custom knives

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Iconic knife handmade in 2021, withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased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: Collected from a private individual, previously purchased.
* Condition: Never used, absolutely like new
* Commercially available: Still in production, hard to find
* Sharpening: Factory sharpened
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Marketed by manufacturer without a box
* Scabbard: Present
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: Present
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

This replica of Major Von Tempsky's 11” Bowie knife is inspired by the design of the knife he created and assigned to his company of Forest Rangers in 1863.

Gustavus Ferdinand von Tempsky (1828-1868) was a German-born adventurer, soldier and artist, known for his role in the New Zealand Wars and for his leadership among the Forest Rangers. His adventurous life and courage made him a legendary figure, particularly in the context of battles between European settlers and Māori peoples.

He learned the advantages of Bowie knife fighting in California during his stint as a prospector, where he had acquired an excellent American-made knife; once he arrived in New Zealand and found himself in charge of Forest Ranger Company No. 2 with the rank of major, he had about 30 Bowie knives made for his men according to his personal design by a blacksmith in Shortland St. Auckland. The Forest Rangers were an elite corps of mounted scouts employed by the colonial government between August 1863 and October 1867 during the New Zealand Wars.

At the time, knives were made of wagon spring steel, one of the few steels available to blacksmiths in Auckland in 1863, and Von Tempsky, an experienced fighter, taught his men the use of the Bowie knife in hand-to-hand combat. The knife was used to defend against enemy blows while a pistol was usually held in the other hand.

In addition to combat, Bowie knives were used to open paths in the forest, dig defensive positions, cut firewood, and for general use while camping.

Use: Heavy Duty / Collection

Type of production: Handcrafted
Country of manufacture: New Zealand
Blade: full tang made of 8670 spring steel, high carbon content
Blade Finish: Direct heat treatment, which goes to create special color play on the blade
Handle: Wenge wood with S-shaped carbon steel through-guard
Blade length: 280mm.
Blade thickness: 7mm.
Total length: 425mm.
Balance: advanced
Weight: 925g.
Sheath: leather
Packaging: unwrapped, sold certificate of warranty and authenticity
Notes: previously purchased knife, never used, from a private collection