- Joined
- May 25, 2007
- Messages
- 968
There has been much speculation about the Loveless shop the last couple of years, and especially now with Bob's passing.
I am posting this to hopefully set some of the record straight.
As many of you know, I have been close to the Loveless Shop for some time now. With this, I have been privy to many things Loveless. Some well known. Some not so much.
I will touch on a few of these here.
It has been much speculation as to whether the Loveless Shop will continue.
I am happy to say it will. In much the same way it has for decades.
Bob was without a doubt the finest Knife Designer the World has ever known. It would be a shame for them to stop coming out of the Loveless Shop. It was Bob's wish that they continue.
I was not going to post about all the years Jim Merritt has been at the Loveless Shop, but now that it has appeared in the Obit., it seems pointless to not mention it. 28 years at the job gives him a lot of credit!
Jim was a very skilled Knife Maker long before coming on board with Bob Loveless. Particularly in blade Grinding. This made for a ready fit into Bob's World of Knife Making. Jim easily adapted to Bob's designs, and as they say, the rest is History.
After years at the Loveless Shop, Bob made Jim a partner. As such he had a lot of input in day to day operations. As time went on, His presence became more and more important.
A few years ago, Bob became Ill, And it worried him. He decided to change the wording of the partnership. This gave Jim controlling interest in the Loveless Shop. As per Bob's wishes.
It was decided, for the good of the Loveless Shop, and for Bob's family, that the Loveless Shop, and Loveless Knives be passed on to Jim. All paper work, and documents were taken care of a few years back. Kinda hard to not say anything, especially with all the rumors that followed.
There has been so much speculation here as to who was to be the Heir Apparent to Bob Loveless, upon Bob's demise. Names have been passed around like water. A few times I got in on the discussion, and made the mistake of letting a few know my feelings on the subject. None of those mentioned were qualified. Sure they make some fine knives, but Bob was a "World Class Designer" first and for most. Simply doing a good job copying them doesn't a Bob Loveless make. (Being able to copy one or two models or even 5 or 6 sure as heck doesn't). I have well over 50 patters here, with more to come in the future I'm sure. They all have to be right. Not just an interpretation.
Bob knew a "LOT" of fine Knife Makers. Makers of different types of Knives. Folders, Tactical, Art Knives. All types of Makers. He said the two best makers he ever knew were Buster Warenski and Jim Merritt. Buster for his fine workmanship, and Jim for being able to make the same Knives day in, and day out, and keeping them the same. Knife to Knife.
In fact, I was getting a little burnt out a few years back with the Loveless Connection Knives. Bob gave me one of his many Fatherly talks. He said Mike, any one can make a one time piece that is outstanding. It brings out the passion. Makes the juices flow. On the other hand, a factory is set up to turn out the same thing over and over. However, for an individual to do it, one at a time, and still have them come out almost identical, That takes talent. And "Commitment". When some one calls and wants a Knife for their Son, just like the one they had, it has to be very close. If not, they are disappointed. I (bob Loveless), can do it. Jim (Merritt) can do it. And you Mike (Lovett), can do it. Very few can. Jim Merritt is the finest Knife Maker I ever Knew. Hell-He is better than I ever was! That from the mouth of the Master Himself!
Bob never claimed to be a super Knife Maker. He claimed to make a damed good Knife. And he did! He did claim to make changes to age old designs, and bring them into the Modern World. To make a better designed tool. A tool a man could be proud of. Could he could depend on.
Bob saw himself as a tool maker. Not an Artist. He never really understood why his work demanded so much money. (But He sure didn't mind!)
Jim and I have been on going close contact about the situation. Bob of late, has been in bad shape. But it was decide to keep it quiet. For a number of reason. Bob was so weak. A very sad time.
Apparently for some reason, there were those that thought they were going to take over Loveless Knives. One even went so far as to post on Twitter or face book-I forget which-that the shop was going to be moving to their location in another State. This was blatantly false. But just one of the examples of why we decided to keep it quiet.
A few weeks ago, I received a e-mail inviting me to the Loveless Forum, being hosted by Jim Merritt. Huh??? I called Jim, and he had received the same e-mail. I received it from Jim's e-mail address, and Jim had gotten the same e-mail from my address, along with several others. All well known Loveless Collectors. It claimed to be from Jim Merritt, "Owner of-The Loveless Shop- They were all "FAKE"!!! It is our feeling that someone was trying to put a wedge between Bob and Jim. Bob was in terrible shape, but only a few people knew it.
I think they wanted Bob to hear that Jim was claiming to be the Owner of the Loveless Shop to get him out of the way for a hostile take-over.. How ironic. Jim DID own the Loveless Shop, but no one but Bob, I and some of the family knew it.
So why do I know any of this. Good question. I have had to bite my lip for years. I didn't even know the all of why.
As I said, a few years ago, Bob became ill. It worried him. On top of that, Jim became ill. It looked like Loveless Knives might be no more.
