From the gritty streets of Hope, Washington to the treacherous jungles of Burma, the Rambo Knife has been a constant companion to John Rambo on his missions of survival and vengeance. For over 37 years, fans of the Rambo franchise have been captivated by the deadly efficiency and versatility of this legendary blade. In this blog post, we delve into the history of all the Rambo knives used in the series, beginning with the original First Blood film in 1982 and ending with the latest installment in 2019. From the handcrafted masterpieces of Jimmy Lile to the officially licensed replicas, we explore the evolution of the Rambo Knife and its impact on the world of knives and popular culture.

The Rambo First Blood Knife is an iconic weapon used in the 1982 movie "First Blood". Designed by the legendary knifemaker Jimmy Lile, this knife became synonymous with John Rambo, the character portrayed by Sylvester Stallone. The knife's overall size is 13.75 inches, featuring a 9-inch stainless steel blade with 14 saw teeth on the top. These saw teeth allowed the blade to cut through various materials, including wood, metal, and barbed wire, enhancing its utility in survival situations. The handle, wrapped in green nylon chord, is hollow, containing a survival kit, including matches, fish hooks, and other essential items. The knife also boasts a compass at the end of the handle and a blade guard that serves as a screwdriver, showcasing its multifunctionality. The Rambo First Blood Knife has become a trademark of the character, inspiring countless replicas and imitations over the years, and remains a classic symbol of survival and resilience.

The knife used in "Rambo: First Blood Part II" was also designed by Jimmy Lile and is known as the "Mission" knife. This blade, larger than its predecessor, measures 15.5 inches overall, with a 10-inch stainless steel blade. The design of the "Mission" knife was inspired by a classic aviator knife used during World War II and Vietnam, intended as a last-resort tool in emergency situations. The knife's handle is made of hollow aluminum and covered with black nylon cordage, housing a mini survival kit similar to the one in the First Blood knife. The blade features a Bowie clip point and saw teeth, enhancing its functionality in the field. Approximately 100 "Mission" knives with black blades and polished edges were created for the film, along with around 800 to 1000 unnumbered knives with a gray bead-blasted finish. This knife's rugged design and practical features highlight the evolution of Rambo's weaponry as the character himself evolves through the series.

The Rambo III knife, used in the 1988 movie "Rambo III", was crafted by Gil Hibben, a renowned knife maker. This knife measures 18 inches overall, with a 13-inch stainless steel blade and a 5-inch wooden handle. One of the distinctive features of this knife is the blood slot cut into the blade, which helps to break the suction when stabbed into flesh or meat. The spine of the blade features five slanting curves, representing the men in Rambo's unit. Initially manufactured by United Cutlery, this knife became a highly sought-after collector's item, with continued production under the name Hibben Knives. The intricate design and functionality of the Rambo III knife further solidify the iconic status of Rambo's weaponry, making it a prized possession among enthusiasts and collectors.

The Rambo IV machete, created for the 2008 film "Rambo," was designed by Sylvester Stallone and Gil Hibben. Stallone envisioned a brutal design, which Hibben delivered with a heavy chopping blade. The machete measures 18 inches in length and is made from ¼ inch thick D2 high carbon steel, featuring a flat ground blade and hammer depressions. The handle is wrapped with military-grade paracord over leather pads, providing a sturdy grip. Hibben crafted over a dozen handmade copies for the movie, with limited edition replicas sold to collectors. The Rambo IV machete's raw power and formidable design exemplify the brutal and relentless nature of Rambo's character in this installment, making it a significant addition to the series' legacy.

In "Rambo: Last Blood" (2019), German custom knife designer Dietmar Pohl designed two knives: the MK-9 and the MK-8. The MK-9, nicknamed the "Heartstopper," features a 9-inch Niolox steel blade with a two-tone satin finish and an olive drab canvas Micarta handle. The titanium guard and "skull crusher" pommel add to its tactical aesthetic. The MK-8, with a 7.8-inch blade, pays homage to the bowie design that influenced the original "First Blood" knife. It features an ebony wood handle and a titanium guard, reflecting a blend of traditional and modern design elements. These knives, with their advanced materials and craftsmanship, honor the legacy of Rambo's weaponry while showcasing the character's enduring strength and resourcefulness.

These specifications highlight the distinct characteristics of each knife, reflecting the evolution of Rambo's iconic weaponry throughout the series.