Gil Hibben Hand-Made Custom Knives
This page is dedicated to custom one-of-a-kind knives made by Gil Hibben. I personally now have four Hibben "originals". Besides my own knives, I am showcasing some of the magnificent examples that I have found for sale on Ebay or elsewhere on the internet. Although I generally seek permission to use photos that I have found on the Internet, I will admit that I have "borrowed" some of pictures where I could not contact the owner and I hope that the rightful owners will not object since it is solely for the purpose of showcasing Gil Hibben's mastery of knife making. If anyone objects, I will immediately remove the pictures and apologize for the imposition.
One of Gil's customs designed by Paul Ehlers, "The Dragonfly". You can order this knife handmade by Gil at www.hibbenknives.com . The is the knife that is featured on the cover of David Darom's book "Custom Fixed-Blade Knives".
Custom Fighter - Photos provided by Mark Sill
Here is a wicked design. There is a detachable steel spur at the end of the blade. If you were to stab something with this knife, the spur would detach and remain behind after you withdrew the knife. Thanks to Mark Sill for the photos!
Another Hibben Custom - Photos provided by Mark Sill.
Early Ben Hibben Knives
In 1964 Gil Hibben briefly entered into a partnership in Utah which produced "Ben Hibben" knives. The name is the combination of the partners names Benjamin and Hibben.
Photos courtesy of Maurice Roberts.
Other Early Hibben Knives - Photos courtesy of Maurice Roberts
70th Birthday Special Edition Highlander Bowie
In celebration of his 70th birthday in September 2005, Gil decided to make a special edition knife to be offered exclusively to collectors through the Internet as a "thank you" to all of the collectors on the Internet who buy, sell, and trade his knives. Gil chose the Highlander Bowie, one of his favorite knives and one of the most popular of the United Hibben series, for his special edition. He picked 15 Highlanders, personally resurface ground each knife and acid etched his logo back onto the blade. He then had the guard and pommel copper plated with a beautiful bronze patina overly. Each one is engraved with "GIL HIBBEN 70TH BIRTHDAY SPECIAL EDITION" and serial numbered xx of 14 (the first knife is the prototype). Each one comes with a handmade display stand and is autographed and serialized to match the knife. The 14 knives are being sold on Ebay through Jeff Knox.
Photos by Jeff Knox
Photon
This futuristic pistol-grip knife was featured at the New York Custom Knife Show in 1995. A collector had it for sale in mid 2005 in the $3,000 range. Thanks to Bob Finkelstein for the pictures.
More from Bob Finkelstein's collection:
Survival Knife with Tanto Blade - 1 of 2 (Thanks to Keith Wing)
Purchased by Keith Wing in the mid 80's.
"I decided that it would be a good time to get a custom knife of my own design.
I looked at a few makers, and settled on Gil's HH Survival Knife. I did however,
want it with a tanto blade. At this time, I also became engaged, and as an
engagement present, my fiancee asked if she could get me the knife. She
contacted Gil with my particulars, and to both our surprise, he said that he
already had made two examples of a variation with a tanto blade. She bought one,
and the other, it turns out, was sold to Sylvester Stallone by Gil, at a CA
knife show. I carried this knife in the field for about a year, and luckily, was
able to keep it in mint condition. After a while, it dawned on me that Gil had
moved on towards other styles, and my knife would probably be only one of two to
ever exist, so into semi-retirement it went. Sure enough, when meeting him in
person some twenty years later, both he, and his wife Linda's, eye's widened
when they saw it. He confirmed that there had been only two made, and that
Stallone owned the other. I lost the girl over the years, for good reason. But
kept the knife, also for good reason, and will do so, I suspect, until my last
days. After which, it will probably end up holding my ashes (after suitable
engraving of course."
Special Edition Bronze Raptor - 14 Made. (Thanks to Jeff Knox)
Gil acquired 15 production Raptor knives, he then:
- personally resurface ground each knife
- acid etched his custom logo onto the blade,
- had the cross guard and pommel copper plated with a very nice rubbed bronze
patina overlay,
- re-wrapped the grips with bronze twisted wire to replace the gold wire
- acid etched each one HIBBEN KNIVES INTERNET EXCLUSIVE BRONZE SPECIAL EDITION.
