Just Bought An E.L Iverson Knife!.. But I Know Nothing About It...

[Mochanoodle]

Hey everybody! I was at an antique shop yesterday afternoon when I found this absolutely beautiful Damascus Blade stamped with "EL Iverson". The shop owner unfortunately didn't know anything about the knife except for the fact that it was "really pretty". Not knowing if the price accurately reflected the knifes true value, I decided to take a gamble and buy it! I've spent the last day going through dozens of forums trying to find any info about this knife or the company itself, but I unfortunately couldn't find anything very useful. I did end up finding Gene Iverson's BladeForum profile, so I reached out to him hoping he'd be able to help. Unfortunately his account doesn't seem like it's been active for quite a while, so I'm not too confident he'll get back to me anytime soon. Anyway, I was hoping maybe one of you guys could help me out! I'm looking for any info regarding the specs, materials, manufacturing process, and its potential value (since I still don't know if I paid too much). Also any general info on Iverson Blades would be super appreciated!

The wood box in the picture is what my knife came in when I purchased it, but I'm not certain if that's what it originally came in. The wood feels sorta cheap, It has a black velvet plush bed for the knife to lay on, a brass hinge, and theres no markings or logos anywhere on the inside or outside. It also didn't come with any manufacturer paperwork, but the price tag at the antique shop said "Bone handle carved pocket knife, purchased at knife show. One of a kind from artist". Since the seller hardly knew anything about this knife, I don't entirely trust whether or not the scales are actually bone, or if they're faux/horn/or something else entirely.

Just in case my photo's aren't clear enough, here's the small notable features
- Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
- Deployment Method: Red Gem Thumbstud
- Gold Colored Liners & Liner Lock
- Basic Black Pivot Screw & Hardware

 

[Alberta Ed]

Looks like you got a really nice knife there. Hope someone on this forum can tell us more about it and the maker.

 

[jlauffer]

Hey everybody! I was at an antique shop yesterday afternoon when I found this absolutely beautiful Damascus Blade stamped with "EL Iverson". The shop owner unfortunately didn't know anything about the knife except for the fact that it was "really pretty". Not knowing if the price accurately reflected the knifes true value, I decided to take a gamble and buy it! I've spent the last day going through dozens of forums trying to find any info about this knife or the company itself, but I unfortunately couldn't find anything very useful. I did end up finding Gene Iverson's BladeForum profile, so I reached out to him hoping he'd be able to help. Unfortunately his account doesn't seem like it's been active for quite a while, so I'm not too confident he'll get back to me anytime soon. Anyway, I was hoping maybe one of you guys could help me out! I'm looking for any info regarding the specs, materials, manufacturing process, and its potential value (since I still don't know if I paid too much). Also any general info on Iverson Blades would be super appreciated!

The wood box in the picture is what my knife came in when I purchased it, but I'm not certain if that's what it originally came in. The wood feels sorta cheap, It has a black velvet plush bed for the knife to lay on, a brass hinge, and theres no markings or logos anywhere on the inside or outside. It also didn't come with any manufacturer paperwork, but the price tag at the antique shop said "Bone handle carved pocket knife, purchased at knife show. One of a kind from artist". Since the seller hardly knew anything about this knife, I don't entirely trust whether or not the scales are actually bone, or if they're faux/horn/or something else entirely.

Just in case my photo's aren't clear enough, here's the small notable features
- Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
- Deployment Method: Red Gem Thumbstud
- Gold Colored Liners & Liner Lock
- Basic Black Pivot Screw & Hardware

I Iverson Knives was last here on July 30, so maybe he'll get back to you.

 

[Mochanoodle]

I Iverson Knives was last here on July 30, so maybe he'll get back to you.

Oh okay! Sorry, I'm still pretty new to BladeForums so I was just going off of his most recent post in April. I now see the "last seen" area of his profile. Thank you!

 

[Malty Falcon]

That is a real beauty, hope it was a good price. Since it's not "unused" condition, you should use it, like it was meant to be used! Cut something with STYLE!

 

[353]

Hey everybody! I was at an antique shop yesterday afternoon when I found this absolutely beautiful Damascus Blade stamped with "EL Iverson". The shop owner unfortunately didn't know anything about the knife except for the fact that it was "really pretty". Not knowing if the price accurately reflected the knifes true value, I decided to take a gamble and buy it! I've spent the last day going through dozens of forums trying to find any info about this knife or the company itself, but I unfortunately couldn't find anything very useful. I did end up finding Gene Iverson's BladeForum profile, so I reached out to him hoping he'd be able to help. Unfortunately his account doesn't seem like it's been active for quite a while, so I'm not too confident he'll get back to me anytime soon. Anyway, I was hoping maybe one of you guys could help me out! I'm looking for any info regarding the specs, materials, manufacturing process, and its potential value (since I still don't know if I paid too much). Also any general info on Iverson Blades would be super appreciated!

