Follow the Rambo knives through the first four movies with these photos. If you want to step back in time even further, download the June 1983 issue of BLADE.
BLADE Staff
The Story of the Rambo Knives in 22 Photos
Now on Newsstands: BLADE’s Rambo Issue
Available on newsstands everywhere as of Dec. 26, 2017, BLADE is proud to present its Rambo-themed issue.
This hot issue is jammed with Rambo features, from stories behind the scenes of the movies to collecting and more.
There are three ways to get this must-read issue:
- Be a subscriber to BLADE magazine
- Pick up a copy from your favorite newsstand
- Download the issue here
Also, here on blademag.com, you can get in on the action with Rambo Week articles.
The Cover
A close-up of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame© member Jimmy Lile’s tang mark on a special edition of the knife that started the Rambo phenomenon, the First Blood, is our cover.
A 1-of-1 Raven First Blood model Lile originally made for Sylvester Stallone, the knife is in the collection of Randy Rousseau. It is one of four 1-of-1 Ravens of the Rambo movie knives—two by Lile for First Blood and Rambo: First Blood II, and two by Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Gil Hibben for Rambo III and Rambo IV—that are in Rousseau’s collection.
The Raven First Blood has the same specs as one of the original 100 First Blood models—the only difference is that the flip side of the tang is marked “1 OF 1” over “LILE” over “RAVEN.” The 9-inch blade is 440C stainless steel with a non-glare matte finish and polished edges. The stainless-steel hollow handle is pinned to the tang and wrapped with 36 feet of duck-decoy nylon line.
Collecting Rambo Knives: Values, History and Tips
Editor’s Note: This article is part of Rambo Week here on blademag.com. Download the Rambo-themed issue of BLADE magazine here.
When it comes to collecting Rambo movie knives and movie props, Randy Rousseau takes a back seat to no one. A personal acquaintance of Sylvester Stallone’s, Mr. Rousseau has a collection of all things Rambo unlike any other anywhere.
On the 35th anniversary of First Blood, Rambo and Rambo knives in general, he was gracious enough to grant a special BLADE® interview about his collection, Rambo movie knife values, some little known facts about Rambo knives and much more.
BLADE: What are the values of the original versions of each Rambo knife?
RANDY ROUSSEAU: The original First Blood knives serial numbered one through six are “priceless.” They are screen used and iconic, are owned by Stallone and are in his personal collection.
Numbers seven through 13 are worth anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000 each, and numbers 14 to 100 are worth anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 each, depending on the number.
Give values for each knife in mint condition.
The first numbers from the Rambo II: The Mission knife sent to Stallone are iconic and from his personal collection. They are also screen used and are “priceless.” Rambo: First Blood, Part 2 was the highest grossing film in the series, which adds to the value from a film-prop collector’s point of view. The rest of the numbers up to 100 sold to collectors for between $25,000 to $50,000 each, depending on the serial number.
How many of each original version of each custom Rambo knife were made?
According to Jack Lucarelli’s book, James B. Lile: The Arkansas Knifesmith, Knifemaker to the World, 13 were made. That’s correct and matches the correct version used by Stallone in the movie, plus the model marked “1 of 1 RAVEN.”
How many of the original First Blood knives were damaged during the making of the movie?
Only one was damaged in filming and the others did survive. For more information see the video below. The knife in that video sold for $90,000.
How much is one of the first seven First Blood knives worth if in mint condition?
$75,000.
Do all of the original First Blood knives still exist or do you know?
Yes. They are in private collections.
Are the First Blood knives with the Jim Buff aloe sheaths more valuable and if so, how much more?
Yes. Five thousand dollars more each.
How much are the unnumbered First Blood custom knives worth in mint condition?
Five thousand to $7,000 each.
What is one of the first 100 Rambo II: The Mission custom knives worth in mint condition?
$25,000 to $50,000, depending on the serial number.
How much is one of the 25 Mission custom knives with black blades worth, in mint condition?
Anywhere from $7,500 to $10,000.
How much are each of the unnumbered Mission custom knives worth in mint condition?
Three thousand to $5,000 each.
How many of the custom Gil Hibben knives actually used in Rambo III were made, and how much is each worth in mint condition?
Six. All are “priceless,” screen used and owned by Stallone, and iconic.
You mentioned something about there being two serial number 19 Rambo knives. Were those Liles and if so, please explain why there are two.
Yes, the Mission knife. The original serial number 19 had some issues and was sent back to Jimmy. Rather than repairing it right away, he made another serial number 19 and sent it to the collector. Years later after Jimmy passed away the original 19 had been repaired and sold. The 19 is rare because it’s the only duplicate number in all of the Rambo saga of knives.
Who has them and what are they worth?
I own one of them. The second/replacement number 19 is the rarest of the set of 100 because it’s the only duplicate of the series. It’s worth $50,000. The other number 19 sold on the Internet a few years back for $38,000.
