The Loveless/Barney book was the first thing I ever saw about making knives. I understood none of it. It seemed like magic to me.
Having said that, the mystique of the Lovelss knife has remained for me, if for no other reason than it was that book that started me out.
I saw a number of Loveless knives at a knife show in San Jose many years ago but was not allowed to handle them. I felt somehow removed from the loop of "knowing" why they were so very special.
I remember reading one of Mr. Lovelss' quotes about his knives. He was amazed that people had been buying his mistakes for so long that he had made a living at it.
It seems like the character of the man drove him toward perfection and in the meantime pushed the entire industry to work to that higher ideal.
Small words for a big man.
Amen. God Bless. Safe passage.