Handmade and Custom Knives: Unique Blades Crafted to Perfection

KNIFE RETIRED FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Retired from a private collection, previously purchased and professionally resharpened
* Condition: Overall in excellent condition
* Available on the market: 2017 model - available in different configurations and steels
* Sharpening: Professionally resharpened
* Marks on blade: Minimal signs of resharpening
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Pouch with zip
* Sheath: -
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: -
* Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended use: collection/sport/military

Type of production: Midtech
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: CPM S35VN steel
Blade treatment: black
Handle: blackwashed titanium
Blade length: 95mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5mm.
Closed length: 130mm.
Total length: 226mm.
Closed thickness: 14mm.
Balance: 2cm behind the guard
Weight: 210g.
Opening: Flipper on bearings
Closure: Frame Lock
Clip: titanium, machined from solid
Packaging: Cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Iconic knife handmade in 2021, withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased
* Condition: in excellent condition, unused and kept solely in a collection
* Available on the market: Currently out of catalog and cannot be ordered/obtained from the craftsman
* Sharpness: Factory sharp
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: -
* Sheath: in excellent condition, with signature and date of manufacture
* Manuals, Certificates, and Guarantees: Certificate of guarantee and authenticity with date and technical data of the model
* Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory

THE LEGEND
Jimmy Lile (1933–1991), known as “The Arkansas Knifesmith,” was one of the most important American knife makers of the 20th century. Born in Russellville, Arkansas, he made his first knife at the age of 11 and devoted himself professionally to knife making in 1971.

He is famous for the legendary Rambo knives, designed for real use with 440C blades, hollow handles, and innovative details. He was president of the Knifemakers' Guild, and his works were commissioned by presidents and celebrities.

He died in 1991, leaving a legacy of the highest caliber in custom and collectible knives.

THE PRESENT
Today, the Lile Knives, LLC brand is owned by John Hill of McKinney, Texas. In the 1980s, John was already collaborating with Bob Rankin on the sale of original Rambo knives, and in 2003 he co-authored a book dedicated to Lile's work.

After Jimmy's death, John maintained a strong relationship with Marilyn (Lile) Miller and purchased the Lile brand from her to continue producing high-quality replicas of the movie knives, adhering to custom knife standards and guaranteeing Marilyn royalties.

Since 2011, John Hill has been collaborating with Vaughn Neeley, former owner of Timberline Knives, to produce limited editions of Rambo knives that are prized by collectors. Today, Vaughn produces the entire new “Cerakote™ Series,” while the “Utility Series” is produced under his supervision, keeping alive the tradition and quality of Jimmy Lile's original models.

THE KNIFE
“The Mission” is one of the most iconic survival knives ever made, born from Jimmy Lile's vision to combine extreme functionality and military design.

Featuring a stainless steel blade finished entirely with bead-blasting to eliminate reflections, this model combines tactical aesthetics and real performance.

The back is equipped with aggressive serrations, while the hollow handle, wrapped in paracord, integrates a compass and allows for the transport of small tools.

The multifunction guard features screwdriver tips, making it a complete survival tool. Produced in a limited edition, “The Mission” represents the perfect synthesis between a combat knife, field tool, and collector's item.

Intended use: Collection / Survival

Type of production: entirely handmade
Country of production: USA
Blade: CPM-154CM stainless steel
Blade treatment: Titanium Grey Cerakote
Handle: 316 stainless steel, hollow, waterproof, paracord coated; 316 stainless steel through guard; screw-in aluminum tang with integrated glass breaker and Pyser Optics NATO internal compass
Blade length: 253mm.
Blade thickness: 7 mm.
Total length: 393 mm.
Weight: 573 g.
Sheath: black leather, belt-mounted, for vertical carry, with craftsman's signature and date of manufacture
Packaging: supplied with warranty certificate with date of manufacture and technical details
Notes: iconic knife used in the Rambo films, entirely handmade, with LILE logos and serial number. Previously purchased, never used, from a private collection

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Iconic knife from 1981, withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased
* Condition: Overall in good condition, mechanically perfect, shows some signs of wear on the nickel silver handle and micarta inserts; the blade shows signs of mechanical friction on the back due to opening and closing in the handle
* Available on the market: Not available, craftsman no longer in business
* Sharpness: Factory sharp
* Marks on blade: Small marks due to age and friction when opening and closing the blade
* Marks on handle: Several signs of wear visible on the nickel silver handle and micarta inserts
* Box: -
* Sheath: -
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: 1981 warranty certificate from Coltelleria G. Lorenzi in Via Montenapoleone, Milan
* Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory

In the 1980s, Jimmy Lile developed an elegant folding knife with a button lock mechanism, known as the “Lile Lock.” This patented system consists of a front button on the handle that unlocks the blade when opening and locks it in the cutting position, ensuring safety and ease of use. The monolithic nickel-silver guides support the D2 steel blade, while the micarta inserts on the scales give the knife a refined look.

