Vintage Jimmy Lile 'The Dot' Two-Blade Barlow Pocket Knife
Vintage Knives and Collectible Cutlery

Vintage Jimmy Lile 'The Dot' Two-Blade Barlow Pocket Knife

This is a vintage two-blade Barlow-style folding pocket knife from the workshop of renowned knifemaker Jimmy Lile. The knife features a primary clip-point blade and a secondary pen blade, both constructed from high-quality stainless steel. The primary blade is prominently etched with the 'Jimmy Lile' signature and an 'Arkansas Knifesmith' floral scroll design. The tang is stamped with 'LILE SPA,' a designation often associated with the specialized workshop production or a specific era of his retail output. The handle is crafted from honey-colored jigged bone or synthetic delrin, secured with three brass pins and featuring the classic long bolster characteristic of the Barlow pattern. The nickel silver bolster is uniquely engraved with a fletched arrow motif, which is a rare and highly desirable feature. The condition appears to be used but well-maintained; the blades show light scratches and minor surface wear consistent with age, while the handle material is intact without visible cracks. The metal components exhibit a natural aged patina, particularly on the bolster. Based on the markings and design, this piece likely dates to the late 20th century, specifically the 1970s or 1980s, during the peak of Lile's fame as the creator of the Rambo survival knife. The craftsmanship is excellent, as evidenced by the precise etching and the robust assembly of the folding mechanism.

Estimated Value

$1,200 - $1,650

Basic Information

Category

Vintage Knives and Collectible Cutlery

Appraised On

February 9, 2026

Estimated Value

$1,200 - $1,650

Item Description

This is a vintage two-blade Barlow-style folding pocket knife from the workshop of renowned knifemaker Jimmy Lile. The knife features a primary clip-point blade and a secondary pen blade, both constructed from high-quality stainless steel. The primary blade is prominently etched with the 'Jimmy Lile' signature and an 'Arkansas Knifesmith' floral scroll design. The tang is stamped with 'LILE SPA,' a designation often associated with the specialized workshop production or a specific era of his retail output. The handle is crafted from honey-colored jigged bone or synthetic delrin, secured with three brass pins and featuring the classic long bolster characteristic of the Barlow pattern. The nickel silver bolster is uniquely engraved with a fletched arrow motif, which is a rare and highly desirable feature. The condition appears to be used but well-maintained; the blades show light scratches and minor surface wear consistent with age, while the handle material is intact without visible cracks. The metal components exhibit a natural aged patina, particularly on the bolster. Based on the markings and design, this piece likely dates to the late 20th century, specifically the 1970s or 1980s, during the peak of Lile's fame as the creator of the Rambo survival knife. The craftsmanship is excellent, as evidenced by the precise etching and the robust assembly of the folding mechanism.

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