Loveless Design - Integral

Davidson, Edmund

"I am a full time knifemaker whose love of knives dates back to my youth. I would like to thank R.W. Loveless for fueling my interest in handmade knives and for the friendship that we shared. I credit T.M. Dowell and Billy Mace Imel for inspiring me to adopt the integral methods of knife construction. For it was photographs of their work published in the mid 1970's that would ultimately prove to have a profound impact on my life as a knifemaker. My first impression of those early knives was that they were truly a novel concept. Here was a knife that completely eliminated pins, solder joints, gaps and vulnerable areas where stress risers could develop. The integral knife is quite simply a solid, homogeneous piece of steel with two handle inlays or solid steel. Since my humble beginnings as a knifemaker in 1986, I have developed over 100 unique integral patterns which literally run the gamut in terms of design and intended usage. From virtually indestructible camp and combat knives to investment quality knives embellished with fine engraving and scrimshaw, gold and jewels, I will continue to push the proverbial integral envelope and develop new patterns for as long as I am able. In closing, I would like to say that my knives are all made in my shop with my equipment. I use the very best grades of materials available. I do not outsource labor, nor do I use or condone the use of CNC machinery on knives that are represented to the public as being handmade. I purchase my blade steel in the form of bar stock and purchase the mechanical fasteners that I use to attach handle materials. I enlist the services of the talented Jere Davidson and Linda Karst to embellish my completed knives with engravings and scrimshaw. I entrust the knowledgeable of Bradley Stallsmith at Peters Heat Treating with all aspects of heat treating on all of my knives."