This is a generously sized knife, produced in limited quantities between the 1970s and 1980s. The numbered examples bearing engravings such as the patent number 4148140 are now highly sought-after collector's items of great economic value.

This folding model represents a perfect balance between functionality and collectible design: compact and easy to handle, with a reliable lock, high-quality materials, and meticulous details, embodying Lile's attention to craftsmanship even in a context other than the famous survival knife.

Intended use: Collectible / Sports

Type of production: Entirely handmade
Country of production: Arkansas / USA
Blade: D2 steel
Blade treatment: Satin finish
Handle: Nickel Silver handle with Red Micarta inserts and stainless steel rear spacer
Blade length: 90mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5 mm.
Closed length: 124 mm
Total length: 212 mm.
Weight: 198 g.
Closure: Lile Lock (Button Lock)
Packaging: supplied with a 1981 warranty certificate from the historic “Coltelleria G. Lorenzi” in Via Montenapoleone, Milan
Notes: extremely rare knife from 1981, previously purchased, withdrawn from a private collection, serial number 447 engraved on the blade and patent number “U.S. Patent No. 4148140” engraved on the back of the button lock.

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously Purchased.
* Condition: Like New
* Commercially available 2018 Exemplar; currently offering other variants in other configurations.
* Sharpening: Factory.
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Present
* Scabbard: -
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended use: collectible/sporting/military

Production type: Midtech
Country of manufacture: South Africa
Blade: stainless steel CPM-S35VN
Blade treatment: blackwash
Handle: integral, machined titanium from solid, blackwash finish
Blade length: 103mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5mm.
Length closed: 132mm.
Total length: 234mm.
Thickness when closed: 16mm.
Weight: 191g.
Opening: Carson Flipper type, on ball bearings
Closure: FrameLock
Clip: titanium, machined from billet
Packaging: plastic case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: entirely designed and built by Andre De Villiers in his own workshop

Intended use: collection/sporting

Type of production: MidTech (partially mechanized craft production)
Country of manufacture: South Africa
Blade: stainless steel CPM-S35VN
Blade finish: satin-finished
Handle: PVD titanium with G10 insert
Blade length: 92mm.
Blade thickness: 4mm.
Length closed: 114mm.
Total length: 206mm.
Thickness when closed: 14mm.
Weight: 150g.
Opening: Carson Flipper system on ball bearings
Closure: Button Lock with additional safety
Clip: titanium, laser engraved
Packaging: Nylon pouch with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection/sporting

Type of production: MidTech (partially mechanized craft production)
Country of manufacture: South Africa
Blade: stainless steel CPM SW35VN
Blade finish: Dual Tone - Sandblasted and Satin finish
Handle: Titanium Dual Tone with Fat Carbon Snake Skin insert
Blade Length: 105mm.
Blade thickness: 4.8mm.
Length closed: 130mm.
Total length: 230mm.
Thickness when closed: 17mm.
Balance: backward
Weight: 248g.
Opening: carson Flipper system on ball bearings
Closure: Frame Lock with removable stainless steel clapper
Clip: Titanium Dual Tone, machined from billet, removable and reversible
Packaging: Nylon pouch with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

The Kudu Hunter fixed-blade knife offers an excellent balance between form and function: the wide drop point blade is reminiscent of its predecessor model Harpoon, but without the dedicated thumb rest. The handle is extremely comfortable for different types of grips, and its shape does not cause fatigue during long periods of use. The Kydex scabbard has a Kydex belt loop that allows you to switch between normal belt carry and scout carry, right or left handed, with ease. This is truly an excellent "all-around" design by Andre.


