Approved - knives withdrawn from private collections, checked, overhauled and certified by Coltelleria Collini
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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KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Iconic knife handmade in 2021, withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased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 laboratoryTHE 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 collectionJL-RAMBOM-CP -
Viper - Tank by T. Rumici - Stonewashed D2 & Canvas Micarta - VT4004SW - PRIVATE COLLECTION - knife
KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased.
* Condition: Like new
* Commercially available: Discontinued
* Sharpening: Original
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Absent
* Scabbard: Original, like new
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: - -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory.The Viper Tank is a fixed-blade knife designed to deliver exceptional performance in tactical and outdoor situations. Made in Italy from high-quality materials, this knife combines strength and functionality, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
The D2 steel blade provides excellent cutting power, while the ergonomic micarta handle ensures a firm and comfortable grip. The MO.L.L.E.-compatible Cordura sheath completes the equipment, allowing safe and convenient carrying.
Intended Use: UtilityProduction type: Industrial
Country of production: Italy
Blade: D2 steel at 58/59HRC
Blade Treatment: Aspis Coating
Handle: Canvas Micarta
Blade Length: 155mm.
Blade thickness: 5.8mm.
Total length: 297mm.
Weight: 415g.
Sheath: black Cordura, by Vega Holster, with MOLLE attachments
Packaging: -
Notes: Design by Tommaso Rumici - previously purchased knife, from a private collectionAP-VT4004SW -
Viper - Golia by T. Rumici - Black Micarta - VT4003CB - PRIVATE COLLECTION - knife
KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased and used.
* Condition: Overall in very good condition, damaged scabbard (no lanyard on handle).
* Commercially available: Discontinued, replaced by “Evolution” versions.
* Sharpening: Factory.
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: -
* Scabbard: Present but damaged (lacking strap to stop handle).
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: - -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratoryIntended Use: Light Utility
Production type: Industrial
Country of Production: Italy
Blade: Carbon steel D2 59/60HRC
Blade Treatment: Black PVD
Handle: Canvas Micarta
Blade Length: 125mm.
Blade thickness: 5.8mm.
Total length: 252mm.
Balance: set back 1cm
Weight: 280g.
Sheath: nylon, thigh-high, M.O.L.L.E. compatible.
Packaging: -
Notes: Design by Tommaso Rumici - previously purchased knife, from a private collectionVT4003CB-CP -
Viper - Tank - Black Aspis - VT4004BK - PRIVATE COLLECTION - Knife
KNIFE RETRIEVED FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
- Origin: Retrieved from a private individual, previously purchased
- Condition: In excellent condition
- Commercial Availability: NOT available on the market
- Blade Edge: Original
- Blade Marks: None
- Handle Marks: None
- Box: -
- Sheath: Original
- Manuals, Certificates, and Warranty: -
- Checked and Certified: By our internal laboratory
The Viper Tank Black Aspis VT4004BK is a fixed-blade knife designed to deliver exceptional performance in tactical and outdoor scenarios. Made in Italy with high-quality materials, this knife combines durability and functionality, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and military use. The D2 steel blade with black PVD coating ensures corrosion resistance and excellent cutting ability, while the ergonomic handle in brown canvas impregnated with phenolic resin provides a firm and comfortable grip. The Cordura® sheath compatible with the MO.L.L.E. system completes the equipment, allowing safe and practical transport.
Intended Use: Sporting/Utility
- Type of Production: Industrial
- Blade Production: Italy
- Blade: D2 steel at 58/59HRC
- Blade Treatment: Aspis Coating
- Handle: Canvas Micarta
- Blade Length: 155mm.
- Blade Thickness: 5.8mm.
- Closed Length: -
- Total Length: 297mm.
- Closed Thickness: -
- Balance: -
- Weight: 415g.
- Lock: -
- Clip: -
- Sheath: Black Cordura, by Vega Holster, with MOLLE attachments
- Packaging:
- Notes: Design by Tommaso Rumici
AP-VT4004BK









