knives new life

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Iconic knife handmade in 2021, withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased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, from a private collection.
* Condition: in very good condition, never actually used, with slight signs of time
* Commercially available rare bowie from the 70s/80s discontinued and no longer available
* Sharpening: Factory.
* Marks on blade: A few small marks due to time.
* Marks on handle: A few small marks due to time
* Box: Present, but lacking the green foam inner liners, which have deteriorated over time
* Scabbard: Present, in very good condition, marked “Western Germany”
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Puma 6356 Original Bowie - A Unique Collector's Knife

The Puma 12 6356 is a remarkable vintage hunting knife known for its sturdiness, quality workmanship and excellent durability. Made in Germany from Pumaster steel, a high-performance alloy steel, this knife offers an ideal combination of hardness, wear resistance, and reliability. Pumaster approaches the performance of modern steels such as D2, with a similar composition that includes good carbon and chromium content. Although it does not reach the hardness of modern ultra-high performance steels, Pumaster is still able to maintain an exceptional edge over the long term, showing superior corrosion resistance compared to pure carbon steels such as 1095 or C75.

With a blade measuring nearly 10 inches long and an overall length of more than 15 inches, the Puma 12 6356 is an imposing knife that does not go unnoticed. Its nickel silver through-guard and rosewood handle give the knife a sophisticated look, while the quality of its craftsmanship ensures durable performance. 

This specimen, which appears to have never been used, is in excellent condition and is complete with its original box and leather sheath - special feature of the latter is that it is still marked “Western Germany,” which dates it pre-1986.

It is an ideal choice for any collector. Not only a high-quality hunting knife, but a true collector's item for fans of vintage Puma items.

Intended Use: Collectible / Vintage / Hunting

Type of production: Handcrafted
Country of manufacture: West Germany (pre-1986)
Blade: integral, Pumaster steel (a tool steel very simle to today's D2)
Blade finish: mirror polish
Handle: nickel silver through-guard and Rosewood riveted handle
Blade length: 255m.
Blade thickness: 5.5mm.
Total length: 386mm.
Balance: advanced
Weight: 555g.
Sheath: leather
Packaging: wooden case, lacking interior linings (deteriorated with time)
Notes: rare Vintage knife late 1970s, early 1980s - previously purchased, from a private collection