The wood box in the picture is what my knife came in when I purchased it, but I'm not certain if that's what it originally came in. The wood feels sorta cheap, It has a black velvet plush bed for the knife to lay on, a brass hinge, and theres no markings or logos anywhere on the inside or outside. It also didn't come with any manufacturer paperwork, but the price tag at the antique shop said "Bone handle carved pocket knife, purchased at knife show. One of a kind from artist". Since the seller hardly knew anything about this knife, I don't entirely trust whether or not the scales are actually bone, or if they're faux/horn/or something else entirely.

Just in case my photo's aren't clear enough, here's the small notable features
- Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
- Deployment Method: Red Gem Thumbstud
- Gold Colored Liners & Liner Lock
- Basic Black Pivot Screw & Hardware

Very nice knife.

Looks like the scales could be mammoth ivory!

I'm no expert but wouldn't that be cool?

 

[Mochanoodle]

Very nice knife.

Looks like the scales could be mammoth ivory!

I'm no expert but wouldn't that be cool?

Thats what someone else said on Facebook! That would be really awesome

 

[353]

M Mochanoodle So what did you pay for it?

 

[fishface5]

E.L. "Gene" Iverson has been retired for several years I think. He often used ruby thumbstuds as I recall. Also citrine? The scales do appear to be mammoth. Alas I can't recall his sale prices for such pieces but I would guess bare minimum EDITED OUT

 

[RayseM]

I had one of his knives 5 or 6 years ago that I bought directly from Mr. Iverson. I regret having sold it to this day. He made some of the more precise and lovely little liner locks of many I have handled since.

You've got your self a little treasure there M Mochanoodle

 

[unwisefool]

That looks.like a very nice knife!

 

[eveled]

It’s beautiful. Nice find.

 

[knarfeng]

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[Mochanoodle]

I had one of his knives 5 or 6 years ago that I bought directly from Mr. Iverson. I regret having sold it to this day. He made some of the more precise and lovely little liner locks of many I have handled since.

You've got your self a little treasure there M Mochanoodle

Yeah while doing my research I came across a few of your threads. Unfortunately the photos on your thread were expired. What was yours like?

 

[Mochanoodle]

M Mochanoodle So what did you pay for it?

Picked it up for ———

 

[RayseM]

Yeah while doing my research I came across a few of your threads. Unfortunately the photos on your thread were expired. What was yours like?

Yeah, too bad that was in the day of "hosting" my photos. Don't do that anymore BUT as for the Iverson I no longer have photos. It was a skate skin inlay handle with a plain blade. Very pretty and super functional little knife. Ya dun good!

 

[Watabcreekgamecalls]

E.L.Iverson is a Minnesota based custom knife maker and a good friend of mine.
Gene as many know him still resides in Granit Falls MN and has a nicely equipped home shop.
He was in my shop this week and presented two very nice custom knives. I am the proud new owner of one of them and the other may still be for sale.
I own several of his "firsts" in fixed blade, liner lock, Auto, EDC and more. He has done commission builds in the past for me as well.

Gene is a talented man. The fit and finish are second to none. His attention to detail is amazing.
You will find that he uses performance steels , Damascus from some of the top producers, Jewels, Ivory's , Tusk and bone as well as Micarta and animal hides such as stingray.

He does not shy away from too many challenges but i think carbon fiber is still a pass for him.

Gene does attend as a spectator MN weapon collector events and knife shows so that a good opportunity to meet the maker should you have a need.

Mochanoodle
My laymen's breakdown of your knife:
Maker E.L. Iverson - Granite Falls MN
Style Liner Lock, Gentlemens size
Blade - Damascus likely by Robert Eggerling PA
Bolsters - Damascus likely by Robert Eggerling PA
Scales - Mammoth Ivory Crackle (tusk bark )
File worked spacer
File worked Liner, titanium
Ruby thumb stud
Normally presented in a leather pouch with wool lining - The wooden box may have been presented with knife or done by the previous owner.
Value is a relative term to the artwork being appreciated. This is Knife Art ! If you knew what Gene puts into every knife, he builds you would be amazed - your talking days of fitment, heat treating, file work, etching etc.
These are a one-off custom not a production knife.

If your considering selling this piece feel free to reach out to me and ill make some room in my collection for another E.L.Iverson Original.

 

[LimpCroissant]

Dang man... You came into the game swingin! That's a very nice knife. I hadn't heard of the maker, but knew immediately that that was a very well made and spendy knife. As you know, we can't provide values unless you become a gold member or higher, but you can tell us how much you paid for it if you'd like to. I'm curious, as it sounds like the shop owner had no idea what they had. That's some nice mammoth and mosaic damascus on the bolsters!

 

[Alberta Ed]

Exquisite! I'd be afraid to use that.