- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,336
'Loveless Knives' have had books, videos, and countless discussions for tens of years.
Bob Loveless (Robert W. Loveless, R.W. Loveless, and simply RWL are renowned) built his reputation on design, build, quality and people. He was not a loner, and liked to work with others. His partnerships with others are also appreciated and often makes his work with another co-worker in that period that much more unique and desirable.
He even has a Wikipedia page which covers far more than I will.
His partner of 30+ years, Jim Merritt, has worked alongside Bob and has been instrumental with the final builds throughout this period. This has been no secret, and once Bob passed away in 2010, it was almost 'business as usual'. Jim changed the name on the knives he's produced from 'RW Loveless maker' to 'RW Loveless knives'. A subtle but notable change.
Bob has an in-law nephew Russell Klaehn who contacted me months ago and wanted my help is creating images to display on their 'official' LovelessKnives.com website for their shop. Russell has been working with Jim at the shop for years, helping to manage, clean and keep the continuing orders sane. He's well-aware and keen on the RWL brand identification.
While working in SoCal this past April, upon Russell's invitation I had the opportunity to visit the Loveless shop in Riverside, CA. This was an opportunity for me to see for myself what went on, and is going on, in this world famous hideaway workplace. (It's on a main road, but in the back of a nondescript home which Russell stays in while he's there, and it's very indiscreet.)
The visit was eye-opening in many regards.
:thumbup: I'm a photographer, however I have a long history of working in machining and as a mechanic, so I know what an efficient shop can look like. THIS was a an incredible shop.
Let's start with just one of his knives to put it into context, then I'm going to show you pages of current clear shop photos.
Note: I will edit the posts and images with some info about each room and view later this evening. They will give more context, so check back.
Continued...
Bob Loveless (Robert W. Loveless, R.W. Loveless, and simply RWL are renowned) built his reputation on design, build, quality and people. He was not a loner, and liked to work with others. His partnerships with others are also appreciated and often makes his work with another co-worker in that period that much more unique and desirable.
He even has a Wikipedia page which covers far more than I will.
His partner of 30+ years, Jim Merritt, has worked alongside Bob and has been instrumental with the final builds throughout this period. This has been no secret, and once Bob passed away in 2010, it was almost 'business as usual'. Jim changed the name on the knives he's produced from 'RW Loveless maker' to 'RW Loveless knives'. A subtle but notable change.
Bob has an in-law nephew Russell Klaehn who contacted me months ago and wanted my help is creating images to display on their 'official' LovelessKnives.com website for their shop. Russell has been working with Jim at the shop for years, helping to manage, clean and keep the continuing orders sane. He's well-aware and keen on the RWL brand identification.
While working in SoCal this past April, upon Russell's invitation I had the opportunity to visit the Loveless shop in Riverside, CA. This was an opportunity for me to see for myself what went on, and is going on, in this world famous hideaway workplace. (It's on a main road, but in the back of a nondescript home which Russell stays in while he's there, and it's very indiscreet.)
The visit was eye-opening in many regards.
:thumbup: I'm a photographer, however I have a long history of working in machining and as a mechanic, so I know what an efficient shop can look like. THIS was a an incredible shop.Let's start with just one of his knives to put it into context, then I'm going to show you pages of current clear shop photos.
Note: I will edit the posts and images with some info about each room and view later this evening. They will give more context, so check back.
Continued...
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