Lot 1474

Highly Desirable Engraved and Carved Jimmy Lile Folding Knife

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Highly Desirable Engraved and Carved Jimmy Lile Folding Knife

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000

Starting Bid: $7,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Desirable Engraved and Carved Jimmy Lile Folding Knife Manufactured c. the 1970s to 1980s, this is a highly desirable knife made by one of America's most talented knifemakers: James B. Lile (1933-1991). One of the most influential knifemakers in the world, Lile was the inventor of the famous "Lile Lock" folding knife, a lock which is featured on this particular knife, and is most famously remembered as the creator of the original Rambo knife for the movie "First Blood" which generated a whole new era of knife design and collecting. His customers included Presidents Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford and Ronald Reagan, King Carl Gustav IV of Sweden, and the actors John Wayne and Fess Parker. This knife is from the collection of Hollywood actor and producer Jack Lucarelli who wrote the book "James B. Lile, The Arkansas Knifesmith, Knifemaker To The World". Lucarelli stated that it is "one of two folders that were basically prototypes and slightly smaller than the small locking folders Jimmy sold to the public." He purchased them from Lile's personal collection shortly after his passing and noted it is heavily engraved and has deep carved ivory inlays. This knife measures 6 1/4 inches when unfolded and features Lile's patented locking mechanism, while the blade measures 2 1/2 inches and is marked "LILE" on the left ricasso. The German silver grip is extensively engraved with floral scrollwork and banners above and below an inset ivory grip scale on either side. The left grip scale is carved in a detailed flushing quail scene with "QUAIL" engraved in the banner above it, while the right grip scale is carved with a detailed pair of pointers. Also included is a poster featuring some of Lile's work along with other pieces of Americana.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Provenance: The Jimmy Lile Collection; The Jack Lucarelli Collection
  • Condition: Excellent, the blade remaining bright with little evidence of use, bright German silver with crisp engraving, and the ivory scales showing crisp carving. A very attractive knife by the one of the world's most talented knifemakers!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000