Intended use: collection/sporting

Type of manufacture: midtech
Country of manufacture: South Africa
Blade: full tang, stainless steel M390
Blade treatment: Satin finish
Handle: Black G10
Blade length: 115mm.
Blade thickness: 4.8mm.
Total length: 228mm.
Balance: backward
Weight: 205g.
Sheath: carbon fiber-effect kydex with multi-position belt attachment
Packaging: -
Notes: designed and made entirely by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection / sport / military

Type of production: artisan
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: stainless steel N690Co
Blade treatment: dual tone satin
Handle: titanium anodized
Blade length: 100mm.
Blade thickness: 4.7mm.
Length closed: 130mm.
Total length: 226mm.
Thick when closed: 13.2mm.
Balancing: 2cm back from the guard branch
Weight: 212g.
Opening: Flipper type on ball bearings
Closure: FrameLock
Clip: titanium anodized, machined from solid
Packaging: cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection / sports / military

Type of production: artisan seeds
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: N690Co stainless steel
Blade treatment: Black
Handle: Black titanium
Blade length: 100mm.
Blade thickness: 4.7mm.
Closed length: 130mm.
Total length: 226mm.
Thick when closed: 13.2mm.
Balance: 2cm set back from the guard branch
Weight: 212g.
Opening: Flipper on ball bearings
Closure: FrameLock
Clip: anodised titanium, machined from solid
Packaging: cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection / sport / military

Type of production: semi-handmade
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: full tang, in N690Co stainless steel
Blade treatment: satin finish
Handle: G10
Blade length: 106mm.
Blade thickness: 4.7mm.
Total length: 228mm.
Balancing: set back, at 2cm. from the guard branch
Weight: 216g.
Sheath: in kydex, acon Tek-Lok attacks
Packaging: cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection / sports / military

Type of production: artisan seeds
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: full tang, in N690Co stainless steel
Blade treatment: satin finish
Handle: G10
Blade length: 106mm.
Blade thickness: 4.7mm.
Total length: 228mm.
Balancing: set back, at 2cm. from the guard branch
Weight: 216g.
Sheath: in kydex, with Tek-Lok type attacks
Packaging: -
Notes: designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection / sport

Type of production: artisan
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: in steel D2
Blade treatment: satin
Handle: in steel, with inserts in Jaracanda briarwood
Blade length: 80mm.
Blade thickness: 4mm.
Length closed: 110mm.
Total length: 190mm.
Thick when closed: 14mm.
Balancing: set back to 2cm from the guard branch
Weight: 164g.
Opening: Nail Nick
Closure: BackLock
Clip: absent
Packaging: cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection / sport

Type of production: semi-handmade
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: N690Co Stainless Steel
Blade treatment: Satin
Handle: in steel, with ebony wood inserts
Blade length: 52mm.
Blade thickness: 2.2mm.
Length closed: 72mm.
Total length: 124mm.
Thick when closed: 8.5mm.
Balancing: set back
Weight: 44g.
Opening: Nail Nick
Closure: BackLock
Clip: Absent
Packaging: cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection / sport

Type of production: semi-handmade
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: in steel N690Co
Blade treatment: Satin
Handle: in steel, with abalone inserts
Blade length: 52mm.
Blade thickness: 2.2mm.
Length closed: 72mm.
Total length: 124mm.
Thick when closed: 8.5mm.
Balancing: set back
Weight: 44g.
Opening: Nail Nick
Closure: Slipjoint
Clip: Absent
Packaging: cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection / sport

Type of production: artisan seeds
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: in D2 steel
Blade treatment: satin finish
Handle: steel with Jaracanda briar inserts
Blade length: 75mm.
Blade thickness: 4 mm.
Length closed: 100mm.
Total length: 175mm.
Thick when closed: 14mm.
Balance: 2 cm set back from the guard branch
Weight: 120 g.
Opening: Nail Nick
Closure: Slip Joint (without blade lock)
Clip: -
Packaging: cordura case with ADV tactical logos
Notes: Designed and manufactured by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection / sport / military

Type of production: semi-handmade
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: N690Co steel
Blade treatment: PVD blackwash
Handle: titanium blackwash PVD
Blade length: 77mm.
Blade thickness: 4mm.
Length closed: 102mm.
Total length: 177mm.
Thick when closed: 11.7mm.
Balancing: set back, at 2cm. from the guard branch
Weight: 108g.
Opening: Carson Flipper type on ball bearings
Closure: FrameLock
Clip: titanium, machined from solid
Packaging: cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: marked as "prototype" - designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Purpose: collection / sport

Type of production: artisanal seed
Country of Origin: South Africa
Blade: D2 steel
Blade treatment: Satin
Handle: Steel with Rosewood wood inserts
Blade Length: 80mm.
Blade thickness: 4mm.
Closed length: 110mm.
Total length: 190mm.
Closed thickness: 14mm.
Balance: 2cm back from the guard branch
Weight: 164g.
Opening: Nail Nick
Closing: Back Lock
Clip: -
Packing: Cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection / sports / military

