Beaver USA Bowie

[#goldpan]

Alright folks I have an update on this knife. Its from Sony Guiler's Wife. And reads as follows:

"Hello. I am Gerri Guiler -- Sonny's girlfriend and wife of over 20 years. He passed in 2000. This particular knife looks to be one that was made by Manuel Silva (The logo is pre-patent, and the serial number is handstamped). Manny was producing the knives when Sonny met him in San Diego in the 70's. Together, they applied for the patent and then began manufacturing the knives on our property up in Ramona, CA. Ultimately, we moved the business to Superior, MT (Sonny & Manny were still partners then), and the company was Beaver Knife Company. The partnership broke up about 1986-87, and Sonny & Manny continued to produce the knives with separate branding. Manny used the Beaver logo and Sonny used the Iron Mountain logo (and produced the knives in Sparks, NV). There are some double-stamped knives out there that have the Beaver logo on one side and Iron Mountain on the other. This is one of the early knives made of the 425 modified stainless, I believe."

[#goldpan]

I wrote to Sonny's wife to thank her and sent the her following:
"
Thank you for writing me and providing some much needed information. This knife was purchased for me in Sparks over 30 years ago by my ex father in law . John was the photographer for the Nugget for many years before moving to Los Vegas. He has since passed away. He told me at the time that he was friends with the cutler that made it. But my memory isnt as good as it used to be! I will add your note to the bottom of my listing so that the correct history is available to all who look at my auction. I also would like to post your note to AAPK web site that is dedicated to knife collecting. We discussed this knife there before I listed it on eBay. This should provide a clear history on this knife model and "

Her reply says it all about my knife! I finally have its history down! She wrote back with the following:

Hi!!

I remember a fellow in the workshop next to us in Sparks who was named "Bud" and he was our photographer. My husband spent many hours at the Nugget......ahem! Probably the connection to your Father in Law. It could be that this blade was "stashed" from original inventory and sold when Sonny ran his business in Sparks. It was a contentious and confusing time when the partnership broke up and the inventory was divided up. I do know that the logo is the original Beaver Knife logo that Manny and Sonny used when they first partnered up. Later, the Beaver Logo included the patent number (primarily when we were in Superior, MT). You are welcome to post and pass on what I know as you see fit.

If the knife was purchased 30 years ago, that would be about 1987, which would have been right as the partnership was breaking up. That's probably a knife that was shaped & ground from a raw stamping by Beaver (Manny's nickname) and then finished in the Sparks shop by Sonny's knife maker -- Pat Cappiello -- a former Buck Knife employee. The timing would be about right.

That would amend my original thought that it was from the late 70's to making it closer to the early 1980's production and completion around 1987.

I recently shredded all the paperwork that listed serial numbers and who the knives were sold to over the years.

Good luck selling it! I think you have it priced about right!

-Gerri Guiler

[deserttrans]

Some very useful information. Thanks to goldpan,for the research and posting.

[G. Hendrick]

Hello from Superior Montana Home Of The Beaver Knives. This is my first time and post on this subject of Beaver Knives, I use to sell these knives all over the state of Mont., Ida., and Washington and I would like to say hi to Gerri, we miss you! Know for some info about the knives they were fabricated from 425- modified stainless steel for strength, durability and the finest of edges. Also available on a custom basis were knives made from high grade W-2 steel and other high carbon steels. these knives were fabricated with either small, medium or large grips. A wide variety of handle materials such as micarda, bone, ivory, many types of woods. Engraving, scrimshaw work and inlays were available. Each Beaver Knife came with a handmade leather sheath and some were custom made. I sold these back in the Eighties starting at 75.00 to 250.00 depending on the model and custom work. The number on the blade was the production number of that model. Each knife came with a box and paper work. I hope this will bring some light on this matter, and yes I still have love my Beaver Knives.

[#goldpan]

G. Hendrick! Thanks you for posting your info on Beaver Knives! And welcome to AAPK!

[jmh58]

Thank You all for this info.. This (my) knife was kinda a mystery to me.. Thanks for sorting this all out!! John

[G. Hendrick]

Here is some additional information on Beaver Knives. Thanks for your quick response to my post.

[deserttrans]

Yes some more great information on these knives. On the color page posted. Are the numbers near each knife representing a model number do you think?

[G. Hendrick]

Yes, I do believe these were the model numbers. When the company moved out of Mt. in 86 or 87 their were a lot of blank blades left and some of the local knife makers bought them up so you will find the same blades with different makers marks on them such as Rapier,s Edge and Kelgin Knives. I found that these Knives were hard to use for gutting out large animals when the blade was held in the upside down so I helped design the three finger skinner which sold out and I did not save one for myself and know I can't find any. So much for hind sight!

[deserttrans]

Thank you again for the information G.H. You have provided a lot of insight on these knives.

[G. Hendrick]

You are welcome glad I could be some help and if you find anymore please let us know.

[Jnevill]

Replying to a 7 year old post.

I’ve had an Iron Mountain knife for over 30 years, mine was a gift from a friend, and at the time it was the nicest knife I’d ever owned. I live about 100 miles from Sparks NV, and one weekend my wife and i took a drive up to the manufacturing facility and met two of the nicest people we’d ever met, Pat and Sharon Capiello, who worked for the company. They took my knife and etched my name on the blade (a surprise from my wife and Sharon), I still have it and added another to the collection a few years later.

[Reverand]

I was completely unfamiliar with these knives until your post. That is a very cool design! And I love the story, and the personal touch that yours has.
Thank you for sharing!