The knife used by Jim Bowie in the Sandbar Fight inspired scores of emulators in both Sheffield, England, and the USA in the 19th century, and the Rambo knife did the same by knifemakers and knife companies worldwide. Is the Rambo knife the modern-day equivalent of Jim Bowie’s knife in terms of popularity?
Yes, 100 percent, due in large part to its being used as a reference in popular culture.
In your opinion, is the Rambo knife less popular than Bowie’s knife, about the same or more so, and why?
More so. The Rambo knife has worldwide appeal. Nothing will ever come close. It was a moment in time, like lightning in a bottle. It made such an impression on the generation and inspired so many to go into the prop business for films and/or the knife-collecting world. I know folks who have a likeness of the Mission knife tattooed on their body.
It really inspired a generation that put serious interest into the knife industry. Never had we seen a character on film use such an elegant knife in this manner. And after all these years, nothing on film comes close to the Rambo knives seen in the four movies.
What do Jim Bowie’s knife and the Rambo knife have in common?
Their impact on culture. Each is famous for its influence on the knife industry and the public.
How are they different?
They are from different times but defined a generation, like Elvis and Michael Jackson did their generations.
How did the Rambo knife change the custom and factory knife industries?
It brought major interest back to the knife-collector side and created an entire industry of replicas for the common fan. I have been told that the Rambo movies saved the knife business, and with the movies still getting major viewers on cable and downloadable services, the interest is still very strong.
Are there any issues or stories concerning the Rambo knives that you know of that have never been addressed or that are rarely addressed that you think need addressing?
Yes, the Rambo III “Rescue” knife that was used on screen in the minefield. It’s a beautiful version that really doesn’t get a lot of interest but is a very cool Rambo knife. It sort of ties the gap between the first two films to the Rambo III main version from a design point of view.
Also, Jimmy Lile made a 1 of 1 for Stallone with his code name RAVEN on a First Blood version and a Rambo II Mission version. Extremely rare, they are the only 1 of 1 Lile Ravens in existence. In keeping with the Raven theme, Gil Hibben was asked to produce the same for the Rambo III knife. It is marked Raven 1 of 1.
And again for the fourth film, the Rambo IV knife was made and marked Raven 1 of 1, making this the only complete 1-of-1 set in the world from all four films.
Can’t Get Enough Rambo?
Download this special issue of BLADE that’s all about these iconic movies.
The Knives of the Die Hard Movies
For those ground into a nub by Frosty and Rudolph, the Die Hard movies provide a welcome respite without leaving the Christmas movie genre. And yes, they are Christmas movies. While the series’ armory mostly centers around firearms, there are a few exceptions for the knife enthusiast.
Knives of Die Hard (1988) and Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990)
Jack Crain designed two fighters that make brief appearances in the first two Die Hard films.
From his website, where replicas are still for sale:
One scene in Die Hard 2: Die Harder also involves what appears to be a prop automatic, although it’s hard to tell from this short clip:
Knives of Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995)
The third film contains what’s probably the most memorable knife scene in the franchise. This one involves a karambit. Despite it being a product of the prop department, it’s worth noting due to the rarity of karambits in Hollywood movies.
Here’s the scene:
Here’s a closer look, from YourProps.com:
No, it’s not a pretty knife. Maybe that’s why movie studios tap custom knifemakers when the blade gets more screen time. In fast-moving action scenes, it’s likely more economical to let the prop department turn out something passable.
Knives of Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
This is the one movie in the franchise with a giant question mark on the knives used. Information is either hard to come by or doesn’t exist, and there are no notable knife scenes.
Knives of A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)
Busse Knives played a part in the most recent Die Hard movie in many ways. It provided knives and sponsored screenings for U.S. military members stationed overseas. From its official statement:
Nearly 50 Busse Combat knives were purchased by the production company and delivered to Russia for either inclusion in the movie or gifting.
An Arsenal RS-1, a “knifegun” that also fires .22 cartridges, makes an appearance. It’s similar to the one featured in this video:
In the end, what would’ve been a dramatic knife fight didn’t make the film’s final cut. It still managed to make its way onto YouTube, though.
Anything Missing? Leave a Note in the Comments
If something didn’t make the list, be sure to let BLADE know in the comments.
Keep Learning About Knives Used in Movies
BLADE magazine often covers the knives used in new movie releases. The best way to stay on top is with a subscription.
Knife News Wire 12/22/17 – This Government Tracks Knife Buyers with QR Codes
People’s Republic of China Tracks Knife Purchases with QR Codes
At least in some parts of the People’s Republic of China, authorities are matching knives to consumers with QR codes as part of an anti-terrorism initiative. What could go wrong? About everything you could expect from something as punitive as this. From Fast Company:
A knife shop owner in the midwestern city of Aksu told the Journal he had to spend thousands of dollars on a machine that turns every “customer’s ID card number, photo, ethnicity and address,” encodes the data as a QR code and lasers it into the blades of even the kitchen knives they buy. The Aksu policy, which was previously reported by Radio Free Asia, is intended to trace a knife back to its owner in the event it’s used to commit acts of violence.