Type of production: artisan seeds
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: N690Co stainless steel
Blade treatment: Satin
Handle: Dual Tone titanium anodized
Blade length: 100mm.
Blade thickness: 4.7mm.
Closed length: 130mm.
Total length: 226mm.
Thick when closed: 13.2mm.
Balance: 2cm set back from the guard branch
Weight: 212g.
Opening: Flipper on ball bearings
Closure: FrameLock
Clip: anodised titanium, machined from solid
Packaging: cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Purpose: collection / sport / military

Type of production: artisanal seed
Country of Origin: South Africa
Blade: N690Co stainless steel
Blade treatment: black
Handle: black titanium
Blade Length: 95mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5mm.
Closed length: 130mm.
Overall length: 226mm.
Closed thickness: 14mm.
Balance: 2cm back from the guard branch
Weight: 210g.
Opening: Pinballs on bearings
Closure: Frame Lock
Clip: titanium
Packing: Cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Purpose: collection / sport / military

Type of production: artisanal seed
Country of Origin: South Africa
Blade: D2 steel
Blade treatment: black stonewash
Handle: Titanium stonewash
Blade Length: 95mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5mm.
Closed length: 130mm.
Overall length: 226mm.
Closed thickness: 14mm.
Balance: 2cm back from the guard branch
Weight: 222g.
Opening: Pinballs on bearings
Closure: Frame Lock
Clip: titanium
Packing: Cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Purpose: collection / sport / military

Type of production: artisanal seed
Country of Origin: South Africa
Blade: CPM SW35VN steel
Blade treatment: black
Handle: green titanium
Blade Length: 95mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5mm.
Closed length: 130mm.
Overall length: 226mm.
Closed thickness: 14mm.
Balance: 2cm back from the guard branch
Weight: 210g.
Opening: Pinballs on bearings
Closure: Frame Lock
Clip: titanium
Packing: Cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Purpose: collection / sport / military

Type of production: artisanal seed
Country of Origin: South Africa
Blade: CPM SW35VN steel
Blade treatment: black
Handle: black titanium
Blade Length: 95mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5mm.
Closed length: 130mm.
Overall length: 226mm.
Closed thickness: 14mm.
Balance: 2cm back from the guard branch
Weight: 210g.
Opening: Pinballs on bearings
Closure: Frame Lock
Clip: titanium
Packing: Cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Purpose: collection / sport

Type of production: artisanal seed
Country of Origin: South Africa
Blade: CPM SW35VN steel
Blade Treatment: Sandblasted
Handle: Titanium Desert
Blade Length: 95mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5mm.
Closed length: 130mm.
Overall length: 223mm.
Closed thickness: 14mm.
Balance: 2cm back from the guard branch
Weight: 216g.
Opening: Pinballs on bearings
Closure: Frame Lock
Clip: titanium
Packing: Cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Purpose: collection / sport

Type of production: artisanal seed
Country of Origin: South Africa
Blade: CPM SW35VN steel
Blade treatment: Satin
Handle: Titanium bronze with carbon fiber insert
Blade Length: 80mm.
Blade thickness: 4mm.
Closed length: 110mm.
Total length: 190mm.
Closed thickness: 14mm.
Balance: 2cm back from the guard branch
Weight: 142g.
Opening: Pinballs on bearings
Closure: Frame Lock
Clip: titanium
Packing: Cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Purpose: collection / sport

Type of production: artisanal seed
Country of Origin: South Africa
Blade: CPM SW35VN steel
Blade treatment: Satin
Handle: blue titanium
Blade Length: 80mm.
Blade thickness: 4mm.
Closed length: 110mm.
Total length: 190mm.
Closed thickness: 14mm.
Balance: 2cm back from the guard branch
Weight: 144g.
Opening: Pinballs on bearings
Closure: Frame Lock
Clip: titanium
Packing: Cordura case with ADV Tactical logos
Notes: Designed and built by Andre De Villiers

Intended use: collection / sport

Type of production: artisan seeds
Country of production: South Africa
Blade: in D2 steel
Blade treatment: satin finish
Handle: steel with Jaracanda briar inserts
Blade length: 75mm.
Blade thickness: 4 mm.
Length closed: 100mm.
Total length: 175mm.
Thick when closed: 14mm.
Balance: 2 cm set back from the guard branch
Weight: 120 g.
Opening: Nail Nick
Closure: Slip Joint (without blade lock)
Clip: -
Packaging: cordura case with ADV tactical logos
Notes: Designed and manufactured by Andre De Villiers