- and had each one individually serial numbered 1 thru 14
Zebra Lady
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MAKER: GIL HIBBEN AND RICH 'HUTCH' HUTCHINGS, after OLIVIA's ZEBRA LADY.
KNIFE: The tang stamp is " Hibben Knives, La Grange, Ky." This is a custom Gill Hibben folder with a pen signed certificate from Mr. Hibben saying in part, "It was a pleasure making this knife for you", and signed "Gil Hibben" in pen . The overall length of the knife is : 7 3/4" with dual thumb studs and fantastic file work on the bolsters. THE SCRIM IS SENSATIONAL.OTHER NOTES: Extremely nice folder in ivory micarta and scrimmed by
"Hutch" with a figure of an " OLIVIA PINUP ART ZEBRA LADY"
This combination is just about a collectible as it gets. The knife is also
signed on the blade, and the scrimshaw is signed also. Included below are some
photos of "Olivia" art and her Zebra Lady for comparison.
This knife was offered on Ebay 2/03 at $355.00
Blossom
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Knife is the product of Gil Hibben and Bluegrass Grinding Specialist, LTD (Which he was also half owner of).
Ebay Text: "This is a Gil Hibben "Blossom" with original
leather sheath. It has a boot / belt clip for ease of carry. The blades can be
locked in the open position to form a cross. The knife can be opened and closed
with one hand by the push of a button. Blades measure just short of 4" from
end to end. Knife is un-carried, un-used but does show some old carbon spots. I
do not know the age of this piece but I have had it for 10-15 years. Very neat
and rare piece from the mind of Gil Hibben."
This knife was on Ebay 2/03 at $385.00
First Blade Marked "Manti UT" 1966
This knife was sold on Ebay 11/26/05 for $1200. It features a bone handle
with nickel silver spacers, brass guard and buttcap. Blade 11 1/2", overall 16
1/2". Photos courtesy Jim Charnas, Illinois.
Manti, UT Short Sword
Another stunning piece from Gil's early days in Manti, UT (1965-1970) from the collection of Jim Charnas. This sword sold on Ebay 11/29/05 for $2000.
THIS SHORT SWORD WAS MADE BY GIL WHEN HE WAS IN MANTI UTAH.THE BLADE IS 16" AND OVERALL IS 22".THE GUARD AND BUTTCAP IS STAINLESS AND THE HANDLE SPACERS ARE NICKEL SILVER AND THE HANDLE IS MICARTA.IT ALSO COMES WITH A CUSTOM SHEATH AND BELT.GIL DIDN'T MAKE MANY SWORDS WHEN HE WAS IN MANTI.HIBBEN MANTI'S ARE VERY COLLECTIBLE.
Photos courtesy Jim Charnas, Illinois
More from Jim Charnas Collection
Photos used with permission.
Miscellaneous Hibben Customs
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Damascus Putter with with dispute eliminator
Belt knife made for, and worn by Ed Parker
Dagger Cane
Another item for sale on Ebay. Hand made by Gil in Louisville, KY around 1979.
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This set of 4 daggers were designed and handcrafted by Gil Hibben upon special order in 1980 and appraised in 1981 at $2000.00. The blades are engraved with HIBBENKNIVES and Louisville, Ky. The handles are scrimshawed and signed by Gene Hoover of the Colt firearms Co. and each handle features a different animal head- a cougar a wolf, a bear, and a lion. Each Knife is also engraved 1 of 1 The set is displayed in a glass covered oak display case.
Made in February, 1982, this knife is mint and is unbelievable! With a lion's head schrishawed by Seymour (it is signed under the image) on the handle which is one piece, this knife is signed Gil Hibben, Louisville, Kentucky, 2/82. The brass pommel is adorned with a relief case brass lions head. In addition, the leather sheath is embossed with oak leaves and acorns. This knife is 12.25" long. Don't miss out on this unbelievably fantastic well made custom knife!
This is an Original Gil Hibben Large Bowie Knife made in the late 60's in Manti UT., From the markings. The blade is 9 1/2" long with an overall of 15". The blade is very thick and heavy. The original leather sheath is also in very good condition. This knife came out of a very old collection in Phila., Pa., You and see the original owners initials on the brass hilt. This Bowie is over 40 years old and highly collectable.
