Puma - Has anyone seen much of their knives lately

vjb.knife

vjb.knife

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It seems like they were popular in the 1980's or so but always a bit more expensive than US brands. I have had a few over the years and while searching through some stuff the otherday I came across these two that I bought in Germany in about 2010 maybe. I think these may be the last versions of these models that Puma made. Since I am a Professional Diver, I always thought the Seahunter and Frogman were cool old models and even owned a couple of the old ones from the 70's, but did not keep them. I saw these newer models in a shop and snagged them up, put them away and forgot about them. Anyway here they are. If you know anything about these or if they are still made in some form, please let me know.

PF01.jpg

PS01.jpg
 
I was at Orvis a few days back and they had this guy on display. Thought about it for a little, then decided to pass.
PUMA-IP-faisan-olive-822099-005-4.jpg
Edit: it was 100$
 
LostCause said:
One store here in Croatia has them.

They are way too pricey for mystery stainless steel...
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I agree. So I thought (while waiting for a phone call this morning) why not see if they FINALLY posted something about their steel. Well, they have. I did not link since they are not an approved vendor, but you can easily search for their website and products. After about 20 minutes, I found that it is Bolner 1.4116, 440C or 5CrXXX. Different Rockwell hardness for both, but none above 58 according to the website.

All proudly proofed to show their moderate hardness.

Good working steels for an EDC knife that needs to be sharpened regularly, no doubt. But hardly a premium steel for knives that get premium prices. What a disappointment. When I was a kid in the 60s, PUMA knives were consider "The Grail".
I finally got a PUMA "Game Warden" from the 70s in a trade some time in the early 1990s. Fit and finish was excellent, and I was really happy until I used it. I had Kershaws in 440A that easily kept up or out performed it.

Their knives are still pretty, though. Just not much utility value. Even their Chinese line is expensive.
 
midnight flyer said:
I agree. So I thought (while waiting for a phone call this morning) why not see if they FINALLY posted something about their steel. Well, they have. I did not link since they are not an approved vendor, but you can easily search for their website and products. After about 20 minutes, I found that it is Bolner 1.4116, 440C or 5CrXXX. Different Rockwell hardness for both, but none above 58 according to the website.

All proudly proofed to show their moderate hardness.

Good working steels for an EDC knife that needs to be sharpened regularly, no doubt. But hardly a premium steel for knives that get premium prices. What a disappointment. When I was a kid in the 60s, PUMA knives were consider "The Grail".
I finally got a PUMA "Game Warden" from the 70s in a trade some time in the early 1990s. Fit and finish was excellent, and I was really happy until I used it. I had Kershaws in 440A that easily kept up or out performed it.

Their knives are still pretty, though. Just not much utility value. Even their Chinese line is expensive.
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I recently created a thread about tough and affordable knives, so people have it easier when trying to buy a quality blade while on tight budget.


Puma is neither impressive or affordable.
 
The German site is the best to see the full line - https://www.pumaknives.de/en/ .

I do wonder if the old Solingen models are being phased out, or it's just a hiccup in production. Most of the Solingen models are unavailable. The push in German made models is toward limited editions.

The IP Spanish made imports (many by Joker) and the Chinese SGB and Puma Tec have really expanded.
 
Both of these knives are marked N680, which as I understand it is very corrosion resistant and tough. It compares to 440C and 420j2. Both of these knives were made in Germany.
 
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Love my Pumas. I have sold a few recently but keeping my Original Bowie, Lieutenant Lockback, SGB Whitetail, and an IP Mountain Lion II. They’re all very well made.
 
I have had Many Pumas since the 70’s and have always been very fond of them. I was a guide working for an outfitter in Colorado in the 1970’s and I can’t count the number of Elk and Deer my Puma Game warden gutted, skinned and caped! Loved that knife!
still have a collection
 
The German Puma hunting knives were always about as well made as any factory knife out there. Fit and finish on their stag was super. I seriously doubt anyone ever had a problem skinning out a deer because their steel was not the latest buzz word alloy.
 
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Sidehill Gouger said:
The German Puma hunting knives were always about as well made as any factory knife out there. Fit and finish on their stag was super. I seriously doubt anyone ever had a problem skinning out a deer because their steel was not the latest buzz word alloy.
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“skinning out a deer”….. you’re probably right, but when your gutting, skinning out, partially quartering and caping 4 or 5 a week…..then I would have to disagree with your statement
 
KWend54 said:
DDD4F0DC-CC30-4356-81F7-AADB2DFD992D

“skinning out a deer”….. you’re probably right, but when your gutting, skinning out, partially quartering and caping 4 or 5 a week…..then I would have to disagree with your statement
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And you didn't have time to touch the edge up between animals? And ever been to Africa and watched what the real pros over their skin, quarter, cape etc with? A dull Okapi that cost them a $1.75 in local trading post.
 
Sidehill Gouger said:
And you didn't have time to touch the edge up between animals? And ever been to Africa and watched what the real pros over their skin, quarter, cape etc with? A dull Okapi that cost them a $1.75 in local trading post.
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duh ….. of course you keep it sharp! But I bow to superior knowledge, You obviously being a world hunter and someone who knows it all! Thank you for sharing …. I am truly humbled!
 
For those who like old school Puma knives:

My vintage Puma collection

My current stock of Puma fixed blades; Bottom picture from left to right: - Miniature Scout knife from 1945-1950 (carbon steel) - Miniature Scout knife from 1945-1950 (stainless steel) - 3587 Jagdnicker from 1969 (stainless Super Keen Cutting Steel) - 6385 Trapper's Companion from...
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
 
Sidehill Gouger said:
The German Puma hunting knives were always about as well made as any factory knife out there. Fit and finish on their stag was super. I seriously doubt anyone ever had a problem skinning out a deer because their steel was not the latest buzz word alloy.
Click to expand...
Yeah, all that is nice, but what if I gotta strip a wire?
Cut a PVC pipe?
Cut some ropes?
Work with wood?
Will it hold up?
 
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