Bob Loveless was and is one of the most important knife makers in the world. He was just as much of a brilliant inventor as he was a craftsman. When searching for Loveless knives, there are certain key qualities to look out for. Here are just a few interesting elements that distinguish the Bob Loveless knives from other products.

 

Popularized the Tactical knife

Bob is often considered the pioneer of the tactical knife. There have always been combat knives as far back as when knives were first invented. However, the thing that made Bob Loveless knives stand out was how they were designed. They are made for practical use in extreme situations. The folding knives were meant to be used as multi-purpose, practical tools. This is the reason Bob wanted it to fold up and fit in your pocket.

 

Popularized Micarta for the handle

Bob was known for loving micarta. Although he always cared for practicality, he was not without a sense of style. The micarta handle gave a real sense of finesse to the knives. Whether you intend to use the knives as tools, or put them on display, you will certainly have a classy item to look at.

 

Passion for personal customization

Bob had his own idea of personalizing his knives. He always preferred to make knives based on his own ideas, rather than taking commissions. It was his own way of giving a personal touch to the blades. Because of this, he always referred to his style as a “bench maker”, rather than as a “custom maker.” Regardless of his creative inspiration, you cannot argue with the finished result.

 

Steel the show

In terms of his actual practice, Bob Loveless enjoyed incorporating new ideas into his blades. For instance, he popularized the usage of ATS-34 stainless steel. ATS-34 is a Japanese type of steel that carries high-quality edge retention. It is a chrome molybdenum alloy. It is resistant to both corrosion and abrasion.

 

Lasting Impact

There are several more innovative practices that Bob Loveless implemented into his career. However, the main thing to remember is that he was all about quality. He loved knives since he was a child, but he never wanted to make a copy of something someone had already made. He wanted to create something new each time. That spirit of innovation was more than just about being a businessman. It was about being an honest fan. It was this passion that led to his inevitable induction into Blade Magazine’s Cutlery Hall of Fame. It was this same passion for quality that allows his knives to still be admired to this day. As a proud collector of Bob Loveless knives, I can assure you that you will be in for a real treat. For more information not found in the catalog, please feel free to contact me here.

April 17, 2017