knives new life

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased
* Condition: Overall in excellent condition, never used for cutting, cosmetic abrasion marks on the finish caused by insertion and removal from the sheath
* Available on the market: Out of production and difficult to find
* Sharpness: Factory sharp
* Marks on blade: Cosmetic abrasion marks on the finish caused by insertion and removal from the sheath
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: None
* Sheath: Like new
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: None
* Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended use: Tactical - Military

Type of production: Industrial
Blade: 420HC stainless steel
Blade finish: TiNi - Titanium nitriding
Country of manufacture: USA
Handle: TacHide, non-slip
Blade length: 175mm.
Blade thickness: 5.5 mm.
Total length: 314 mm.
Balance: on the guard
Weight: 332 g (636 g with sheath)
Sheath: ABS, with extraction safety
Notes: designed by Matt Larsen (Close Quarter Combat expert), William Harsey Jr., and Chris Reeve, renowned knife makers

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Iconic knife handmade in 2021, withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased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
* Condition: Overall in good condition, it has some minor signs of oxidation on the guard and pommel that have not been removed so as not to alter the original finish of the knife, and a couple of small cosmetic scratches on the blade. The sheath is present and perfectly usable, but discolored and “worn” in some parts due to the passage of time
* Available on the market: Out of production
* Sharpness: Factory sharp
* Marks on blade: A couple of small scratches on the left side of the blade and signs of oxidation on the guard and pommel
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: -
* Sheath: Present, complete with diamond sharpener and original bushing, but discolored and worn due to the passage of time
* Manuals, certificates, and warranties: -
* Checked and certified by our in-house lab

The Gerber BMF (Basic Multi-Function) is a fixed blade knife produced by Gerber Legendary Blades between 1986 and the late 1990s. Designed as a sturdy and versatile survival tool, it has become a cult object among collectors and enthusiasts of military and outdoor knives. Its impressive blade, non-slip handle, and sheath with accessories make it one of the most iconic models of Gerber's production from that period.

Intended use: Survival / Military

Type of production: industrial
Blade: AUS-8 stainless steel
Blade finish: micro-peened
Country of manufacture: USA
Handle: Hypalon (neoprene-like material)
Blade length: 200mm.
Blade thickness: 6 mm.
Total length: 342 mm.
Balance: on the guard
Weight: 433 g.
Sheath: ABS and Cordura
Notes: knife from a private collection, previously purchased, serial number 006282 - The original compass is in the pocket on the sheath.

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously Purchased
* Condition: Overall in very good condition.
* Commercially available Discontinued
* Sharpening: Factory
* Marks on blade: No
* Marks on handle: No
* Box: -
* Scabbard: -
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory



Use: Tactical / Military

Blade: Stainless steel 154CM 58/60 HRC with PVD treatment
Handle: Zytel
Blade length: 95 mm.
Blade thickness: 3 mm.
Total length: 220 mm.
Length closed: 125 mm.
Weight: 115 g.
Clip: stainless steel
Locking system: liner lock with additional safety lock