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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 3, 2012 at 9:38

Thanks for the question Ruelon, we have several fans of Hibben knives. perhaps one can help with this ID. A picture would certainly help too if you get a chance.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Carter on April 3, 2012 at 19:40

Gil Hibben has made at least 3 styles of belt knives that I know of over his 54 year career. United Cutlery is currently selling reproductions of two of the most common style and the sheath-belts to go with them. Gil made his knives in Louisville, KY from 1979-1991 and then moved to his current location in LaGrange, KY.

I have no idea how many belt knives he made while in Louisville or what the current value would be.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Carter on April 3, 2012 at 19:47

I haven't had time to find my pictures of original Hibben belt knives but here are the two styles that United Cutlery is selling. They are pretty accurate reproductions of his originals.

Gentlemans Belt Knife and Survial Belt Buckle Knife. The "survival" version was also made by Gil marked with a Kenpo Karate logo. One was worn my Kenpo master Ed Parker.

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Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on October 9, 2013 at 1:24

I purchased a Bowen Knife Company belt knife that is identical to the top knife shown by Mike Carter, except for the holes in the blade.  That was in the early 80's, long before Hibben was selling them. I'm thinking Bowen actually made them for Hibben, There is one of those Bowen originals online in a high dollar men's accessory store with a diamond mounted on it that is priced for over $2000. 

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Permalink Reply by Mike Carter on October 9, 2013 at 5:21

I am not trying to argue but do you know when Gil Hibben began making his belt buckle knives? I know he was making them when he was in Alaska 1970-1975. The one he made for Ed Parker probably would have been in the late 60s or early 70s. Gil has been making knives since 1957 and full-time since 1964.

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Permalink Reply by Brad T. on October 9, 2013 at 8:59

Yes, pictures please. Even if I can't help pinpoint a value or origin, I would very much like to see this treasure you speak of.

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Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on October 9, 2013 at 11:11

I believe that Hibben DID make one form or another of belt buckle knife early on. But, I do remember that there was a sudden change in Bowen's way of doing business in the 80's, something to do with daggers, if I remember right. Bowen began to work as a jobber. And, I could no longer find info about them after that. Yet, the buckles still show up here and there without the Bowen name associated with it.

Here is another version of a buckle knife.

Buckle knife of a different design

On this page is the expensive modified "Bowen" knife I spoke of. Note that they call it a "Bolen" . But, it clearly has the "Bowen" stamp with a bow and the name BOWEN USA . I had to get out my magnifying glass and knife to verify that to be true.

Buckle knife with diamond

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Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on October 9, 2013 at 12:07

The "official" Bowen site now shows their knives to be Blackie Collins designs. 

 

http://bowenknife.com/

I agree. The Hibben in question is a treasure. Even, if it turns out to be a collaboration knife. The original Bowen also has a curvature in order for the belt to fit down better over the stud.

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Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on October 9, 2013 at 13:43

I did not mean to turn this thread into a Bowen thread. But, just in case you collectors would like to be able to recognize  a genuine Bowen or possibly buy one of the original limited editions, follow this link:

vintage Bowens discoverd

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Permalink Reply by Mike Carter on October 9, 2013 at 21:15

In answer to the original question, "5-81" would be the date it was made, May 1981..

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Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on October 9, 2013 at 22:06

Thanks Mike. Maybe you can date these images purported to be Gil's work or discount them as not his?

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