Knife - Essential Tool for Camping, Outdoor Adventure and collection

The knife from Rambo: First Blood, the first installment in the series, is one of the most famous examples of a modern survival knife. Designed by master knife maker Jimmy Lile at the specific request of Sylvester Stallone, it was not intended as a simple prop, but as a real, functional and useful tool in an extreme survival context.

In the film, John Rambo is a former Green Beret veteran of Vietnam, an expert in guerrilla warfare and environmental adaptation. The knife becomes a symbol of his self-sufficiency: a sturdy blade, a serrated back for cutting wood and thin metal, a hollow handle with a waterproof seal to hold a small emergency kit (matches, string, hooks), and a flat pommel that can be used as a hammer or mallet. A sharpening stone was also integrated into the sheath, highlighting the philosophy of “don't depend on anything other than what you carry with you.”

The design of the Rambo 1 knife anticipates the myth of the lone hero capable of surviving against nature and man, and defines an aesthetic that would influence the production of survival knives for the entire following decade. Even today, the original Lile models are considered highly collectible items, testimony to the union between cinema and true knife-making artistry.

Intended use: Collection 
Blade: 420J2 stainless steel
Blade finish: Satin finish and gray coating
Handle: Hollow, made of die-cast aluminum, with the exterior wrapped in paracord; the rear has a screw cap with a bushing that allows access to the compartment containing all the survival accessories (windproof matches, needles, fish hooks, etc.).
Blade length: 225mm.
Blade thickness: 5mm.
Handle length: 105 mm.
Total length: 349 mm.
Balance: Forward, 21 mm from the lower guard branch.
Weight: 418 g.
Sheath: Leather, with sharpening stone.
Notes: Limited and numbered edition with John Rambo's signature on the blade and sheath.

The knife from Rambo: First Blood Part II — often called the “Mission” or “Rambo II knife” — is the work of master American knife maker Jimmy Lile.

Created at the request of Sylvester Stallone, the model was designed not as a simple movie prop but as a real survival knife: a long, sturdy blade, partially serrated back, and handle designed for prolonged use and to hold small emergency accessories. 

Lile's design, much more aggressive than the knife in the first film, emphasizes the character's transformation into an even more operational and autonomous figure in the field.

The film, released in 1985 and directed by George P. Cosmatos, helped transform this knife into a popular icon: from a functional tool to a symbol of adventure and resilience.

Intended use: Collection 
Blade: 420J2 stainless steel
Blade finish: Satin finish and black coating
Handle: Hollow, made of die-cast aluminum, with the exterior wrapped in paracord; the rear has a screw cap with a bushing that allows access to the compartment containing all the survival accessories (windproof matches, needles, fish hooks, etc.)
Blade length: 10.5 inches.
Blade thickness: 0.2 inches.
Handle length: 100 mm.
Total length: 385 mm.
Balance: Forward, 2 cm from the lower guard branch.
Weight: 505 g.
Sheath: Leather, with diamond sharpener. 
Notes: Limited and numbered edition with John Rambo's signature on the blade and sheath.

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

Intended Use: Tactical / Heavy Duty

Production type: Industrial
Country of Production: Taiwan
Blade: D2 steel
Blade treatment: Black Powder Coating
Handle: made of Griv-Ex polymer, with steel pommel
Blade length: 267mm.
Blade thickness: 5mm.
Total length: 387mm.
Balance: Advanced
Weight: 474g.
Sheath: Secure-Ex ABS
Packaging: Cardboard box with Cold Steel logos
Notes: -

Intended Use: Tactical

Production type: Industrial
Country of Production: Taiwan
Blade: D2 steel
Blade treatment: Stonewashed
Handle: made of Griv-Ex polymer, with steel pommel
Blade length: 267mm.
Blade thickness: 5mm.
Total length: 387mm.
Balance: Advanced
Weight: 474g.
Sheath: Secure-Ex ABS
Packaging: Cardboard box with Cold Steel logos
Notes: Limited and numbered edition with serial number engraved on blade and with Lynn Thompson's autograph on box

USED KNIFE, TAKEN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously purchased and used
* Condition: In good overall condition (see accompanying photos)
* Commercially available 
* Sharpening: Resharpened by our workshop, also clean oxidation which has affected some portions of the edge, which is however back in working order
* Marks on blade: YES
* Marks on handle: YES, various superficial oxidation stains
* Box: Present and original, in cardboard
* Scabbard: in good condition
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: -
* Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended use: Hunting / Outdoor

Production type: Industrial
Blade production: Taiwan
Blade: Stainless steel 440C differentiated hardening 58/45HRC
Blade Treatment: Mirror polished
Handle: Brass, ebony wood and leather rings
Blade length: 280mm.
Blade thickness: 6mm.
Total length: 405mm.
Weight: 800g.
Scabbard: Leather
Packaging: Cardboard box
Notes: Accompanied by a whetstone.

The Outback is a clear homage to the knife used by Paul Hogan in the Mr. Crocodile Dundee films, in fact it faithfully follows its shape and dimensions.

Intended use: Hard Utility / Survival

Type of production: Industrial
Country of production: USA
Blade: full tang in 1095 carbon steel
Blade treatment: epoxy powders
Handle: in kraton with steel guard
Blade length: 245mm.
Blade thickness: 6.8mm.
Total length: 380mm.
Balancing: advanced
Weight: 620g.
Sheath: nylon, M.O.L.L.E compatible, with rigid polypropylene insert
Packaging: Cardboard box with OKC logos
Note: -

ECLIPSE version, in 1095 carbon steel and sheath and handle in black leather

Intended Use: Hunting / Outdoor

Type of production: Industrial
Production Country: Taiwan
Blade: carbon steel in 1095 to 58 / 59HRC
Blade treatment: mirror polishing
Handle: brass and leather rings
Blade length: 280mm.
Blade thickness: 6mm.
Overall length: 405mm.
Weight: 800g.
Sheath: Black Leather
Packaging: cardboard box with Down Under logos, sharpening steel for sharpening
Notes: The Outback is a clear homage to the knife used by Paul Hogan in the movie Crocodile Dundee, it indeed follows closely the shape and size.

Intended use: Sport / Collection

Type of production: Industrial
Blade production: Taiwan
Blade: 440C stainless steel with selective tempering
Blade treatment: -
Handle: Leather rings
Blade length: 285mm.
Blade thickness: 5.5mm.
Closed length: -
Total length: 415mm.
Thickness when closed: -
Balance: -
Weight: 630g.
Lock: -
Clip: -
Sheath: Leather
Packaging: Cardboard box with Down Under Knives logos
Notes: -

Intended use: Hunting / Outdoor

Type of production: Industrial
Production Blade: Taiwan
Blade: 440C stainless steel hardened differentiated 58/45HRC
Treatment Blade: Mirror polishing
Handle: Brass, ebony wood and leather rings
Blade length: 280mm.
Blade thickness: 6mm.
Total length: 405mm.
Weight: 800g.
Sheath: In leather, crocodile-like
Packaging: cardboard box with logos Down Under, sharpener for sharpening
Notes: The outback is a clear homage to the knife used by Paul Hogan in Crocodile Dundee movie, in fact faithfully reproduces the shape, size and material as the one used for filming.