This knife sold on Ebay March 2003 for $645.00
This is an Original Gil Hibben Fighting Knife made in the late 60's or early 70's most likely in Manti UT., From the markings. The blade is 7 3/4" long with an overall of 13". The blade is very thick and heavy. The original leather sheath is also in very good condition. This knife came out of a very old collection in Phila., Pa. it is very old and highly collectable.
The larger knife is a one of a kind authentic Gil Hibben knife with a custom hand made case. It has an Indian on a horse scrimshaw hand done by Bob Engnath. You will never find another one like it! A similar knife of this design made the front cover of "The Gun Digest Book of Knives."
The second knife features a real stag handle; it was also hand made by Gil Hibben.
Offered on Ebay 12/03. 18 in overall length, 12.5 in blade, 2.5 inches wide, 3/8 in thick, made from 440 stainless steel. File worked and tapered rosewood slab handle with brass liners and 6 brass pins. 4.5 inch wide crossguard is also made from stainless steel.
Ebay 1/04. HERE'S ANOTHER GREAT KNIFE FROM GIL.THIS KNIFE WAS MADE BACK IN THE 70'S WHEN GIL WAS IN UTAH. THE BLADE IS 11 7/8" AND OVERALL IS 17 1/4". THE GUARD AND BUTTCAP IS BRASS AND THE HANDLE IS WOOD. Value approximately $750.
Ebay 1/04. Rare and as new condition Gil Hibben hand made knife designed by Elmer Keith. This beautiful knife is one of only a few hand crafted by Gil in his Alaska years. Starting bid $700.
Ebay 1/04. GIL DID A NICE JOB MAKING THIS SUBHILT FIGHTER. THE BLADE STAMP IS SILVER DOLLAR CITY AND IS 8 1/8" AND OVERALL IS 13 3/4".THE GUARDS ARE NICKEL SILVER AND ARE ENGRAVED BY JEFF FLANNERY.THE HANDLES ARE BURGANDY MICARTA.THE PINS ARE ALSO ENGRAVED.
Gil Hibben GH3 Large clip point Bowie. 12 ½" 440c blade with light file work. Nickel guard with Sheep horn slabs. Brass mosaic pins. File work on top and back of handle. Comes with handmade sheath by maker.
Sold for $1300.
Gil Hibben GH4 Elmer Keith style Blade is 6 3/8" 440c steel 5/16" thick. Nickel guard and pommel. Emboyana wood burl handle. Over all length is 10 3/8". Comes with sheath by maker.
HOG Life Member auctioning Harley-Davidson H.O.G. 5th Ann. Ltd. Ed. SETS (only 100 sets made) of two,(TWO CONSECUTIVELY SERIAIZED SETS #81/100 & 82/100) Damascus steel Dagger & Bowie knives serialized alike. C.1988,(original price from H-D, per set,$2,200-,15 yrs ago)First Damascus,first set,first Hand-Made. Cased with letter of authenticity + other paperwork.We provided Damascus steel, famous Maker Gil Hibben (Knifemaker Hall of Fame) assembled. RAREST OF THE RARE IN HARLEY COLLECTIBLES,ONLY 100 SETS!!!!Strickly serialized,impossible to counterfeit. REPEAT, TWO CONSECUTIVE SETS!!!(Total 4 knives) Great investment in rare Americana & what a gift to yourself or another! Ebay starting bid $5500 7/13/03
Massive hunter with Bowie blade handmade by Gil Hibben. Extremely rare. Not a factory piece. Blade is a full 3/8" thick! Knife is 10.5" in length with 5" blade. Has a massive feel. Maker's mark is, "Hibben Knives ALASKA." Heavy, beautiful investment. Accompanied by leather sheath which was also provided by Mr. Hibben. On Ebay 6/03 $475 reserve not met.
2001 Fighter Black
Widow
Hornet St. George Sword
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Jeff Knox Collection - Photos by, and courtesy of Jeff Knox
Flint Knife
Reaper
Claw Prototype
Push Dagger
Daryl Hibben (Brother of Gil Hibben) Custom Bowie
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Daryl Hibben has been making custom knives for over 25 years. He does
everything in house including making his own hand-stitched sheaths. For those
who are wondering, Daryl and Gil Hibben are brothers.