11 Knives From Movies and TV That Became Collector’s Items
Movie and television props often become as famous as the characters who use them. Knives, in particular, stand out for their dramatic presence and style. Over time, many of these pieces found new life as collectible treasures. Their stories continue long after the cameras stop rolling.
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Ka-Bar in The Pacific
The Ka-Bar knife was originally produced during World War II in the 1940s as a military fighting knife. It appeared in the HBO miniseries The Pacific released in 2010 with James Badge Dale and Joseph Mazzello among the main cast. The knife was carried by U.S. Marines throughout the series, highlighting its authentic use in combat history. Current market prices for genuine Ka-Bar knives range from $100 to $250 depending on age and condition. This makes it one of the more accessible collector’s items.
Its popularity stems from its deep military roots and authentic representation in media. The Pacific showed how essential the Ka-Bar was for soldiers during war. Collectors often purchase it as both a display piece and a practical tool. Its appearance in a historically accurate series adds to its appeal. The Ka-Bar continues to be one of the most respected knives in both real and fictional settings.
Benchmade 42 butterfly knife in Kick-Ass
The Benchmade 42 butterfly knife was first released in the early 2000s and quickly gained fame among enthusiasts. It was featured in Kick-Ass released in 2010 with Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the lead role. The butterfly knife added flair to the film’s high-action fight scenes. Collectors now pay between $700 and $1,200 for authentic Benchmade 42 models since production was discontinued. In the movie, Hit-Girl, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, was the main character seen with it.
The Benchmade 42 is valued for its smooth flipping action and durable build. Its appearance in Kick-Ass further highlighted its agility and appeal. Fans of the movie often search for it to replicate the iconic moments on screen. Because of its discontinued status, demand among collectors remains strong. It holds a unique place in both knife and pop culture history.
Cold Steel Large Espada in The Expendables
The Cold Steel Large Espada was introduced in the late 2000s as part of Cold Steel’s folding knife line. It appeared in The Expendables released in 2010 starring Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham. The knife is known for its oversized blade and dramatic design, which fit well with the film’s action-packed tone. Current collector value ranges from $250 to $400 depending on edition and condition. In the movie, Jason Statham’s character Lee Christmas was shown using it.
The Large Espada is admired for being both functional and theatrical. Its presence in The Expendables matched the over-the-top nature of the storyline. Collectors enjoy it as a statement piece within their displays. Its dramatic size continues to make it stand out compared to other folding knives. The film helped cement its reputation as a memorable screen weapon.
Team Gemini LB in The Walking Dead
The Team Gemini LB knife is a modern blade produced by Busse Combat, a company known for durable knives. It appeared in The Walking Dead which premiered in 2010 with Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes leading the cast. The knife was notably used by Daryl Dixon, played by Norman Reedus. Current values for the knife range from $350 to $600 depending on the version. Its survival-themed design fit perfectly with the post-apocalyptic storyline.
The knife is popular for its ruggedness and versatile use. In The Walking Dead, it became part of Daryl’s identity, making it more recognizable to fans. Collectors appreciate it for both its quality and its cultural impact. It is one of the few modern knives that gained instant recognition from a television role. Its ongoing presence in fan discussions keeps its market demand steady.
Microtech OTF in John Wick
The Microtech Out The Front (OTF) knife first appeared in the early 1990s, gaining attention for its unique automatic mechanism. It was prominently used in John Wick which was released in 2014 starring Keanu Reeves. The knife became closely associated with the sleek and tactical world shown in the film. Collectors value authentic Microtech OTF knives between $400 and $700 depending on condition and model. In the movie, John Wick himself was the one seen handling this iconic blade.
Fans admire the knife for its quick deployment and modern design. Its presence in John Wick gave it a reputation as a stylish tool suited for action. The blade is often referenced in collector forums as a prime example of film prop influence. The growing popularity of the movie franchise has further raised demand for the knife. Today, it remains a standout piece for both knife enthusiasts and movie collectors.
