Approved - knives withdrawn from private collections, checked, overhauled and certified by Coltelleria Collini

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Iconic knife handmade in 2021, withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased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 A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private individual, previously purchased
* Conditions: in like-new condition
* Available on the market: No longer available
* Sharpening: Factory
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: /
* Sheath: hand-made leather in good condition
* Manuals, Certificates and Guarantees: No
* Checked and Certified by our internal laboratory

Intended use: collection/sports

Type of production: Handcrafted
Blade production: Cambodia
Blade: mirror-finish DNH7 carbon steel
Blade treatment: brut de forge
Handle: wood and horn
Blade length: approx. 120mm.
Blade thickness: approx. 5.5mm.
Total length: approx. 250mm.
Balance: -
Weight: approx. 228g.
Lock: 1.5cm set back
Sheath: Handcrafted leather
Notes: -

Citadel Knives and Swords is a sword and knife manufacturer based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Despite the country's reputation as an exotic and remote location, the company is easily accessible, located close to the city's international airport. The workshop is modest but houses an impressive range of high-quality Japanese swords and knives.

Founded by Dominique Eluere in the 1990s, Citadel has combined the expertise of French and local craftsmen to produce blades that rival the best in the world. Eluere began by training Cambodian blacksmiths to make French table knives, later evolving into the production of Japanese swords.

The quality of Citadel swords is world renowned, thanks to the use of traditional Japanese techniques and a meticulous manufacturing process. Each katana is heat treated, creating a blade with varying hardness along the edge and spine, a hallmark of true katanas. The hilt is fully encased in high-quality stingray leather, a rarity compared to common panels.

Attention to detail extends to every element, with every component custom-made for each blade. This includes the tsuba (sword guard) and habaki (blade collar), both of which are hand-crafted and fitted, ensuring perfect fit and functionality.

In addition to katanas, Citadel also produces European swords and knives, maintaining the same philosophy of quality and functionality. Production is artisanal, with particular attention to polishing and finishing, often done by hand with sandpaper and whetstones.

Citadel is proud of its Cambodian roots, with local workers looking up to Eluere as a father figure and deeply involved in maintaining the company's high standards.

In short, Citadel Knives and Swords represents a perfect fusion of tradition, craftsmanship and innovation, offering products that are truly functional works of art. These tools, while expensive, represent an investment in quality and craftsmanship that is hard to match.