Puma

[Mr.Harry]

Q

I bought a Puma White Hunter in 1971 at Oshman's Sporting Goods during their annual 40% off clearance sale. I paid the princely sum of $18 for it. I admit that at the time I did not have the sharpening tools or skills to do the knife justice. I beat the snot out of that knife on many camping trips. I have lost knives, broken knives, and worn out knives over the years; but that Puma White Hunter was stolen along with a Schrade Deerslayer out of the my truck toolbox back in the early 1990s. I hope the person that lifted those knives fell on them. I assume Pumaster Stainless Steel is a derivation of 440C, with high end heat treatment. That old knife inspired me to try out different metals and upgrade my sharpening skills.

Fascinating again. I “like” to think I lost my grandpas old Shrade Old-Timer. I can’t cancel that factor out, however much I may have re-treaded my steps and searched for it. Still do.... But it is as much or more likely that it too got lifted out the bed of my truck. Ah well. So I feel for ya. On the Old Shrade, it was completely patina’d. Definitely a higher carbon steel. But it worked, for me. And I was in love with the blade shape. Still am. I do clip points for multi purpose fishing and hunting needs. When I went in search of a ‘suitable’ replacement, I found the old Puma Skinner model to be most desirable for my purposes. And to get one in the older steel was even more so. Like the Old Timer. Variety is the spice of life. To each their own. I don’t shave my face with my sporting blades. I gut, skin, bone, and filet critters. Sidenote, Wallyworld might sell some knives that can shave arm hair outta the box, but do they come with brass Full rivets and pommel, full-tang? And SAMBAR Stag panels? That’s why I don’t shop for knives there.

I have to add, outside of being a sportsman, i’m an Ececutive Chef going on 30 years continual experience in the field = i CUT A TON OF STUFF. lol. Daily. That does NOT make me a metallurgist, but it gives me some degree of appreciation for, and experience with, differing blade shapes, steel behavior, etc. I have a decent idea how knives work.

 

[Old TexMex]

I'm amazed that the fire didn't destroy the temper. I'd have accepted the knife back, as this nephew doesn't seem to care a lot about it.

It was nice of Puma to re-make that knife. Was there a fee?

Despite the poor photo, your newer WH looks good.

Back when the West German Mark was of less value than the US dollar, Puma knives were a relative bargain. They still cost about what a Buck product did, on the high end, as compared to Case, Western, Marble's, etc. But the quality was there, and the beauty. I think I paid $17 at a discount store for a Hunters Pal in 1970.

I have about 10 Puma knives now and none was anywhere near that cheap, but I did score a WH for $125 at a gun show about ten years ago, with box and papers. I'll probably leave it to a grandson. My son will teach his kid to use a knife well and safely, and other useful wilderness skills.

Don't forget that the back of the blade on a WH is meant for hacking gristle, chopping, or other rough cuts. Saves wear on the main edge. For a knife designed by a committee, the WH turned out pretty well.

Check the other knife thread here now for my added comments.
Some are about Puma products. Sometimes, they got careless and used stag that's too thick, but if a handle fits you, they're very pretty, useful knives.

Spoken like a truly insulting braggart.

 

[Texas Star]

Spoken like a truly insulting braggart.

You're entitled to see things as you will, and you've insulted me before, without regard to how that might make you look. Or how it might make me feel!

You have evidently had an exciting background and occasionally make posts that I've found interesting and worthwhile.

This wasn't one of them.

If you think I'm a braggart for saying that I have about 10 Puma knives, how must you feel about the fellows posting in this forum who show off expensive guns? One posted a photo of about 8-10 SIG P-210's! A single Registered Magnum .357 might sell for more than the value of every knife I own! I just don't follow your logic, if this is about jealousy.

I think we'd better leave this now, before a moderator gets involved. But I really don't understand what caused you to say this. What have I ever done to make you so bitter toward me?

 

[Old TexMex]

You're entitled to see things as you will, and you've insulted me before, without regard to how that might make you look. Or how it might make me feel!

You have evidently had an exciting background and occasionally make posts that I've found interesting and worthwhile.

This wasn't one of them.

If you think I'm a braggart for saying that I have about 10 Puma knives, how must you feel about the fellows posting in this forum who show off expensive guns? One posted a photo of about 8-10 SIG P-210's! A single Registered Magnum .357 might sell for more than the value of every knife I own! I just don't follow your logic, if this is about jealousy.

I think we'd better leave this now, before a moderator gets involved. But I really don't understand what caused you to say this. What have I ever done to make you so bitter toward me?

Post some pictures. I like most of your writings, and believe me, I’m not jealous. Not even a little.
More than a few here have said “ no pictures, it didn’t happen!”

You’ve been in Texas long enough to have heard “ All hat and no cattle.” I’d love to see those expensive Puma knives, but hardly more than the one the OP showed, with his heartwarming story of a family heirloom being restored after a tragedy...particularly since he is a new poster and deserves a friendly welcome.

 

[Onomea]

Not to be a busybody, but I consider both of you, T-Star and TexMex, my friends, so please allow me to comment:

My observation is that T-Star occasionally makes comments that seem unfriendly, or cutting, but he does so without realizing it. It’s an eccentricity or behavioral quirk. Some of us, in some ways, sing a trifle out of tune, at times, socially. Any offense occasioned, however, I believe, is truly unintentional.