Gerber Mark II in Captain America and the Winter Soldier
The Gerber Mark II was first produced in 1966 and became famous as a military fighting knife. It appeared in Captain America and the Winter Soldier released in 2014 starring Chris Evans and Sebastian Stan. In the movie, the Winter Soldier, played by Stan, was often seen with it in combat. Market prices for Gerber Mark II knives range between $200 and $500 depending on production year. Its long history combined with its cinematic use makes it highly sought after.
Collectors admire the Gerber Mark II for its distinct double-edged blade. Its screen presence gave it renewed attention among younger audiences. Fans of Marvel films enjoy owning a piece tied to the Winter Soldier’s character. It remains one of the most iconic knives bridging both real military history and popular culture. This dual identity keeps it relevant among serious collectors.
The Rambo Knife in First Blood
The Rambo knife was specially designed for the film First Blood released in 1982 with Sylvester Stallone as the lead. The knife was created by custom knife maker Jimmy Lile. It featured a large blade with a hollow handle for survival gear. Original production knives connected to the movie can sell for $2,500 to over $10,000 today. Stallone’s use of the knife as John Rambo cemented its legacy.
The knife became one of the most recognized film weapons of the 1980s. Its unique design combined survival function with cinematic style. Collectors view it as both a movie prop and a piece of knife-making history. Reproductions are widely available but originals remain rare. It continues to symbolize the action genre and Rambo’s enduring popularity.
Spyderco Harpy in Hannibal
The Spyderco Harpy was introduced in the 1990s as a folding knife with a curved hawkbill blade. It was featured in Hannibal released in 2001 starring Anthony Hopkins and Julianne Moore. In the film, Hannibal Lecter used the Harpy in one of the most intense scenes. Market value for the Spyderco Harpy is between $120 and $200 depending on condition. The knife’s unusual design made it memorable to audiences.
Collectors are drawn to the Harpy for its unique blade shape and cultural significance. Its role in Hannibal gave it a reputation for being both stylish and intimidating. Spyderco’s quality build adds to its collector appeal. It is considered a niche item among knife enthusiasts who enjoy unusual designs. Its link to an iconic villain helped it gain recognition worldwide.
ESEE-4 in Sabotage
The ESEE-4 was first produced in the mid-2000s as a fixed blade survival knife. It was featured in Sabotage released in 2014 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The knife was carried by members of the DEA task force in the movie. Its practical size and durable build made it a good fit for the film’s gritty tone. Current value is around $120 to $180 for standard models.
Collectors appreciate the ESEE-4 for being reliable and accessible. Its appearance in a Schwarzenegger movie gave it more exposure to action fans. The knife continues to be used in outdoor activities like camping and hiking. Its dual role as a practical tool and film prop adds to its appeal. Many fans enjoy owning one as a functional piece tied to cinema.
Victorinox Swiss Army Knives in MacGyver
The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife has been produced since the late 1800s and remains one of the most famous multi-tools. It was a central item in the television series MacGyver which aired from 1985 to 1992 starring Richard Dean Anderson. The character Angus MacGyver frequently used it to solve problems throughout the show. Market value for collectible Victorinox knives connected to the series ranges from $50 to $300. Its strong link to the show makes it a must-have for fans.
The knife became a symbol of resourcefulness and creative problem solving. Fans associate it directly with MacGyver’s identity. Collectors often purchase limited editions that pay tribute to the show. Its widespread availability makes it accessible while certain models tied to the series remain special. The Swiss Army Knife is one of the rare cases where a tool became a cultural icon through television.
SOG Bowie in Terminator 2
The SOG Bowie knife was introduced in the 1980s as a modern take on the classic Bowie design. It was featured in Terminator 2 Judgment Day released in 1991 with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role. The knife was used by one of the villains during a tense moment in the film. Market prices today for SOG Bowie knives range between $150 and $300. Its distinctive look and film exposure made it popular with fans.
Collectors enjoy the SOG Bowie for its military-inspired design and durability. Its appearance in Terminator 2 added to its recognition across the world. The knife is remembered as part of one of the most influential action movies of the 1990s. Fans continue to reference it when discussing memorable film weapons. It remains a valued piece among action movie collectors and knife enthusiasts.
Fans admire them not only for their appearance but for the stories they represent. Collectors continue to search for these blades as reminders of memorable performances and action scenes. Owning one creates a special link between cinema and personal collections.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.