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Approved - knives withdrawn from private collections, checked, overhauled and certified by Coltelleria Collini

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  1. Jimmy Lile - “Rambo The Mission” Knife by Vaughn Neeley - PRIVATE COLLECTION - handmade knife

    KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
    * Origin: Iconic knife handmade in 2021, withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased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

    JL-RAMBOM-CP
    €0.00
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    Out of stock
  2. Jimmy Lile - Lile Lock Knife - Vintage Button Lock, Nickel Silver & Red Micarta - PRIVATE COLLECTION - handmade knife

    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.

    JL-LLOCK-CP
    €2,950.00
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    Only 0 left
    Out of stock
  3. EOS - Prawn Friction Folder - CPM-S35VN & Flamed Titanium - PRIVATE COLLECTION - knife

    KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
    * Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased and used
    * Condition: Overall in good condition, shows some minor cosmetic marks on the heat treatment of the titanium handles, clip, and blade, which do not compromise its practical use in any way
    * Available on the market: Out of production and no longer available on the market
    * Sharpness: Factory sharp
    * Marks on blade: Minor cosmetic marks due to carrying and use
    * Marks on handle: Minor cosmetic marks due to wear and tear
    * Box: Knife sold in a nylon bag with EOS logos and a titanium key to adjust the blade tension
    * Sheath: -
    * Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: -
    * Checked and certified by our in-house laboratory


    EOS Prawn – The first friction folder by EOS
    The Prawn marks EOS's debut in the world of friction folders, offering a compact and robust solution for everyday use. Featuring a flamed titanium handle and CPM-S35VN sintered steel blade, it combines robustness and exclusive design.

    Although it does not have a blade lock, the adjustable washer system allows you to keep the blade in the open or closed position by adjusting the tension. Its compact size makes it ideal for carrying in your pocket, backpack, or tactical bag.


    Intended use: Tactical/EDC/Collection

    Production type: Midtech
    Country of manufacture: USA
    Blade: CPM S35VN steel
    Blade treatment: Stonewashed
    Handle: Flamed titanium
    Blade length: 68mm.
    Blade thickness: 4mm.
    Closed length: 83mm.
    Total length: 135mm.
    Closed thickness: 12mm.
    Weight: 93g.
    Closure: Friction Folder (without blade lock)
    Clip: titanium, removable
    Packaging: nylon bag with EOS logos
    Notes: knife from a private collection, previously purchased and used, equipped with its original nylon pouch with which it was sold and a small titanium key to be used to adjust the tension and fluidity of the blade opening

    EOS-PT-CP
    €0.00
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    Only 0 left
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3 Items

Sports, Outdoor, Tactical, and Collectible Knives: The Collini Selection

For over 50 years, Coltelleria Collini has been a reference point in Italy for the world of specialized cutlery. Since 1968, we have been selecting sports, outdoor, professional, and collectible knives, collaborating exclusively with official brands, historical manufacturers, and master artisans.

In this category, you will find thousands of original knives, chosen for demanding collectors, EDC, outdoor, and bushcraft enthusiasts, as well as professional operators who require reliability, quality materials, and consistent performance over time.

Military & Tactical Knives

Knives designed for heavy-duty and professional use, where robustness and reliability are paramount. We select world-leading brands such as Extrema Ratio, Zero Tolerance, Ka-Bar, and Cold Steel. Fixed and folding blades developed to withstand extreme conditions.

Sports & Outdoor Knives

From trekking to hiking, from bushcraft to everyday carry (EDC). Discover the Italian excellence of Fox Knives and LionSteel, the Nordic solidity of Fallkniven, and great classics like Opinel and Spyderco.

Collectible & Rare Knives

Custom, vintage, limited edition, and discontinued knives. Through our Approved program, we acquire, evaluate, and certify private collections, offering our customers access to rare, display, and investment-grade blades.

Why choose Coltelleria Collini since 1968

We are not just an e-commerce site, but a historic cutlery shop with direct experience on the products we offer. Buying from us guarantees:

  • Certified Originality: we are official dealers for all brands we carry.
  • Real Stock with fast shipping.
  • Qualified Assistance and technical advice before and after sales.

Knives Catalog PDF Want to know more? Download the Knives Catalog for free (PDF)

Knives FAQ

What is the best knife brand?

There is no absolute "best" brand, but specific leaders for each use. For tactical and professional use, Extrema Ratio and Zero Tolerance are top tier. For outdoor and EDC, Fox, LionSteel, Fallkniven, and Spyderco excel.

Is it legal to buy sports knives online?

Yes, buying sports and collectible knives online is generally legal for adults. However, laws regarding carrying and transporting knives in public vary significantly by country. Always check your local regulations.