Sport, Military and Collectible Knives | Coltelleria Collini

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: 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
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased and used.
* Condition: Overall in good condition, some signs of wear on clip and handle.
* Commercially available: Discontinued
* Sharpening: Professionally sharpened
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: A few small abrasion marks, clip lacking paint in several places
* Box: /
* Scabbard: /
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: / /
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended Use: Sporting

Production Type: Industrial
Country of Production: Japan
Blade: Stainless steel VG10
Blade Finish: Satin finish
Handle: Fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRNR)
Blade Length: 79mm.
Blade thickness: 2mm.
Length closed 114mm.
Total length: 192mm.
Weight: 71g.
Closure: Back Lock
Clip: removable, stainless steel
Scabbard: -
Packaging: 
Notes: previously purchased knife, from private collection

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased and used.
* Condition: Overall in good condition, some signs of wear on clip and handle.
* Commercially available: Discontinued
* Sharpening: Factory sharpened
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: A few small abrasion marks, clip lacking paint in several places
* Box: /
* Scabbard: /
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: / /
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended Use: Sporting

Production Type: Industrial
Country of Production: Japan
Blade: Stainless steel VG10
Blade Finish: Satin finish
Handle: Fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRNR)
Blade Length: 79mm.
Blade thickness: 2mm.
Length closed 114mm.
Total length: 192mm.
Weight: 71g.
Closure: Back Lock
Clip: removable, stainless steel
Scabbard: -
Packaging: 
Notes: previously purchased knife, from private collection

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously Purchased.
* Condition: 12/1990 model, overall in good condition, with a few small marks from time
* Commercially available: Limited edition, numbered model, made entirely by hand; craftsman passed away in 2009
* Sharpening: Re-sharpened, a few small marks on blade due to sharpening
* Marks on blade: A few small marks
* Marks on handle: A few hairlines on the bolsters and a small dent on the left micarta handle.
* Box: -
* Scabbard: Suede leather case.
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: Certificate of authenticity with date of manufacture and craftsman's signature.
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended Use: Collection/Gentleman

Type of production: Handcrafted
Country of Production: USA
Blade: stainless steel ATS34
Blade finish: satin finish
Handle: Stainless steel and Micarta
Blade length: 83mm
Blade thickness: 2.5mm.
Length closed: 108mm.
Total length: 189mm.
Thickness when closed: 8mm.
Weight: 99g.
Closure: Back Lock
Clip: -
Sheath: Suede leather pouch
Packaging: -
Notes: rare handcrafted knife made in December 1990 by noted U.S. knife maker Frank Centofante who passed away in 2009, serial number #049

Knife taken from a private collection - Like new condition - Never re-sharpened - Checked and certified by our internal Collini Cutlery laboratory.

Intended use: Sports

Type of production: Industrial
Blade production: Japan
Blade: VG10 stainless steel
Blade treatment: -
Handle: Glass fiber reinforced with Nylon (FRNR)
Blade length: 79mm.
Blade thickness: 2mm.
Length closed 114mm.
Total length: 192mm.
Balancing: -
Weight: 71g.
Closing: Back Lock
Clip: removable, stainless steel
Sheath: -
Packaging:
Note: -

Knife withdrawn from a private collection - Beautiful and rare knife made in the late 90s by the famous American Knifemaker Frank Centofante, who passed away in 2009 - Like new condition. Never re-sharpened - Checked and certified by our internal Collini Cutlery laboratory.

Intended use: Collection / Gentleman

Type of production: Artisan
Blade production: USA
Blade: ATS34 stainless steel
Blade treatment: -
Handle: steel and mother of pearl
Blade length: 75mm
Blade thickness: 2.5mm.
Length closed: 103mm.
Total length: 180mm.
Thick when closed: 10mm.
Balancing: -
Weight: 86g.
Closing: Back Lock
Clip: -
Sheath: -
Packaging: -
Notes: rare artisan knife made by the well-known American cutler Frank Centofante who recently passed away, serial number 008

Spyderco - Memory Centofante Pin - C155TIP - knife

Intended Use: Sport / Collection
Type of production: Industrial
Blade Production: Japan
Blade: stainless steel VG-10 Treatment
Blade: -
Handle: Titanium and Glass Fiber
Blade length: 77mm.
Blade thickness: 2.5mm.
Closed Length: 103mm.
Total length: 207mm.
Thick when closed: -
Balance: -
Weight: 88g.
Lock: Liner Lock
Clip: Stainless Steel
Sheath: -
Jewel case with leatherette zip
Notes: a tribute to the late Frank Centofante

Destinazione d'uso: Sportivo

Tipo di produzione: Industriale
Produzione Lama: USA
Lama: In acciaio inox 440C
Manicatura: alluminio anodizzato nero con inserti in gomma
Lunghezza lama: 75mm.
Spessore lama: 3mm.
Lunghezza chiuso: 94mm.
Lunghezza totale: 170mm.
Spessore da chiuso: 13mm.
Peso: 76g.
Chiusura: Frame Lock
Clip: Amovibile, in acciaio inox
Confezione: scatola in cartone e scatolina in alluminio con loghi Fox
Note: Design by Centofante e Vellekamp

Spyderco Centofante III C66PBK3

After the Vesuvius, Frank Centofante gives us a new practical and solid folder

Blade steel: VG-10 to 60 HRC, wire floor
Blade Thickness: 2mm
Handle material: Glass fiber reinforced Nylon (FRNR)
Mounting Clip: Stainless Steel
Closed Length: 114mm
Blade length: 79mm
Length open: 192mm
Weight: 71g.