Alien Bounty Hunter Stiletto / Gimlet (Replica)
Appearance: Numerous episodes of The X-Files, first appearance in episode “Colony” (2X16), which premiered on the Fox network on February 10, 1995.
Known as: Alien Stiletto, Alien Ice Pick, Alien Gimlet, Alien Bounty Hunter Stiletto, "Plam" (unnamed in the series)
Project completed: Static version April 2014, pneumatic version Juli 2015, and various other / experimental versions also between 2014 and 2015.
Item information: This tool was used on The X-Files to eliminate alien colonists, alien rebels, and alien-human hybrids. There were several props on the show, and they all look different to a trained eye. Sliding button vs. push button? Ridged button, smooth button, or knurled button? Different slot placement, slot length, various different tapers of the handle, different end caps. Way too many details and differences to discuss, it would require a separate page.
This particular replica is a hybrid of sorts, a “best of” version, as it has the end caps and taper from episode “Talitha Cumi”, and the button and spike from episode “Two Fathers”. I created the technical drawing and all necessary files, and the replica was manufactured from stainless steel in Germany using CNC machining.
The length of the handle and spike is based on accurate dimensions from an original screen-used prop. Some versions feature a sliding button, whereas others, like this one, feature a push button. This exact one pictured below is a “static” replica where the spike can be attached / detatched, to display the prop in its open and closed configurations. My passion for this prop is huge, and I also helped another X-Files fan, Brian Terranova, who later became a great friend of mine, acquire his own replica. He himself has an incredible prop replica collection (see under Links).
I actually own several pieces, and one of them — aluminum instead of stainless steel — is a replica of the pneumatic X-Files version. Those who know their behind-the-scenes X-Files trivia will know exactly what I’m talking about. To those who don’t know, an air hose was used on the show, hidden through the actor’s sleeve, which activated the spike through pneumatic pressure, creating the effect that it functions like a “real” stiletto. I intend to provide photos of that replica version as well eventually, and maybe even a video.
Aside from the static and pneumatic versions, the show had (AFAIK) several other versions as well, including but not limited to a “gravity mechanism” one, with a safe blunt awl which retracted into the handle if pushed against something. If I recall correctly, that prop was sold to a fan many years ago. As for myself, I had no desire to have anything except the static and pneumatic ones.
The X-Files prop master Ken Hawryliw (S1 - S5) saw one of my replicas a very long time ago (probably around 2016?), and liked it a lot, which of course made me quite happy at the time. It was a public post on Facebook, but I’m not sure if it’s still there. If I’m able to find it, I’ll post it here. That aside, his public Facebook and Instagram can be found in the Links section as well.
I think it’s important to note that none of my gimlet replicas function as an automatic tool, both for legal as well as safety reasons.
This item is also not for sale. It was created solely for personal satisfaction, because of my passion for the TV show. In the past I've received numerous inquiries regarding it, and I'm happy to help out with some details, but just like the other items, I don’t sell it. Thank you for your understanding.
