R.W. Loveless "New-York Special"

Louky

Louky

Joined
Apr 21, 2003
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I was reading a very well illustrated article concerning R.W. Loveless in a French magazine.
Like every knife enthusiast I knew the name of this knife-maker, but to be honest, I never seen what kind of model he used to do. I'm very impressed by the designs sobriety and elegance. These knives are superb and now, I totally understand why M. Loveless is so appreciate.

There is one particular knife which draws my attention, it is the New-York Special model. Can you tell me more about it. What is its story, what are its characteristics ? I also understand the M. Loveless knives are very difficult to find so I would like to know if there are other knife-makers who makes knives like this one.

Thank in advance, have a nice day.
 
Unreal. Not long ago I was looking into the New York special myself. I got sidetracked. Here's a couple of links I saved. As you can see, I didn't get far in my research. No doubt, someone here will be of more help to you than I have been. As I deer hunter, I very much value his great 'dropped hunter'.


Loveless1

Loveless 2

loveless 3

And here is a link I just found for you, being French and all:

in French
 
The Loveless NY Special was based on the original larger blade Riverside Hideout model. The Riverside did not sell well. And very few were made. The Loveless NY Special has a steel collar and by all probability, a tapered tang. Its handle shape is commonly designated as the Lamb or improved Lamb. Originally designed by Thomas Lamb.

The Dozier made NY Special is exclusive to AG Russell only. There is the absence of the tapered tang and steel collar. D2 steel of course. :) NOTE: early year models had a slight different handle shape than that of the current, which has a slightly longer handle profile. They are excellent hideout knives with distinctive use purposes. The acompanying kydex shoulder rig from the Dozier shop is unmatched.

Good luck with finding one with the Loveless logo on it!

N2
 
Hello

The last I had heard from J. W. Denton at the Guild Show last month, a Lovless New York Special could cost any where from $8,000.00 to 40,0000.00. He is out of Hiawassee, GA and advertises in Blade, and happens to be a very nice guy. I believe he and his son probable have one of or the largest collections of Loveless’s in the world if not the largest. They do attend a few shows each year and will buy our sell Loveless’s.

Also you might be able to order one from S. R. Johnson but I belive he is about 3 to 6 years out on delivery. But he's considered to make one of the finest fixed balde knives in world at this time.

Hope I was of some help,

Jack
 
My understanding is that if you want something "similar" Dozier makes the Arkansas Toothpick - very similar in shape and executed in D2 steel. Not sure if he still makes them, but I saw it featured in a recent knife magazine being tested by Jerry VanCook. Jason.
 
Thank you very much for these pieces of information. (I didn't notice the New-York Special design similarity with the Hideout model !) It is strange to see the only detailed biography available on the web is... in French.

My knife budget don't allow me to buy a 40 000$ knife so I will try the Dozier model. Even if I can't afford (for the moment (who knows, I'm still young !)) one of these knives, it is, in spite of everything, a real pleasure to see the M. Lovless productions.
 
The original New York Special was a limited run of 7 knives,all in green micarta,al with snaps on the handles and corresponding snaps on sheaths.
If you can find one for sale expect to fork out at least $20,000 (I have offered that amount for one and was turned down).
Loveless came out with another run of NY specials without the snap.When available they run approx. $8000.
Hope that helps
Dave Ellis
http://www.exquisiteknives.com
 
TX-
Thanks for the Engnath link- good stuff. Great guy- lost him too soon.
 
Bob Engnath was one of the very best. It is a shame that we will not get to see just how good he would have become.

One maker that produces knives in the style of the New York Special is Ricardo Velarde. He makes a stunning integral in that style. The top knife in the photo below is what I am talking about.

srvel03.jpg
 
Here is one by a fellow known to post here by the name of Bob Doggett. Very well executed with well matched natural Sambar scales. He makes a folding version of this, in fact FisherK (Ken) has one.

Win
 

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You've got at least half a dozen different makers that have their version of Loveless's NY Special. Dietmar Kressler, SR Johnson, Charlie Weiss are just a few, unfortunately the demand for all three of these makers means the waiting list and price are both pretty high, but well worth it.
 
I've handled some of the Kressler & Johnson knives. Flawless. Those guys are as good as it gets.
If I was very rich, I wouldn't be for very long...
 
Here's a shot of Bob Doggett's NY Special Folder:
Edited to add: This is the smoothest non-bearing assisted side operner I own. Anyone who has handled it will certainly agree. It's also the only one so far that Bob D. has made. :eek:

Ken
 
As some of you know, I have been in constant contact with Bob Loveless, and his partner Jim Merritt, and have full permission to make quite a few of the Loveless models.. These are not only from original Pattern's obtained from Loveless himself,as i"m not the only knife maker to get a a few patterns from Loveless, But they have guided me in the making of exact reproductions, authorized by Bob Loveless, and Jim Merritt"(Loveless partner for over 25 years)", Them selves. They both cratique the Loveless Connection knives to make sure that they are correct in every way. The only changes, are between Bob and I to prevent Counterfitting. If your, not an expert Lovless collector, you won't be able to tell what the change is. It's for our protection. I just finnished a Stiff Horn, and a NY Special for a good customer in Cali. If any one here has the ability to post a pic. Ill e-mail you one. the web site isn't finished yet, but here is a few samples. Thanks, M. Lovett http://home.earthlink.net/~michaellovett/
 
Here's one I have by John Young. True to the original it has the snap in feature. Amazing workmanship!

Win

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Here is a photo of M. Lovette's N.Y. Special:

Ken

Edited to add: He sent me some additional pix, but I have to reduce their size to get them to fit. They are real beauties though.

OK I finally found the time to get these next two photos re-sized:
 
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