Approved - knives withdrawn from private collections, checked, overhauled and certified by Coltelleria Collini

KNIFE FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously purchased knife from a private collection
* Condition: Like new
* Availability: Rare and hard to find
* Sharpening: Factory edge
* Blade marks: None
* Handle marks: None
* Box: Original
* Sheath: In excellent, complete condition
* Manuals, Certificates & Warranty: Ka-Bar
Inspected and certified by our in-house laboratory

The KA-BAR BK72 represents the ultimate evolution of a survival knife icon. As the heir to the famous Becker BK2/BK22, it retains their toughness and reliability while enhancing performance thanks to the premium CPM S35VN steel. Built full tang with a 6.35 mm thick blade, it offers outstanding strength and optimal handling.

The black micarta handle ensures a firm grip in any condition, while the available finishes — stonewashed or black DLC coating — provide a modern and functional aesthetic. A knife that combines durability, precision, and style, perfect for outdoor, survival, and professional use.

Intended use: survival / outdoor / heavy-duty
Production type: exclusive Knivesandtools edition (KA-BAR–Knivesandtools collaboration)
Country of origin: USA
Blade: CPM S35VN steel (full tang, 6.35 mm thick)
Blade finish: stonewashed (KABK72) or black DLC coating (KABK72BK)
Handle: black micarta
Blade length: approx. 13.2 cm
Blade thickness: 6.35 mm
Closed length: 107 mm
Overall length: approx. 270 mm
Closed thickness: estimated between 12–15 mm
Weight: approx. 435 g
Locking mechanism: fixed blade, no locking system
Clip: none (includes kydex sheath)
Packaging: original box
Notes: hardness approx. 58 HRC

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Iconic knife handmade in 2021, withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased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.

Intended use: Collection and EDC (Everyday Carry)
Production type: Industrial
Country of manufacture: USA
Blade: Tru-Sharp™ stainless steel
Blade finish: Mirror polished
Handle: Amber Bone Peach Seed Jig
Blade length: 69mm
Blade thickness: 2.3mm
Closed length: 107mm
Total length: 176mm
Closed thickness: 10mm
Weight: 56g
Locking mechanism: Back Lock
Clip: None
Packaging: Cardboard box with Case logos
Notes: Iconic Case model, available in limited quantities

Ka-Bar - 1217 - Full Set 1991 50th Pearl Harbour Anniversary Model 02-1241 - PRIVATE COLLECTION - knife

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Provenance: withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased.
* Condition: Like new, never taken out of its box. 
* Commercially available: Discontinued, 1991 model
* Sharpening: Factory.
* Marks on blade: /
* Marks on handle: /
* Box: Present, original, with “50th Anniversary Pearl Harbor” logos.
* Scabbard: Present
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: Present, complete set.
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

This Ka-Bar 1217, made in 1991, is a commemorative knife designed to mark the 50th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This surprise attack, conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy, aimed to destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet and prevent a rapid response to Japanese expansion. The raid claimed the lives of about 2,400 people, including military personnel and civilians, and led the United States to enter World War II, declaring war on Japan the following day.

The Ka-Bar 1217, with its high-carbon steel blade and leather ring handle, has the same design as the legendary Ka-Bar knife used by U.S. soldiers during the conflict. The blade is engraved with the 50th anniversary logo and a symbolic image of Pearl Harbor, making the knife a collector's item and a tribute to the historical memory of the event. The Ka-Bar 1217 is not just a tool but a mark of honor and respect for the victims of the attack and the heroes who contributed to the victory of the United States during World War II.

Unlike the standard models, here we have engraving from the right side of the blade, hand-molded leather washers with an aged look, and even the scabbard is made like the 1940s models, with darker leather and steel staple points in addition to the traditional contrasting cream-colored stitching.

Intended Use: Tactical/Military

Blade: 1095 56/58HRC carbon steel
Handle: hand-molded leather rings with aged appearance
Blade length: 180mm.
Blade thickness: 4mm.
Total length: 290mm.
Balance: set back - 1cm. from the lower guard branch
Weight: 305g.
Sheath: leather, with contrasting stitching and steel staple points
Notes: very rare 1991 commemorative edition for the 50th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor

USED KNIFE, WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Knife previously purchased, from a private collection
* Condition: Like new
* Available on the market: Out of production
* Sharpening: Factory edge
* Blade marks: None
* Handle marks: None
* Box: Present and in excellent condition
* Sheath: Present and like new
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: Present
* Checked and Certified by our internal laboratory

At 2:38 in the morning on the night between January 16 and 17, 1991, just 18 hours and 38 minutes after the expiration of the ultimatum set by the United Nations, Operation "Desert Storm," the largest allied military action since 1945, began.

In what would become the first conflict in history to be broadcast live on television, 90,000 tons of bombs would be dropped, marking a new point of no return for what was considered acceptable by global public opinion. The imagery that war helped create would lay the groundwork for the long series of Western military interventions in the Middle East in the years that followed.

Intended use: Tactical/Military

Country of production: USA
Blade: 1095 carbon steel 56/58HRC
Handle: Leather rings
Blade length: 180mm.
Blade thickness: 4mm.
Total length: 305mm.
Balance: Set back - 1 cm from the lower guard
Weight: 305g.
Sheath: Leather
Notes: Commemorative edition from the 2000s, out of production and no longer available