Mike Lovett – Custom Knife Maker and Loveless Design Craftsman
Mike Lovett has always been fascinated with knives—any kind of knives. From an early age, he drove his parents crazy with his passion for all things sharp and pointy! This lifelong obsession can be traced to his grandfather and several uncles, especially Dr. Burl Gilliland, an accomplished wood carver who made his own tools and taught Mike how to make his first knife at the age of six or seven. From that point on, Mike earned spending money by making and sharpening knives for other Scouts.
In 1966, everything changed when Mike saw his first Bob Loveless knife—and he was hooked. After leaving the Air Force in 1975, he bought a square-wheel grinder, and the rest is history. Mike was fortunate to have many fine mentors along the way, including Bob Loveless, Jim Merritt, Buster Warenski, Harvey McBurnette, George Herron, and Clay Gault.
Most important of all is the core knife-making philosophy Mike shares with Loveless and Merritt: since a knife is a tool designed to be used, it must follow certain design principles.
Of course, it should also be attractive and well-balanced, inviting people to pick it up. But more importantly, it must feel right in the hand—not only in one position but in every position in which it’s likely to be used. Bob Loveless and Jim Merritt spent countless hours working with Mike, discussing and analyzing every curve, edge, and contour of the Loveless knife design, explaining the reasons behind each subtle detail. They supplied him with steel, tools, and even permission to use a version of the Loveless logo—with the name changed to Lovett, of course.
Through this mentorship and collaboration, Mike has learned how to make the Loveless-style knife correctly—understanding that it’s not enough to imitate; one must know the “why” behind every feature. This deep understanding separates the Lovett–Loveless connection from simple copies or counterfeits and defines the authenticity of Mike’s craftsmanship.
We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Mike Lovett to the KnifeLegends family.
If you share a passion for Loveless knives, we guarantee you’ll not be disappointed.
Comments on Mike Lovett from Bob Loveless
“Finally someone got it right – someone finally understands why we do the things we do with our knives.”
“Not just a copy for copying’s sake, but for a reason.”
“Now maybe someone can afford to use a Loveless again.”
“It was never my intention that they become collectors’ items never to be used.”
— R. W. Loveless
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