Puma 35+ years old in box - worth anything?

Garytn

Garytn

Joined
Nov 1, 2013
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174
Hi Folks
I bought this Puma when I was in college - I thought it was the best looking knife I'd ever seen. I can't remember the exact year, but it would have been between 35 and 40 years ago probably. It could be slightly older. It has been in it's plastic box ever since. The foam in the box has disintegrated into dust. As you can see it still has the original sticker on it.
I have gotten away from traditional folders and really have no idea if this is something with some value or whether it should just go back in it's box until somebody inherits it. So, some input would be helpful. At worst it was pretty cool to stumble on it. It brings back memories.

The finish on the bolsters has faded away just due to age I guess. The blades look pretty good, not perfect. The blades are pretty stiff to open. I'm sure some lube and exercise would help.
Many thanks in advance!!
 

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Not sure about the value, but that is a neat find! Looks like it is in good shape, I would oil it up and work the blades some. If I were in your position I would poke around the bay and find a similar knife that has sold recently for a ball park value.
 
The 675 is one of my absolutely all time favourite knives. I have carried one since I was a teen. I have a few mint ones mostly in stag. Yours is a really nice jigged bone version.

I have seen them go anywhere from $150-$200 depending on the condition and the box etc......

It seems a shame for you not to give a nice clean and lube, stick it in your pocket and use it. I sure you after a week or two of carry you will be hooked.:)

Old faithful.............

IMG_0792.jpg
 
That's a nice one! I like that stag. I think you're right. I'll give it some TLC. I haven't carried a traditional knife in forever. Maybe this will rekindle the love!!
Thanks for the info guys.
 
I like the clip, looks like a edge shape more along the lines of single blade trappers I have by Queen and Case. A bit more belly than the average stockman clip blade. Beautiful knife, glad you're gonna use it!

Connor
 
That long ago they were very much top shelf and pretty pricey, although not today. Some of the best made folders that could be had from a factory back then.
 
Yes that's certainly what I remember. They were quite pricey and very well made. Too bad they have fallen off the perch.
 
Might look on the inside of the liners for a stamped 5-digit date code, which should indicate year of manufacture. PUMA date-coded older knives this way, up until the early 1990s or so. The codes are kind of cryptic, not obvious; a site or two on the web have chart references to decode them by year. See the first link below for a couple of them; the 2nd link features an input box to enter your date code, and it'll show you the year of manufacture:

http://www.classicpumaknives.com/?p=169

http://pumaknifecompanyusa.com/contactus.aspx


David
 
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Thank you so much - it was made in the 4 the quarter of 1972. An incredible 44 year old knife that is still sitting in the box. I had no idea it was that old.

I've started to clean it and it seems what I thought was pitting on the bolsters is residue from the foam in the box. I oiled the knife early in it's life to store it. I suspect that caused the foam to disintegrate.

Amazing.
 
I am delighted to hear that you are going to carry it. I know that after a few weeks with it you will be amazed just how useful and enjoyable a classic traditional like this is.

Be sure and let us know how you get on and post up a few pics once it has had a little pocket time.

Have fun!:)
 
I wouldn't say they have fallen off the perch, necessarily. Puma knives still hold a relatively higher value than many other brands. Check out the "big evil auction site" and you'll see what I mean; Puma knives command a premium, especially in near-mint condition with the 2-color plastic box....
But if I were you, I would drop it into my pocket, collectors be damned! ;) She's a beaut. :thumbup:
 
Thanks. I don't have many things that have been in my possession this long so I agree with you. Keep it. Eventually it will go to the next generation. That means more than the money I'd get out of it.
I have been trying to work the stiffness out of it. It has been sitting in one position for over 40 years. It's stiff. I can relate. Anyway it is starting to get freed up and is moving - stiff but moving. Once it's back to normal it will see some pocket time.
 
Garytn said:
I have been trying to work the stiffness out of it. It has been sitting in one position for over 40 years. It's stiff. I can relate. Anyway it is starting to get freed up and is moving - stiff but moving. Once it's back to normal it will see some pocket time.
Click to expand...

You might try some WD40 to work out any old oil that may have oxidized. (3inOne is known to do that. A lot of us used to use 3inOne back in the day.) WD40 has a goodly dollop of solvent in it and will cut through old oil. Then once it's freed up, wipe it dry and use some mineral oil on it.
 
That's a good idea. I've been using a mineral oil based lube (Tuf-Glide), but a good flush is called for. I can't remember what I lubed it with 40 years ago when I stored it. It was likely some Buck branded oil I had for years. Thanks a lot.
 
Wow! That is a beautiful knife and nice find. Congratulations, and i hope you have a great time carrying it after you get it loosened up a little bit.
 
Fantastic find! I would love to get my hands on one with pumaster steel blades like yours.

I have a stag version that I bought in 1984
 
Garytn said:
Thanks. I don't have many things that have been in my possession this long so I agree with you. Keep it. Eventually it will go to the next generation. That means more than the money I'd get out of it.
I have been trying to work the stiffness out of it. It has been sitting in one position for over 40 years. It's stiff. I can relate. Anyway it is starting to get freed up and is moving - stiff but moving. Once it's back to normal it will see some pocket time.
Click to expand...

Glad to hear your gonna use it :thumbup: I feel the same way about the value, I've got a 1.5lb blacksmith hammer from the 1880's that I could sell, but the lifetime of use I can get out of it is worth way more than any amount of money I could be payed for it ( it's just a hammer, so whatever it's worth is less than 100$ which I could use, but not as much as the hammer ) so I hope that nice pocketknife serves you well , and I really like that spay blade on that one!
 
Steven65 said:
I am delighted to hear that you are going to carry it. I know that after a few weeks with it you will be amazed just how useful and enjoyable a classic traditional like this is.

Be sure and let us know how you get on and post up a few pics once it has had a little pocket time.

Have fun!:)
Click to expand...

Plus one! Hope you get at least as much enjoyment out of using that Puma as we do hearing about your renewed enthusiasm! :thumbup:
 
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