Bob and Jim decided to do something about it. A mutual friend, and Loveless collector told them about me. He showed them my work. It was "Very Loveless Like". When Bob was told that Lovett had never actually held a "Real Loveless", he was intrigued. The Friend arranged for me to meet them, and flew me out there.
Bob questioned me at length. He wanted to know why I make them the way I did. He wanted to know what each feature of the knife was for. Why I made them the way I did.
I answered all his questions from a stand point of how the knife was intended to be used, and the method of how I accomplished the features and Incorporated them into the finished Knife. Never did I say "Because it looks like a Loveless." (Which of course is exactly why so many people copy them. Either because they truly like the Look of a Loveless, or likely, the popularity, and marketability of the look.) Few actually understand them. The subtle nuances. Even the very Top Collectors for the most part have no Idea what they are for. Luckily, Form really does follow Function. This is what makes the Loveless look and feel so right.
What I did say is that they look right, They feel right, and they do a superior job in the field. With little effort. They are a natural to use. I told Bob that no matter how I tried to change them, they still came out looking Loveless like. When they felt right in the hand, they still ended up looking like a Loveless.
With that, Bob Looked at Jim and said,"Finally someone understands what we do and why we do it!"
He ask Jim to help me all he could. And he sure has. Between bob and Jim, I couldn't tell you how many hours we have spent going over design, and techniques. We even share techniques from time to time.
As it turned out, Bob got better, (then) and Jim got over his illness. (Thank God!) If not, I would have flown out to the Shop, and done all I could to help out. I guess I was kinda the back up plan. I absolutely had to know how to make the Loveless Knives. Period.
Should Jim need me, I will be there! No questions ask. That is the way it is.
Now you know the why of the Lovett-Loveless-Connection Knives. For years, I couldn't say why. (Yes it was hard at times). We kept it quiet. As it should have been.
So here you have it. Jim Merritt is the Heir Apparent. He inherited the Loveless Shop. Very fitting indeed. Some Collectors/Dealers won't like it. Bob didn't care. Jim doesn't care, I don't care. We make Knives. That is all we care about. The rest just isn't our problem. Politics and Greed have no place in Knife Making. Making a "Fine Tool" does.
Mike Lovett
Maker
The Loveless Connection Knives
On a side note, Where has Lovett been.
One and a half years in the Eminent Domain Move, (State), They screwed up everything. A terrible mess. Mostly contractor problems. I ended up getting injured during the move. Long recovery.Then a slight bout with a simple cancer. Finally back after all this time. Not going to post much. No time for it.
I have a lot of catch up to do. Customers to please! They have been great. Now it's time to get to work!
Mike
I am posting this to hopefully set some of the record straight.
As many of you know, I have been close to the Loveless Shop for some time now. With this, I have been privy to many things Loveless. Some well known. Some not so much.
I will touch on a few of these here.
It has been much speculation as to whether the Loveless Shop will continue.
I am happy to say it will. In much the same way it has for decades.
Bob was without a doubt the finest Knife Designer the World has ever known. It would be a shame for them to stop coming out of the Loveless Shop. It was Bob's wish that they continue.
I was not going to post about all the years Jim Merritt has been at the Loveless Shop, but now that it has appeared in the Obit., it seems pointless to not mention it. 28 years at the job gives him a lot of credit!
Jim was a very skilled Knife Maker long before coming on board with Bob Loveless. Particularly in blade Grinding. This made for a ready fit into Bob's World of Knife Making. Jim easily adapted to Bob's designs, and as they say, the rest is History.
After years at the Loveless Shop, Bob made Jim a partner. As such he had a lot of input in day to day operations. As time went on, His presence became more and more important.
A few years ago, Bob became Ill, And it worried him. He decided to change the wording of the partnership. This gave Jim controlling interest in the Loveless Shop. As per Bob's wishes.
It was decided, for the good of the Loveless Shop, and for Bob's family, that the Loveless Shop, and Loveless Knives be passed on to Jim. All paper work, and documents were taken care of a few years back. Kinda hard to not say anything, especially with all the rumors that followed.
There has been so much speculation here as to who was to be the Heir Apparent to Bob Loveless, upon Bob's demise. Names have been passed around like water. A few times I got in on the discussion, and made the mistake of letting a few know my feelings on the subject. None of those mentioned were qualified. Sure they make some fine knives, but Bob was a "World Class Designer" first and for most. Simply doing a good job copying them doesn't a Bob Loveless make. (Being able to copy one or two models or even 5 or 6 sure as heck doesn't). I have well over 50 patters here, with more to come in the future I'm sure. They all have to be right. Not just an interpretation.
Bob knew a "LOT" of fine Knife Makers. Makers of different types of Knives. Folders, Tactical, Art Knives. All types of Makers. He said the two best makers he ever knew were Buster Warenski and Jim Merritt. Buster for his fine workmanship, and Jim for being able to make the same Knives day in, and day out, and keeping them the same. Knife to Knife.
