Friday 2 September 2022

Gil Hibben knives

 


As part of our knife development, as well as classic MA weapons, I have been bringing to class modern weapons from my personal collection, including the Gil Hibben knives.

I'll post updates on the notes below.


RAMBO

The first RAMBO knife from the original First Blood movie, a true replica and fully functional, authorised edition. This knife, as seen in the movie, as well as a sharp curved blade, has the serrated curved edge on the rear side. It has the screw cap end with compass, and space for the survival kit, and the all important needle and thread should you need to sew your arm back together. It also has screwdrivers on the hilt, both flat head and cross, and can be used with a line, for fishing. It is a proper multi function survival tool, as well as a combat weapon.

The knife was designed for the movie by an expert craftsman called Gil Hibben. Stallone was so impressed with the knife that he commissioned Hibben to make custom knives for Rambo films 2, 3 and 4, as well as all the knives in the Expendables movies.

Story has it that Stallone has some personal custom knives made for him by Hibben that have never been production made, and which he has only ever shown to friends, they have never been seen by the public.

In some ways, Gil Hibben is to combat knives what Hattori Hanzo was to swords



RAMBO II

The knife for Rambo II was a beefed up version of the one from the first film.

Firstly is longer, and a bit heavier, otherwise it is the exact same knife, curved, serrated back, tool options. What as been added is a point to the kashira, used in fishing, can opening, and as a weapon.

The First knife has a brown leather sheath, green cord on the handle, and silver brushed shinogi - the Second knife is all black, sheath, cord, and the shinogi is black.

While the First knife seems more "real" and practical, the SECOND knife looks more "Movie" and fantasy.

Still a wicked tool and weapon, a classic



RAMBO III - the "Bowie"