveless knives in one hour than I had up to that point.

It was nice listening to the history told buy the dealers and also the history told by the knives we had a chance to hold.

A lot of food for thought packed into one hour, I hope I can digest all of it.

Take care

Charles

 

[fujita yuji]

Of course, it is damned difficult to make the "right" Loveless replicas. The Japanese are complete experts at reproduction....and Americans are known for the pioneer spirit...that would be one major distinction right there.

Well said.
Shame so many Japanese custom makers are known for replica.
I know doing clean work is important but I appreciate clean lines generated
from his own knife making experience or outdoor activities.

If I want a Loveless style knife, I'll get one from Loveless.

 

[Bladeandbarrel]

Well said.
Shame so many Japanese custom makers are known for replica.
I know doing clean work is important but I appreciate clean lines generated
from his own knife making experience or outdoor activities.

If I want a Loveless style knife, I'll get one from Loveless.

Don't hold your breath. Or your wallet.

I love Loveless designs. Not Joe Blow designs. Whats wrong with buying a Loveless design, executed better than the Loveless shop at a lower price?

I guess that is the allure to me. I see it more of an homage than a replica.

Loveless is typically regarded much higher in Japan than he is here. he taught them to make his patterns, the Japanese taught him the process.

 

[Boggs]

It really depends on your objective for the collection.

If we are discussing your pure enjoyment of Loveless tactile and visual pleasure for a lot less money, it is a good idea.

If we are discussing price appreciation, I am neutral on the notion.

And so it comes right back to this..............

 

[peterinct]

I also saw quite a number of Loveless inspired knives.

Regrettfully, I also missed the tour. I chatted with John Denton about it, and he recalled something had been mentioned, but not if it was a "go", or what time it would be.

Somehow, I was thinking noon on Sunday, and when I stopped by the CKCA booth, Kevin informed me it had taken place at 10 AM...my LOSS!

Peter

 

[Kohai999]

Somehow, I was thinking noon on Sunday, and when I stopped by the CKCA booth, Kevin informed me it had taken place at 10 AM...my LOSS!

Peter

Sorry, Peter, as I wrote above, was counting on Blade staff to let me make an announcement.

It will happen next year, and will be more thought out, I just won't be the one leading it in person.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson