Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
Are you currently accepting orders?
Yes, I do have a waitlist for my Loveless Designed knives. (Hunting/ Utility knife orders have priority over Fighters and Subhilts).
For my own designs, or customer designs, it will be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact me for details.
Are you authorized to use the Loveless “football style” logo shape?
Yes. I asked Bob Loveless back in 2008 if this was possible -to my surprise, he replied with a simple, resounding “Sure!” After receiving Bob’s permission, my earlier Loveless Designed knives were marked “Marcus Lin, maker, Torrance, Calif.”
Why are your knives marked “Loveless Design?”
It is simply “the right thing to do.” Knives marked in this manner are made using patterns provided directly by the Loveless shop which were designed by R.W. (Bob) Loveless.
I learned to make Loveless Designed knives initially from Bob Loveless himself -and later Jim Merritt. All knives are made as close to the originals as humanly possible.
After Bob passed away on September 2nd 2010, Jim Merritt changed the shop logo (from “maker” to “knives”) and he also suggested that I change my logo to “Loveless Design.”
What original Loveless patterns do you work from?
I have tracings of the steel patterns from the shop, plus tracings of rare paper patterns too. In total, approximately 200 original Loveless Designs -all the well known hunting/ utility knives, fighters, subhilts, as well as rare models such as the “Throwing knife", “Crocodile bowie” and “Giant Bear Subhilt.”
What is the significance of the 3 digits on the ricasso?
The Loveless shop used random numbers to match the guards to the blades (as Bob and Jim worked in batches).
On my knives, the first digit is the month, and the last two represent the year.
Knives marked “ES” on the reverse side of the ricasso were made in Spain (España).
How are your guards fitted?
After almost two decades of work, a properly soldered and finished guard is a thing of beauty and strength -and well worth the extra time to do right.
Guards and long bolsters are fitted using a technique I call “compression fitting” and soldered. There is no pin and a 10 ton press is involved -there are no weaknesses and it will not corrode.
What steels do you use?
CPM154 or RWL34. (Satin finished M390/ 20CV is an alternative).
Other steels are also available, please inquire.
Do you do your own leatherwork?
Yes -all sheathes are made just the way I learnt at the Loveless shop using the highest quality leather possible. Wet-molded to each individual knife, dried, and treated to a hot oil/wax finish for durability.
Do you require a deposit and what is the current delivery time?
No deposit is required to place an order.
Current delivery time depends on the model ordered, it can vary from several months to years. If you’ve placed an order, feel free to email me anytime to check up on the status.