On the other hand, he is a wealth of knowledge on topics of forum interest — or lack thereof — and especially on knives. I always enjoy his posts, and find some of his more elaborate digressions (South African beauty queens, English teas, etc.) entertaining.

I am a believer in the difficulty of teaching old dogs new tricks, and I have my own eccentricities for which I hope my friends forgive me.

TexMex, you need no comments or observations from me. I find your life experiences, and current occupation, quite interesting, and enjoy your posts very much. Keep it up.

Ahem. I now return you all to your regular programming...

 

[les.b]

^^^^^^^^What he said!!!!^^^^^^^^

I like both Old TexMex and Texas Star. Hate to see you fellows at odds. I'm with Onomea!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[Texas Star]

I don't have a picture service and never post photos here or elsewhere on the Net. But for about 30 years, I was one of the most published knife writers, my material appearing (with many photos) in probably every cutlery publication, including the prestigious annual, Knives.

I think that some are reading more malice into my posts than was meant.

I am a Gemini, and we're noted for lack of tact and for making sharp remarks. Prince Phillip is worse about it than I am. I do sometimes say what I think, but seldom say what I'd like to some members who rate more candid comments than I offer.

In this present case, I wasn't aware that the member was new and was commenting on the facts of his post as I understood them. I thought the nephew must have decided that he didn't really like the knife and that was why he offered it to his uncle. Others saw a kinder aspect, that he cared so much for the uncle that he offered the knife. I saw that as his having lost interest in it. Others, perhaps more sensitive or emotional, read it differently. But I did not set out to hurt anyone's feelings.

That hasn't been the case with some things posted about me, which were clearly intended to be negative and hurtful.

As for Onomea's comments about my posts pertaining to South African beauty queens, I mentioned just one, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, later also Miss Universe 2017. She is clearly a remarkable young lady, and my regard for her goes well beyond her looks. I was deeply touched by her compassion for others, especially her now just deceased handicapped sister. Demi-Leigh inspires me and gives me joy in knowing that there are such good people, to offset those whose actions make up far too much of the news.

As for promoting British tea brands, I am trying to expose fellow members to them, who might enjoy them. It's surely no worse than naming favorite brands of beer, whiskey, and other items, which have been the topics of entire threads on this board.

I think this is all I want to say, lest I offend someone further, intentionally or not.

But I do thank Onomea and Les, two of the really good members here, for their somewhat lukewarm defense of me. Or, maybe it was more of an explanation than a defense. At least, they seem to be saying that I'm not wholly awful. I'm appreciative of that.

 

[Mr.Harry]

Must be something about Puma knives, and D-day? Touching nerves somewhere... who’d a thunk such an innocuous thread could set off such a
a chain of discourse. If y’all Tejanos hadn’t noticed, there were fireworks elsewhere. Unsolicited. And .... removed.

 

[shouldazagged]

I hadn't looked at this thread for a while. Sorry it went south by southwest. The subject is interesting.

 

[Muley Gil]

"...we're noted for lack of tact..."

Is that kinda like telling your date, "You know, you don't sweat much for a fat girl!"

 

[Muley Gil]

I went to a gunshow down in North Carolina last Saturday. One table had a few Puma knives upon it, including a White Hunter. It looked good. I don't think it was used much. Price was $275.

 

[mauser9]

I went to a gunshow down in North Carolina last Saturday. One table had a few Puma knives upon it, including a White Hunter. It looked good. I don't think it was used much. Price was $275.

Hmmm Yep sounds about right for a decent slightly used White Hunter. Bought the Skinner [$25] cause I was short $5 or $10 for the White Hunter back in 67. LOL Thankfully never traded like other items I had!

 

[Mr.Harry]

Hmmm Yep sounds about right for a decent slightly used White Hunter. Bought the Skinner [$25] cause I was short $5 or $10 for the White Hunter back in 67. LOL Thankfully never traded like other items I had!

Repeating myself, but that Skinner model is as close to perfect in design as I can imagine. For me. Maybe why they still make it. Not to take anything away from the White Hunter. That’s just a whole lotta knife. Tricky shape and curves to it. I’d say 275 is even a bit low. Certainly a good price. If I had the jingle in my pocket I would have taken it home.

 

[crsides]

I went to a gunshow down in North Carolina last Saturday. One table had a few Puma knives upon it, including a White Hunter. It looked good. I don't think it was used much. Price was $275.

Gil, guess that was the Sparta gunshow. How was it. Was this the first one held in Sparta. Don't remember ever seeing one advertised before. Was planning on attending, but life got in the way.

 

[Muley Gil]

Gil, guess that was the Sparta gunshow. How was it. Was this the first one held in Sparta. Don't remember ever seeing one advertised before. Was planning on attending, but life got in the way.

This was the third one. There were a good number of tables. It keeps getting better and better. There were several older S&Ws, including a 2nd model .44 Special.

 

[mauser9]

Great thread and like hearing the stories concerning Puma knives. Gonna start checking yard sales in my area. Who knows I might just score a White Hunter yet! Would be a heck of a buy at a 1967 price!

 

[gnystrom]

Back in the 1960's I bought a White Hunter in a wooden box for around $25. I used a Russel for my bird hunting and the Puma only came out to fondle. Somehow it got relegated to a storage box in our move to a new home. Years later I pulled it out and found the foam in the wooden box it came in had eaten pinholes into one side of the blade. I brought it to a gunshow and spoke with a number of knifemakers that advised me against attempting to grind them out. I sold it to a vendor for $175 and learned to never get foam in constant contact with metal.