Jul
This shiny monster is a movie replica from the hit film ‘The Expendables’ and whilst it would look excellent on display, it’s also a super sharp bowie knife that could actually be used.
It was designed by Gil Hibben who has designed multiple knives for movies – from the Hibben IV machete used in Rambo IV to other Expendable blades like the Kunai throwers – this is a guy who is not only a master craftsman but also someone who knows what looks good.
So let’s jump in and take a good look at this movie replica knife.
The first thing that sticks out about this knife is the size. It’s huge and it’s very shiny.
Then you notice the synthetic ivory handle with it’s blingy gold guards and Expendables print.
Apart from the size, it’s a conventional bowie style knife – the blade is a chonky 14″ long and is made from highly polished 3Cr13 stainless steel. It’s so shiny you could use it as a mirror and I imagine owning and using it would involve a lot of finger print removal.
Whilst 3Cr13 steel couldn’t be classed as a premium knife blade material by any means, given the sheer amount of it used in this beast, it certainly offers value for money!
The knife comes boxed with a United Cutlery certificate of authenticity and a thick leather sheath.
The sheath doesn’t have a strap to secure the handle, but given the size of this knife, it isn’t likely to jiggle it’s way out anyway.
The knife is a hefty 875g in weight but despite this it’s surprisingly nice in the hand. The synthetic ivory grip feels smooth and comfortable and the printed Expendables imagery is a nice touch.
So, yes, it is massive and shiny but don’t let that fool you.
Beneath the mirror finished blade and gold accents is a hefty tool that is more akin to a machete than a knife. You could literally hack away at a tree with this thing and it’d just ask for more.
Don’t believe me? Then check out this official United Cutlery video…
Something that is very evident – straight out of the box it is sharp – and I mean razor sharp. You would certainly not need to put an edge on this before you used it for slicing and cutting. I’ve even heard of someone carrying out the ‘shave’ test – which it passed.
Not sure I’d like to shave with something this large though, I kind of like my head where it is.
It’s a beautiful piece of kit but apart from chopping something up I can’t think of any really practical use for a blade this large and shiny. I’d be scared of ruining that mirror finish using it as a chopping tool.
It’s a showpiece really – and that is what it was designed for. It’s made specifically to show your love for the film in a very cool way. Any serious movie prop collectors should be all over this.
This blinginess of the United Cutlery Gil Hibben Expendables Bowie Knife is matched only by its immense size. It really is big – but beneath the gloss is a tough chopper with an incredibly sharp blade.
