Vintage Puma 6385 Trapper's Companion

[kwackster]

I bought this Puma 6385 Trapper's Companion dated 1968 from the unsold stock of a long gone hunting- and fishing store in the Netherlands.
It's in like new condition with the Rockwell sticker still on the blade, and the blade is made from "Stainless Super Keen Cutting Steel", as Puma used to call it back in the day.
It also has a massive polished brass guard, but i have no idea why Puma made it this thick.

The Trapper's Companion was made in specific right- or left handed models, and each blade is chisel ground & chisel beveled accordingly.
Mine is a right-hand model, and i polished the edge carefully on my Paper Wheels because it was quite blunt.

The leather sheath is very well made, with the Puma head in deep relief and complete with leather knife retention strap & leather legstrap.
Sadly somebody put the knife back in it's sheath in such a way that the blade penetrated the leather in two places.

The text on the sticker reads in German: "Every blade is tested for the prescribed hardness by pressing a diamond tip into it"

And here a few pics of the Trapper's Companion next to it's close brother the Hunter's Companion,

Specs:

Overall length: 8.6 inch (21,8 cm)
Blade length: 4.3 inch (11,0 cm)
Blade thickness: 0.2 inch (4,1 mm)
Steel: Stainless Super Keen Cutting Steel
Hardness: 57-59 HRC
Handle material: Sambar Stag
Handle length: 4.0 inch (10,0 cm)
Guard: Brass
Weight without sheath: 138,0 grams
Sheath: Leather

 

[A.L.]

I don't really understand what's the fetish of german knifecompanies to write idiotic information texts to blades? It's like some sort of jealousness, like goverment marking their gear-property. In my opinion, this makes otherwise nice knife look cheap.. really cheap.

Other thing is the stubborn conservativism (if you will) with stainless, especially 440. Im sure that Puma and Linder for instance, make their knives these days mostly for tourists and casual buyers, but would it really hurt that much to make functional knives with more suitable steel? German knife manufacturers are stuck in post WWII.

 

[midnight flyer]

I don't really understand what's the fetish of german knifecompanies to write idiotic information texts to blades? It's like some sort of jealousness, like goverment marking their gear-property. In my opinion, this makes otherwise nice knife look cheap.. really cheap.

Other thing is the stubborn conservativism (if you will) with stainless, especially 440. Im sure that Puma and Linder for instance, make their knives these days mostly for tourists and casual buyers, but would it really hurt that much to make functional knives with more suitable steel? German knife manufacturers are stuck in post WWII.

For Whine and Cheese, maybe?


Back on topic....

I bought this Puma 6385 Trapper's Companion dated 1968 from the unsold stock of a long gone hunting- and fishing store in the Netherlands.
It's in like new condition with the Rockwell sticker still on the blade, and the blade is made from "Stainless Super Keen Cutting Steel", as Puma used to call it back in the day.

Thanks for posting those great pics. I haven't seen that model in years. It is the same exact vintage of the ones I used to lust over as a kid in one of our local sporting goods store in '68.

As a kid, PUMA was the king of all cutting instruments. I remember going to the store and just admiring all of them in the red felt standup case with the glass door that was back off the counter, by the guns. The case was kept locked, and it was with no small flourish that they counter guy let me look at the new models. He was a knife guy too, so he was always glad to pull them out to show me the new ones. He like showing them as much as I liked looking.

The White Hunter was the crown jewel of the line, and it was so expensive that they only kept two in the store. When they sold one, they ordered another one.

Personally, I lusted a lot after the old Hunter's Pal. This was an excellent knife in all respects; Puma quality, excellent utility value of design for all manner of camp chores, handmade in their factory, excellent steel, real stag, and a beautiful sheath that wasn't too big on the belt. It was a real contrast to my Kabar utility camp knife with its flimsy (although still leather) sheath.

Alas, the Hunter's Pal... it was not to be. Too expensive for me. The hardware store started carrying Boker somewhere around this time, and it was an affordable alternative. While it was only folders, they got me on those right away as I noticed I didn't have to sharpen my Boker stockman ( I think I paid $8 for the first) nearly as often as I did my one or two knives.

Once again, thanks for posting those pics of that jewel as you pulled up some fond old memories for me of 40+ years ago. (Good pictures, too, BTW!)

Robert

 

[Seals]

Awesome knives and great pictures Robert.Those older Pumas were the king of the hill back in the day and now are highly prized collector material.You should be able to trade those in for a bucket full of cash should you wish to do so.

 

[Blues]

Let's not get sidetracked into petty disputes or disagreements nor discussions of potential trade valuation here as this isn't the appropriate venue. Thanks to all for keeping the discussion on an appreciation of the knives posted for our enjoyment.

 

[Campbellclanman]

Kwackster,
Once again mate....wow, what a nice knife!
Again a slightly different version than to what weve seen here thats for sure, its always a pleasure looking at these great knives, and they are great knives :thumbup:
Nice quality photos too by the way

 

[Humppa]

The german text means on english language:

"The blade is on the legal hardness testet. Tested by diamond-tip"

I think it should tell you something about the HRC.

That should it be, it´s really hard for me to translate, but I hope you guys know what is meant...

Kind regards...

 

[black mamba]

Really cool knife, kwack. And BTW, I do like the heavy brass guard, it gives it even more character.

 

[mikelknife]

Hello friend!

Do I collect knives Puma and you?

Did they offer me a same knife, do I want to have an idea of their value, all you paid for that knife?

I thank their answer.

Receive a cordial greeting!

mikel

 

[wackafew]

Love them old Pumas :thumbup:

 

[Blues]

Hello friend!

Do I collect knives Puma and you?

Did they offer me a same knife, do I want to have an idea of their value, all you paid for that knife?

I thank their answer.

Receive a cordial greeting!

mikel

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