Gil Hibbon Knives

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Aug 26, 2007
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What's the story on Mr. Hibbons knives? I remember several years ago, his name was synonymous with quality. What's the opinion these days?

Thanks

God Bless

Lee
 
I wouldn't touch them with a 30ft. pole. I'm not sure if Hibben still makes any blades that were actually meant to be used, but the wall-hanger junk you see all over the place with his name stamped on it doesn't appeal to me at all. :barf:

That's just my $0.02.
 
There's Gil Hibbons Knives and there's Gil Hibbons Products.

He makes the "Knives" and they should still be very high quality.

The "Products" are licensed to United Cutlery and are low-end knives.
 
His handmade knives are very nicely built. The United stuff won't impress if you're use to higher end knives. Some of the designs were nice though, like the original Kempo karate knife, the Alaskan knives, etc.... those were decent.
 
Gil Hibbon has been making knives for over fifty years, but yes, he is best known for his deals with united cutlery. His custom pieces are indeed very well made.
 
jakeyjake4528 said:
Gil Hibbon has been making knives for over fifty years, but yes, he is best known for his deals with united cutlery. His custom pieces are indeed very well made.
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What Jake said. Gil Hibben gets a bad rep because of his designs as produced by United Cutlery. However, his customs are works of art.
 
He markets a decent throwing knife. His fantasy knives make great back scratchers. He's a hell of a nice guy, and has donated many hours of time to the guild.
 
He's an accomplished knifemaker in his own right but the United Cutlery deal associates him with a lot of negativities.

I frown unconsciously whenever I hear his name.
 
Some of the UCC stuff with his name on it is very good quality. For instance the Alaskan Guide Assoc. Hunter. This is the first released version of this knife done in 440c and not the 420j stuff available now. Tapered tang, nicely finished g10 with liners, and the guard has no gaps and is silver soldered on. Sheath could have been better but it is still very very functional. Grinds are sharp and crips too. The Kenpo mentioned above is supposed to be pretty decent too. The hunter I own in 440c really is very nice. keepem sharp
 
CWL said:
There's Gil Hibbons Knives and there's Gil Hibbons Products.

He makes the "Knives" and they should still be very high quality.

The "Products" are licensed to United Cutlery and are low-end knives.
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Thats the same thing I was told by a Guild board member.

Sort of surprises me that he would let his name be put on kinda iffy products, but then a mans gotta make a living.
Plus its the only way many of us will ever be able to afford a Hibben design.
 
Hibben

:)

Yeah, some of his stuff may look "crazy" but I think it's the intent.
I also heard he was a little whacked out too. Never met him so I can't say for certain.
 
I've had the Hibben ''Highlander Bowie'' for years, nice blade for the collection and would do some serious choppin if i needed it.
 
Not to be forgot: some of those United Cutlery knives look very good! Like the Alaskan, Highlander, III Fighter and III.
 
Like everyone else said. "His" knives are top notch..Gil is an artist with a grinder. He makes grinding a knife look easier than Ive ever seen it done.
 
CWL said:
There's Gil Hibbons Knives and there's Gil Hibbons Products.

He makes the "Knives" and they should still be very high quality.

The "Products" are licensed to United Cutlery and are low-end knives.
Click to expand...

I bought a "product" knife. It was huge. Looked strong. I cut down a small sapling. BAD idea. Blade made me feel sick when I took a good look at it.
 
The fantasy knives he designed and are made by United Cutlery are just that. Fantasy blades made to be looked at. Maybe worn with some sort of fantasy clothing/armor, but they aren't meant to be used.
 
One of the real Hibben Knives i must have: The Alamo Bowie
13 3/4 inch long by 1/4 inch thick blade. (big blade fan)
 
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