R.W. Loveless, 02-September-2010

[Bill Harsey]

It is with sorrow that I tell you my old friend, the great knifemaker Bob Loveless, passed away earlier today, at 11:30 pm at his home in Riverside California.
This was confirmed by a mutual friend who was there with him when he left us.

Loveless was the man who studied, used and made famous many of the steels we take for granted today.

Bob was a machinist, metallurgist and top flight designer as well as a former merchant marine. Bob was one hard man too.

More than that Bob single handedly defined what the modern knife is.

I owe more to him than almost anyone else for the inspiration to be whatever I am today.
Many years ago Sports Illustrated magazine ago did a multi page feature article on him. Ever hear of a knifemaker in Sports Illustrated before or since? I haven't.

The time I spent, as his guest, working in his shop in Riverside was an extraordinary experience and will never be forgotten. It was a good thing I grew up with rough men from the logging industry or he would have swallowed me whole in the first hour. Bob always liked to see what folks were made of. This reminds me of another group of guys (here) I have some experience with.

God bless you Bob. Thank you and may you rest in peace.

[wet dog]

Bill, I'm deeply moved by the loss of your friend, my thoughts will be with you and the Loveless family.

Take care.

[Bill Harsey]

wet dog, thank you very much, your thoughts are greatly appreciated..

Here is a link to that Sports Illustrated article on Loveless dated 14 July 1980:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1123591/index.htm

[orion5]

I owe more to him than almost anyone else for the inspiration to be whatever I am today.

RIP, Mr Loveless.

Bill, if R.W. inspired you that much, then our debt is to him. Today you are far from being a whatever....more like an amazing artist, craftsman, a great patriot and friend. (No, I was not paid to say that.)

I am sorry for your loss. :(

[ZonieDiver]

Rest In Peace, sir.

It is hard when you lose a friend. I lost my best friend in January, 1998. I have not yet, nor shall I ever, fully recovered.

My condolences, Mr. Harsey.

.

[Tatonka316]

Rest in Peace, Sir! Thank you for all you have done for our Brother Bill and the many great men who forge their talents into the tools we use everyday. You are a credit to your profession and a proud part of OUR family.

You will ALWAYS be missed and NEVER forgotten!

molon labe

[18DWife]

I am sorry Bill :( (((HUGS)))

RIP

[JJ_BPK]

RIP Mr Loveless, Vaya con Dios..

[James Clifton]

Bill,
I've been in the knife business in various forms for over 40yrs.HE...was & IS a LEGEND! He was WORSHIPED in JAPAN as THE MAN ...when it came to knives!At the KNIFE GUILD one year I saw a Japanese buy over 11 LOVELESS knives....over $ $12,000! He will be missed!REALLY Sorry for your loss!
JIM

[mangler]

Bill, Truly sorry for the loss of your friend. The SI article was a good read. His knives on ebay are going for over 10k right now.

[Team Sergeant]

My condolences Bill, if he was a friend of yours he must have been a great man.

[Sigaba]

Mr. Harsey, please accept my condolences on the passing of your friend.

[Ret10Echo]

Bill, sorry to hear of your friends passing.

There are forged-steel pieces of his heart and soul around the world as a testimonial. Most people could never hope for that sort of legacy.

R10

[x SF med]

Bill, condolences. I've admired and lusted after Loveless Knives for years, and after they years I've known you I never knew he was one of your mentors, although I should have guessed. His art and craftsmanship will be sorely missed.

[The Reaper]

RIP, Mr. Loveless.

I believe that the Gerber Boot Knife is one of his designs, among many.

Sorry for the loss to your community, Bill.

TR

[Ambush Master]

RIP Mr Lovelace.

Sorry for your loss Bill!! Thoughts and Prayers Out!!

[dennisw]

Saw a nice obituary in the Wall Street Journal the other day about Mr. Loveless. My first thoughts when reading it were, "I wonder if Mr. Harsey knew this gentleman. " I did a search today, and sure enough. Bill, sorry for your loss and prayers out for the family. RIP Mr. Loveless.

[Bill Harsey]

Saw a nice obituary in the Wall Street Journal the other day about Mr. Loveless. My first thoughts when reading it were, "I wonder if Mr. Harsey knew this gentleman. " I did a search today, and sure enough. Bill, sorry for your loss and prayers out for the family. RIP Mr. Loveless.

Thanks for your kind words (all of you) and bringing this article to our attention.

Here is the link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960004575482091920070062.html

[greenberetTFS]

Sincere regrets for your loss Bill.........God Bless,Rest in Peace Mr.Loveless.......:(

Big Teddy

[Noslack71]

Bill, I am very sorry for the loss of your friend. My prayers go with Mr. Loveless and you.

Noslack