Help finding a traditional fixed blade for a friend

J

jmflem

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Feb 1, 2014
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So a buddy of mine is looking for a traditional fixed blade. He asked me for help finding one, but I don't know much about em, so I figured it'd be best if I came here. I think his budget is around $50-$60ish. He's just looking for a general fixed blade knife fore camping and such. He wants antler and such (i.e. traditional style). He's looking at this:

Link Removed

I've heard of Puma before (didn't Ethan Becker base his 16 off a Puma?). I really don't know anything about them though. So what's good/bad about this knife, and what other recommendations would you, um...recommend? :p

EDIT: Removed link (I didn't know that wasn't allowed). Not sure it's exact name, it was called the "Puma Deadwood Canyon Bone Handle Blade Knife, 3.8-Inch" in the link. Refer to Ryan Sumner's post below for picture...
 
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The mods will probably remove the link because they aren't a bladeforums sponser, so here is the knife for everyone else.
I'm not very versed in fixed blades or the Puma brand, so I'm not much help but I'm sure someone else will come along and help.


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I think he could do much better for the money. That particular Puma knife has "German Steel" but is made in China. That right there would be a turn off for me. If he can spend a little bit more there is a Canal Street made Kabar Dogshead hunter on sale for around $75 that would be better in every way & they are handmade in New York in the old Schrade factory. For about the same price GEC makes some nice fixed blades as well. For a quality knife in that price range it will be bone or wood though not stag. Does your friend prefer carbon steel or stainless? If you need links to any of these knives just shoot me an email and I can send them to you.


Jake
 
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I'd suggest any of the Queen Cutlery fixed blades in D2, made here, great steel, he might need to have someone put an edge on it though as most of them seem to come from the factory these days with about a 60 degree edge on them.

I hate to even mention this on this forum for people thinking I'm losing my mind, but I've also used some of the BlackJack Intl. stag handled knives that are made in China, and honestly they seem to be pretty good knives. I can't speak for edge retention as I don't own one myself, but the convex grind of the blade come quite sharp right from the factory, and they come with a leather SharpShooter sheath.

Hope this helps.
 
Well with that being said the only thing I'd look into with that puma is the blade steel being 440a. With a good heat treat it can be usable but typically it doesn't hold an edge very well at all.
 
jkulysses said:
Well with that being said the only thing I'd look into with that puma is the blade steel being 440a. With a good heat treat it can be usable but typically it doesn't hold an edge very well at all.
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Yep that was my main concern when he asked for my opinion on it. Know anything about Puma's heat treat? Or any other recommendations with a somewhat "better" steel?
 
If he can let go of the stag, he could get a great USA made Schrade or even a new Case. A little more and he can get a Case in buffalo horn.
 
IMO he is compromising the quality of the steel and the knife in general for his choice of scale material. I would suggest aligning his wishes and budget a little better and shoot for a vintage schrade, case, etc... Possibly stacked leather...which definitely fits in the traditional catagory.
 
IMO he is compromising the quality of the steel and the knife in general for his choice of scale material. I would suggest aligning his wishes and budget a little better and shoot for a vintage schrade, case, etc... Possibly stacked leather...which definitely fits in the traditional catagory.

A vintage Schrade PH1 would be an excellent start.
 
Mink said:
IMO he is compromising the quality of the steel and the knife in general for his choice of scale material. I would suggest aligning his wishes and budget a little better and shoot for a vintage schrade, case, etc... Possibly stacked leather...which definitely fits in the traditional catagory.

A vintage Schrade PH1 would be an excellent start.
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Any ideas where he could find a vintage one? New ones are easy to find, but I not sure where to look for something vintage...
 
jmflem said:
So a buddy of mine is looking for a traditional fixed blade. He asked me for help finding one, but I don't know much about em, so I figured it'd be best if I came here. I think his budget is around $50-$60ish. He's just looking for a general fixed blade knife fore camping and such. He wants antler and such (i.e. traditional style).
Click to expand...


jmflem said:
Yep that was my main concern when he asked for my opinion on it. Know anything about Puma's heat treat? Or any other recommendations with a somewhat "better" steel?
Click to expand...

I agree with the others. In that price range your friend would likely do well to trade the fancy handle for a better performing knife.

My 2¢ is that for a traditional knife in the $50-$60 range your friend might to well to look at Buck Knives. They aren't fancy, but they are solid performers. Buck's standard steel is 420HC, but unlike most other outfits, they harden it to a hardness of 58-60HRC (harder than other makers). The blades are uniform. I've measured a half dozen blades from different Buck knives and they have all been within the hardness spec.

The Buck 105 Pathfinder is a reasonably traditional pattern. It has a 5" blade. The street price is about $50...
105.jpg


jmflem said:
He says he doesn't really care if its made in China
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In that case I would recommend either Rough Rider or Colt. Most folks have had positive experiences with those.
 
If he isn't in a rush he will probably be able to find a good vintage knife in a second hand shop and then spend the rest of his budget on having the blade reprofiled to resurrect the edge (if necessary). You might want to go with him to make sure he gets something decent but $30 can sometimes go a long way when it comes to old fixed blades.

His options will also increase greatly if he is willing to try wooden handles.
 
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jmflem said:
Any ideas where he could find a vintage one? New ones are easy to find, but I not sure where to look for something vintage...
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The great web based flea market is the only place I am aware of, just have to keep checking for the right one. Also posting a WTB ad here on BF in the appropriate section has been known to yield results. Good luck
 
knarfeng said:
in that price range your friend would likely do well to trade the fancy handle for a better performing knife.

My 2¢ is that for a traditional knife in the $50-$60 range your friend might to well to look at buck knives. They aren't fancy, but they are solid performers. Buck's standard steel is 420hc, but unlike most other outfits, they harden it to a hardness of 58-60hrc (harder than other makers). The blades are uniform. I've measured a half dozen blades from different buck knives and they have all been within the hardness spec.

The buck 105 pathfinder is a reasonably traditional pattern. It has a 5" blade. The street price is about $50...
105.jpg
Click to expand...

bingo! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
So he went with the Puma. Personally I think he could've gotten a better performer, but that's the knife he wanted. Thanks everyone for the help! :thumbup:
 
jmflem said:
So he went with the Puma. Personally I think he could've gotten a better performer, but that's the knife he wanted. Thanks everyone for the help! :thumbup:
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Thanks for the update. There's no denying it's a pretty knife.
 
He went with a little bit different one. I'm pretty sure it's the same knife though just with different scales...I haven't done my research :p

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