RIP, Phil Lobred

HTMD said:
Sail on, Phil Lobred, sail on ⛵️
Most definitely one of the good guys, not just in our world - in THE world. He was 72. Phil was 33 in 1979 when he arrived in San Diego with his wife Judy, having sailed from his home in Anchorage, AK on his 50 trimaran named "Kashim" (per the San Diego Tribune). He took what he thought would be a temporary job as a carpenter for H&M Landing/Sportfishing and ultimately went on to become a part-owner and leader of the enterprise. Along the way he developed a burning passion for these crazy custom knives we all love and he became friends with many top makers and collectors. Phil's leadership and organizational skills were evident in his creation of the Art Knife Invitational show, a highly respected and eagerly attended every-other-year gathering. This is Phil last year (San Diego Tribune by Peggy Peatie) - tap to enlarge:
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Thanks for that, Buddy!

Phil built the Trimaran with his own hands. He raced snowmobiles, parachuted, and last year did a zipline in La Jolla, CA on the opening day of the business.

He was fearless, except when it came to his family and passionately loved the knife community more than anything else in life. When he was a sprout in Alaska, he thought he was the only knife collector on the planet. We will never see his like again.

Thank you, my friend,

Steven Garsson
 
So sorry to hear this. I didn't know Phil but understand what he contributed to the custom knife world. Will be missed for sure.
 
Steven,

Sorry for your loss.

I never met Phil Lobred, but he was a giant in the Custom Knife Community.

My sympathy to his family.
 
Oh My God! My first and best friend in the World of Art Knives is not there for me any more....
Without Phil my first book on knives would have only remained a dream...

This is a sad day for me as one more of my true friends is gone.
Love and blessings for his family!

Rest in Peace my friend!
תהיה נשמתך צרורה בצרור החיים
 
this is sad news indeed. My condolences, Steven.
 
We had lunch the day before Phil passed, this is all a bit too much to comprehend!
Our small World will never be the same without people like Phil Lobred, Tommy Hutton and too many others that have left us.

Please let's keep their names and legacies alive.

Dave

(writing through tears)
 
An Icon among knife people...
Very sad to hear.
 
Rest in peace Phil Lobred and thank you for the many years of great memories

Dan Favano


orig.jpg
 
Here is one of quite a few portraits of Phil displayed in my books.
This great picture (photographed by Eric Eggly P7 Studios) appeared
full-page in my book "The World of Art Knives" Vol. 1 (2010, where
I displayed highlights from his amazing Art Knife collection....

I still can't believe he will not be answering the phone....

Phil%2520Lobred-Portrait%25202009.jpg


All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
So sorry to hear this. We will all miss him.

Here's a photo of Phil with Larry Bailey at the beginning of Blade Show 2010.
I know no two individuals who gave more for so long to the custom knife world.

 
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I last saw Phil a few weeks ago when Steven, Phil and I drove to the Plaza Show in Anaheim. Phil was an amazing man who was one of the truest collectors I have ever met. I loved his stories about knifemaking legends and his passion for custom knives. He was funny, kind and smart. We have lost an icon and the thought of the Art Knife Invitational without Phil at the helm makes me truly sad.

Condolences to his family and much appreciation for the times I got to share with Mr. Lobred!

Phil with Elvis... (From Steven: That's Elvis, his karate instructor Ed Parker, Phil and Gil Hibben on the end)
 

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Hey Adam,

Nice post, thanks!

Best Regards,

Steven Garsson
 
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Phil did video interviews with Steven before and after the Art Knife Invitational (AKI) last year. (2015) He was bravely battling Parkinsons and was humble and self conscious about being on camera. We knew that his insights were the important thing and his deep friendship with Steven clearly comes through. (I am really glad we captured these for our community and future knife collectors)

Here is the pre-2015 AKI interview with Phil at Ferrum Forge
talking about the history/philosophy of the AKI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2B29zYu3yI

Here is the 2015 AKI recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHkEyF2_f64
 
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Phil had so many deep and abiding friendships. Gil Hibben lived and worked with him for a time. Bob Loveless held him in the highest esteem. He has gone riding in the Superstition Mountains with Larry Fuegen and Tim Hancock. Hunted with Ted Dowell. Shared collecting African art with Jim Schmidt. He didn't just make friends with people, he became part of their lives.

I got to visit with Phil often and we would just sit, and he would tell me stories and anecdotes.....because after all that living, sometimes you just want a friend to talk with.

That was me, and I was intensely proud to be that person and constantly wondering why it was me, and still don't have an answer....it just was.

As Dave said, writing this through the tears.

Steven Garsson
 
Here is a picture of Phil I took while talking with him at the 2009 AKI in San Diego
and then used in my books..
I shall never forget the twinkle in his eyes and the full attention he always gave me
whenever we were face to face.... A man I loved dearly...


Phil%2520Lobred%25202009-2.jpg


All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
That is an essentially "Phil" photo David, thank you!

Best Regards,

Steven Garsson
 
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