In fact, I was getting a little burnt out a few years back with the Loveless Connection Knives. Bob gave me one of his many Fatherly talks. He said Mike, any one can make a one time piece that is outstanding. It brings out the passion. Makes the juices flow. On the other hand, a factory is set up to turn out the same thing over and over. However, for an individual to do it, one at a time, and still have them come out almost identical, That takes talent. And "Commitment". When some one calls and wants a Knife for their Son, just like the one they had, it has to be very close. If not, they are disappointed. I (bob Loveless), can do it. Jim (Merritt) can do it. And you Mike (Lovett), can do it. Very few can. Jim Merritt is the finest Knife Maker I ever Knew. Hell-He is better than I ever was! That from the mouth of the Master Himself!
Bob never claimed to be a super Knife Maker. He claimed to make a damed good Knife. And he did! He did claim to make changes to age old designs, and bring them into the Modern World. To make a better designed tool. A tool a man could be proud of. Could he could depend on.
Bob saw himself as a tool maker. Not an Artist. He never really understood why his work demanded so much money. (But He sure didn't mind!)
Jim and I have been on going close contact about the situation. Bob of late, has been in bad shape. But it was decide to keep it quiet. For a number of reason. Bob was so weak. A very sad time.
Apparently for some reason, there were those that thought they were going to take over Loveless Knives. One even went so far as to post on Twitter or face book-I forget which-that the shop was going to be moving to their location in another State. This was blatantly false. But just one of the examples of why we decided to keep it quiet.
A few weeks ago, I received a e-mail inviting me to the Loveless Forum, being hosted by Jim Merritt. Huh??? I called Jim, and he had received the same e-mail. I received it from Jim's e-mail address, and Jim had gotten the same e-mail from my address, along with several others. All well known Loveless Collectors. It claimed to be from Jim Merritt, "Owner of-The Loveless Shop- They were all "FAKE"!!! It is our feeling that someone was trying to put a wedge between Bob and Jim. Bob was in terrible shape, but only a few people knew it.
I think they wanted Bob to hear that Jim was claiming to be the Owner of the Loveless Shop to get him out of the way for a hostile take-over.. How ironic. Jim DID own the Loveless Shop, but no one but Bob, I and some of the family knew it.
So why do I know any of this. Good question. I have had to bite my lip for years. I didn't even know the all of why.
As I said, a few years ago, Bob became ill. It worried him. On top of that, Jim became ill. It looked like Loveless Knives might be no more.
Bob and Jim decided to do something about it. A mutual friend, and Loveless collector told them about me. He showed them my work. It was "Very Loveless Like". When Bob was told that Lovett had never actually held a "Real Loveless", he was intrigued. The Friend arranged for me to meet them, and flew me out there.
Bob questioned me at length. He wanted to know why I make them the way I did. He wanted to know what each feature of the knife was for. Why I made them the way I did.
I answered all his questions from a stand point of how the knife was intended to be used, and the method of how I accomplished the features and Incorporated them into the finished Knife. Never did I say "Because it looks like a Loveless." (Which of course is exactly why so many people copy them. Either because they truly like the Look of a Loveless, or likely, the popularity, and marketability of the look.) Few actually understand them. The subtle nuances. Even the very Top Collectors for the most part have no Idea what they are for. Luckily, Form really does follow Function. This is what makes the Loveless look and feel so right.
What I did say is that they look right, They feel right, and they do a superior job in the field. With little effort. They are a natural to use. I told Bob that no matter how I tried to change them, they still came out looking Loveless like. When they felt right in the hand, they still ended up looking like a Loveless.
With that, Bob Looked at Jim and said,"Finally someone understands what we do and why we do it!"
He ask Jim to help me all he could. And he sure has. Between bob and Jim, I couldn't tell you how many hours we have spent going over design, and techniques. We even share techniques from time to time.
As it turned out, Bob got better, (then) and Jim got over his illness. (Thank God!) If not, I would have flown out to the Shop, and done all I could to help out. I guess I was kinda the back up plan. I absolutely had to know how to make the Loveless Knives. Period.
Should Jim need me, I will be there! No questions ask. That is the way it is.
Now you know the why of the Lovett-Loveless-Connection Knives. For years, I couldn't say why. (Yes it was hard at times). We kept it quiet. As it should have been.
So here you have it. Jim Merritt is the Heir Apparent. He inherited the Loveless Shop. Very fitting indeed. Some Collectors/Dealers won't like it. Bob didn't care. Jim doesn't care, I don't care. We make Knives. That is all we care about. The rest just isn't our problem. Politics and Greed have no place in Knife Making. Making a "Fine Tool" does.
Mike Lovett
Maker
The Loveless Connection Knives
On a side note, Where has Lovett been.
One and a half years in the Eminent Domain Move, (State), They screwed up everything. A terrible mess. Mostly contractor problems. I ended up getting injured during the move. Long recovery.Then a slight bout with a simple cancer. Finally back after all this time. Not going to post much. No time for it.
I have a lot of catch up to do. Customers to please! They have been great. Now it's time to get to work!
Mike
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