I am a huge fan of Gil Hibben Knives. Although his highly prized handmade originals bring premium prices, his less expensive mass-produced knives are very good quality. He designs the knives and United Cutlery manufactures them in Taiwan to exacting specifications. Like many, I used to feel that quality knives could only be produced in places like the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, and Spain. These knives prove that true quality knives can come out of Taiwan.
Visit the Official Gil Hibben Web site at http://www.hibbenknives.com/ or a good "Unofficial" site at http://www.edwinkagin.com/hibben/ .
I would like to express my appreciation to those who have provided photos and information that helped me to create these web pages:
Jeff Knox provided some excellent information and pictures of some of his unique Hibben customs. See the "custom knives" link below.
Greg Meyer has provided photos and a lot of very helpful history in creating the "Hibben line" section. Greg is also a dealer of Hibben knives and I highly recommend you check with him if you are shopping for a Hibben knife. Look for gmi-sales on Ebay or email AutoMastersWI@aol.com
And, of course, Gil Hibben and his family who have invited me into their home and offered me friendship and the opportunity to learn and enjoy the friendship of some truly wonderful people.
For a brief biography, click here.
Gil Hibben is a master knife maker originally from Wyoming but now living in Kentucky. Over many years his custom knives have been highly sought after by knife collectors around the world and often sell for several thousand dollars. Collectors of Hibben knives include John Wayne, Elvis Presley, Steve McQueen, Sylvester Stallone and Steven Segal and world leaders such as Israel's Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, the Sultan of Brunei and Vice-President Dan Quayle.
Gill became even more famous as a knifemaker when Sylvester Stallone, an avid
collector, asked him to create the knife that "Rambo" would use in the movie
"Rambo Part III". Gil produced a magnificent bowie knife for the
movie and later released a replica for sale to the public through United
Cutlery. It became one of the biggest selling knives in the company's history.
Some interesting trivia: Have you ever wondered about the slot in the
blade of the Rambo knife? One version of the prototype that Gil designed had a
second "wing" blade that fit into the slot. The producers decided against that
version and went with the now famous version without the "wing" blade. Only two
of the winged version were made. Gil has one and Stallone has the other.
"Winged" Rambo III Prototype
Breaking News! Rambo IV! Stallone is filming Rambo IV and I would expect it to be released sometime in 2007 or 2008. Check out the pre-release poster featuring Gil's Rambo III design!
This isn't the only time a Hibben knife has appeared on the big
screen. His "Jackal" fantasy knife was chosen to be used in "Star Trek
Nemesis".
This is the actual prop knife used in Star Trek Nemeis. The
blade was painted for filming purposes.
The Jackal was also featured in "Buffy The Vampire Slayer"
on television.
Gil created the Klingon blades for the “Star Trek Experience” in Las Vegas and is “Official Klingon Armourer” for Paramount Pictures. A new Star Trek DVD will be released in 2004 and includes a 15-minute featurette of Gil.
Gil also produced a version of his "Raptor" fantasy knife for
use in the movie "Mortal Kombat".
In fact, Gil's knives have been featured in over 30 motion pictures. His
"Double Shadow" knife has been featured in numerous movies and TV
shows. See On Screen
United Cutlery has produced dozens of "production" knives based on Gil's designs over the last 17 years including Fantasy Knives, Throwing Knives, Hunting Knives, Fighting Knives, and others.
In 1990, Gil began his annual "Fantasy" series of knives. Each year he designs a special limited-edition knife for the series and they have become extremely collectable.
Gil is President Knifemakers Guild and has received the Guild's prestigious Red Watson Memorial Friendship Award, was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame, and is well recognized the world over for his fantasy and functional knife designs. He was even given the title of Official Klingon Armorer by Paramount Pictures for his work on the Star Trek: Generations movie and The Star Trek Experience in Las Vegas.
Gil Hibben is an extraordinary man who has led a fascinating life. Besides being a master knife maker and artist, he is a black belt in Kenpo karate, a renowned singer, Assistant Director of the Rhytm Bones Society, author, and a professional hunting guide.
Me and Gil
Playing The "Rhythm Bones"
Gil at his 70th birthday party September 2005
Kenpo Black Belt
Gil Celebrates another birthday with his pal Huk Planas
Gil enjoys a stogie with a few of his friends
You can learn more about Gil Hibben at his Official Web site http://www.hibbenknives.com .
Gil has designed and produced hundreds of knives of various types. These include his "Fantasy" knives, throwing knives, hunting knives, tactical knives, and folding knives. Click here to a listing of Gil's production knives: Hibben Knives.
In May 2003, I had the extraordinary honor and privilege of spending a week in Gil Hibben's shop learning the art of knife making from the master himself. I can tell you from my personal experience that Gil is a very friendly gentleman and it only takes a few minutes of watching him at his craft to see what an incredibly skilled artist he is. This was the beginning of an extraordinary friendship and I am honored and blessed to have met Gil, his beautiful wife, Linda, and the rest of his family. Several years ago, I lost a brother. In 2003, when I met Gil, I found a brother.
To see more about my Hibben experience click here.