This narrow blade hunter appears to be a one of a kind that was sent to B.R. Hughes as an introduction to Bob's work. It was made in 1969 and bears the Lawndale stamp. This knife measures 9 1/2" in OAL and has a 5" blade length. Bob's trademark red fiber liners are sandwiched between the Stag handle slabs and the tapered tang. The guard is nickel silver and the tube is brass. The knife is complete with the original Polaroid photograph that Bob used to use before he had a catalog. There are also two original letters that were written to B. R. Hughes and signed by Bob. In a letter written on October 2, 1969, Mr Loveless is basically giving Mr. Hughes his knifemaking history, and his thoughts on his own, and on others, work. He invites Bill to check out one of his knives and perhaps write an article on it and the maker. In the second letter dated October 20, 1969, Bob acknowledges that Bill has received this knife and approves of it. He then goes on for a couple of pages with a little about knife testing, and more interestingly, giving his very candid opinion of the knife world in general, with a great deal of focus on Bo Randall. His paragraph about quitting knife making all together before ever stooping so low as to have helpers make his knives for him is particularly interesting to read. He even admits to being a copycat, giving credit for the Improved Handle to the Gerber Magnum and the Semi Skinner blade design to Mr. Ruana. Perhaps nothing that hasn't been written elsewhere, but these letters show a great deal of insight into Bob's thinking in the early years. This knife comes complete with the original leather sheath, and knife and sheath are in mint condition. Some real history here, and a really nice knife to go along with it.