Gil Hibben Highlander Bowie

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Eckkythummp

Joined
Jan 18, 2022
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Hi All, I live in the UK. I just purchased a Highlander Bowie from Blades UK. In the description it did not mention it was made in China. After checking with Gil Hibben and United Cutlery I see that they do not licence knives to be made in China. Although the knife looks good and feels ok, I doubt it is made of 420 stainless steel. So does anyone know of a place in the UK where genuine Gil Hibben knives are sold. TIA.
 
Gill Hibben original Knives are expensive The China made clones cost only a fraction. Some ones are quite good, others are just an object
If you like the design and have no intention to use one why not. You will get what you paid for.
 
I would expect it to be made in China, like most United Cutlery products. Many webstores do mention they are. I do think that country of origin should be stated as a matter of course, since people care about that. Early production Highlanders were made in Taiwan, though.

Why do think it wouldn't be 420?
 
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Unless you plan on using it, what difference does it make what steel is? Especially for an inexpensive knife that's made for display.
 
Athos said:
I would expect it to be made in China, like most United Cutlery products. Many webstores do mention they are. I do think that country of origin should be stated as a matter of course, since people care about that. Early production Highlanders were made in Taiwan, though.

Why do think it wouldn't be 420?
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I read on Gil Hibben website that United Cutlery do not have knives made in China. So as I am new to collecting his work wondered if the copied items might not be as good as the item description on his site.
 
Eckkythummp said:
I read on Gil Hibben website that United Cutlery do not have knives made in China. So as I am new to collecting his work wondered if the copied items might not be as good as the item description on his site.
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I'm not seeing that anywhere on Hibben's website. The only thing it says is that there are counterfeits of his knives made in China. It doesn't say that the official United Cutlery aren't made there.
 
I practically equate United Cutlery (now owned by BudK) with Made in China. Perhaps this reference on Gil Hibben's site is old, like from when United Cutlery used to have knives made in Taiwan?
 
They aren't clones, they are lower priced licensed copies made by United Cutlery. It's the same principle as Bastinelli Creations (my favorite knife brand) being made by Fox or Lionsteel. From personal experience, I own the old west toothpick and the double edge boot knife. I would liken the durability of the China made Hibbens to a buck 119 or 120. They are put together similarly and use similar steels. They are a bit overpriced, but they're actually pretty decent knives. I can't speak for the fantasy ones though.
 
I know they are made in China, but I didn’t buy my one and only Hibben for an investment. I just plain old like it. , Heavy, fine fitting, holds an edge. Like it’s looks also. Doesn’t take much to make an old grandpa knife man like me happy. I pretty much just collect whatever knife I consider to be affordable and not a piece of junk. Social Security old poot income. Lol. Enjoy all. PS. Anyone want to GIVE me a free Hibben, I’ll be glad to email you my shipping address. Lol
 
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