And from Twitter comes this disturbing report from a Wall Street Journal reporter:
In Aksu, we interviewed a salesman at a knife shop that had to spend thousands of dollars on a machine that turns a customer’s ID card data into a QR code and laser-etches it into every knife they sell. pic.twitter.com/T1FMkhdnHR
— Josh Chin 李肇华 (@joshchin) December 19, 2017
If this doesn’t sound terrifying to you, you need to sit down and think about it some more.
Nothing similar to this is on the table in the United States, but the general technique is not unfounded. California’s “bullet stamping” initiative is one example.
Bill Loosening Switchblade Restrictions Introduced in Ohio
And now for something completely different.
Ohio law allows for the carry and possession of switchblades, but not the sale or manufacture of them. This quirk could soon be corrected, per Knife Rights:
Ohio State Senator Frank LaRose today introduced, Senate Bill 242, Knife Rights’ bill to repeal Ohio’s irrational ban on the manufacture and sale of “switchblade, springblade, and gravity knives.” Ohio statutes allow for the possession and carry of these knives, but they cannot be manufactured or sold in the state. Ohio loses out on jobs and tax revenue as Ohioans spend their money outside the state’s borders. Co-sponsors include Senate President Larry Obhof and Senators Joe Uecker, John Eklund and Kris Jordan.
Read more about this proposal here from Knife Rights.
Read the bill as written on the Ohio Legislature’s official site here.
Why are So Many Bladesmiths from Arkansas?
It’s not your imagination. Many of the most renowned knifemakers call Arkansas home. The Magnolia Reporter went to find out why with a profile on Jerry Fisk.
According to Fisk, 10 percent of the world’s recognized master bladesmiths are Arkansans. “The first bladesmithing school (Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing) was started here in 1987,” he said. “People from all over the world would come here to learn the basics and get inspired as they do to this day.”
Good point. Read the full article here.
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Knife News Wire 12/21/17 – Knife Used to Free “Cocaine Smuggler”
Knife Used to Free “Cocaine Smuggler”
The United States Coast Guard is used to intercepting drug runners, but it wasn’t expecting a sea turtle shepherding cocaine bricks across the ocean.
During their 68-day Eastern Pacific counter drug patrol, the crew of USCGC Thetis rescued a large sea turtle entangled in $53 million worth of cocaine. Read here to learn more about this patrol: https://t.co/x9VCINZ25I pic.twitter.com/Zhddcb4lgg
— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) December 21, 2017
All joking aside, this is yet another reason to keep a knife handy. You never know what you’ll come across. Good job, Guardsmen.
How to Bone Out Venison Shoulders
You’ll never appreciate a sharp knife as much as when you’re butchering. This video from sister pub, Deer & Deer Hunting, shows why with a tutorial on boning out venison shoulders.
Save the neck for me, Clark.
Trendy Knife Blocks
Knife blocks don’t get much attention in the world of knives, but designers are nonetheless pushing forward with new takes. Perhaps this is overdue, as this article in Business Insider points out:
When you think of a knife block, you may envision the traditional, slanted wood block that sits on your counter. There are many excellent blocks in this style, but none of them made our list. The main problems we have with the classic block is that it is difficult to clean and you can’t readily view the type of knife you are grabbing for. There are plenty of modern styles that sufficiently address these issues.
Check out some of the knife blocks catching eyes here.
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Knife News Wire 12/20/17 – Running a Garage Op? Beware
City Shuts Down Knifemaking Operation in Garage
The first phase of a knifemaking business likely starts in the garage. If that sounds familiar to you, keep in mind that fire safety isn’t the only concern, as one knifemaker in Maine found out. City ordinances can hit in a hurry once you cross the line from “it’s just a hobby” to “making several knives per week.”
From the Sun Journal:
…city officials shut him down. Neighbors had been complaining about the noise and smell and his Auburn neighborhood wasn’t zoned for blacksmithing.
Knives as Status Symbols in the UK
Finally, a bright spot for knife enthusiasts in the United Kingdom. In a country saturated with imported knives, domestically made knives are becoming tokens of pride in certain pockets. This is especially the case with chefs and custom knives.
From Big Hospitality:
Until just a few years ago, a British made knife was a rare sight in kitchens with German and Japanese-made blades favoured by most chefs.
But a small group of artisans are starting to change that, enabled by a number of factors including an increased interest in British handmade products and the marketing power of the Internet and social media.
See? Hipsters don’t always ruin everything. Read the full article here.
Flying for Christmas? Here’s How to Transport Your Knives
Everyone’s favorite federal agency, the Transportation Security Agency, generally prohibits knives from being placed in a carry-on. Yes, there are stories of exceptions for this or that multitool, but it’s better to follow this guide from the TSA.
Here’s the quick rundown:
However, that chart goes only for knives you could stand losing. For transporting anything valuable (or, I suppose, invaluable), it may be better to ship it separately through a courier, such as FedEx or UPS. That way, you have a tracking code and know where your $75,000 work of art is hiding.
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