Hey bladeforums! My name is Andrew. This is my first post; I didn't see an introduction section, so if I missed it please forgive and direct me to the appropriate thread. I'm not much of a knife aficionado. I have a few likes and dislikes, most all subjective. The majority of my blades are tools, and used for specific tasks at work or in my EDC system. I do like traditional knives though, especially Sodbusters, Scout/Camp knives and certain SAKs.
While attending training for work near Macon, GA, I visited their Bass Pro Shops. There, I found rack of Puma Lonestar 30 knives; their version of a Sodbuster. This one belongs to the SGB line, which to my understanding have German produced blades on knives assembled in China in order to reduce their price. It comes with a 2.7in 440A Stainless blade, brass liners and polished bone handles. Retail was $24.99.
I still needed to get my Father a Christmas present, and he owns a nice selection of Puma knives- mostly German ones. Of the three examples they had (all yellow- white is offered as well, but not stocked at the store,) this one had the lightest color scales, and the most visible bone detail. As almost all of my Father's Pumas have stag or bone handles, I found this one the most appealing.
My Dad and I frequently gift each other with blades, and every single time they are opened and fondled by the giver prior to receipt by the gift-ee. In keeping with tradition, I opened this one and decided to share some photos here. I did not see where this particular knife has been covered, but if it has please ignore.
Here is the packaging the knife came in.
Closed.
With Tactical Cope can for size comparison.
The fit of the scales and liners is for the most part very good.
With only small gaps that appear bigger than they are. Barely felt with a fingernail.
Small gap around the "Puma SGB" seal. Other examples in the store had better fit/finish here, but lacked the color and bone detail. This is evidence of quality variation from knife to knife. Overall, still very good.
Blade centering is fantastic.
Here you can see a poor fit between the blade and the spring. Lockup is still great, with barely any play at all- Purely a cosmetic flaw. The spring is light, allowing the blade to be easily opened, yet secure enough for EDC tasks.
The scales are uneven due to their organic origin. Not a detractor in my book.
Lastly the blade engraving. I believe it is done with a laser. Also of note, but difficult to photograph is a Rockwell Hardness proof dimple on the blades right side (opposite,) near it's base. A neat detail.
All in all a good quality knife for $25. The blade edge shows some micro serrations that I'm sure could be polished out. I'll leave that to my Dad as the edge is serviceable as is. Also, the grind on the edge is slightly uneven at the blade's tip. I think I'll be picking up one of these for myself in the near future.
Thanks for reading!
While attending training for work near Macon, GA, I visited their Bass Pro Shops. There, I found rack of Puma Lonestar 30 knives; their version of a Sodbuster. This one belongs to the SGB line, which to my understanding have German produced blades on knives assembled in China in order to reduce their price. It comes with a 2.7in 440A Stainless blade, brass liners and polished bone handles. Retail was $24.99.
I still needed to get my Father a Christmas present, and he owns a nice selection of Puma knives- mostly German ones. Of the three examples they had (all yellow- white is offered as well, but not stocked at the store,) this one had the lightest color scales, and the most visible bone detail. As almost all of my Father's Pumas have stag or bone handles, I found this one the most appealing.
My Dad and I frequently gift each other with blades, and every single time they are opened and fondled by the giver prior to receipt by the gift-ee. In keeping with tradition, I opened this one and decided to share some photos here. I did not see where this particular knife has been covered, but if it has please ignore.
Here is the packaging the knife came in.
Closed.
With Tactical Cope can for size comparison.
The fit of the scales and liners is for the most part very good.
With only small gaps that appear bigger than they are. Barely felt with a fingernail.
Small gap around the "Puma SGB" seal. Other examples in the store had better fit/finish here, but lacked the color and bone detail. This is evidence of quality variation from knife to knife. Overall, still very good.
Blade centering is fantastic.
Here you can see a poor fit between the blade and the spring. Lockup is still great, with barely any play at all- Purely a cosmetic flaw. The spring is light, allowing the blade to be easily opened, yet secure enough for EDC tasks.
The scales are uneven due to their organic origin. Not a detractor in my book.
Lastly the blade engraving. I believe it is done with a laser. Also of note, but difficult to photograph is a Rockwell Hardness proof dimple on the blades right side (opposite,) near it's base. A neat detail.
All in all a good quality knife for $25. The blade edge shows some micro serrations that I'm sure could be polished out. I'll leave that to my Dad as the edge is serviceable as is. Also, the grind on the edge is slightly uneven at the blade's tip. I think I'll be picking up one of these for myself in the near future.
Thanks for reading!
