What's PUMA like these days?

[HoosierQ]

One of my favorite vendors has the Puma bowie (basically their version of the "cowboy bowie") for just a price that's nice. I have always wanted one but got into other things. This is the classic Puma, full tang, stag scales, the works...440c...no serrations.

What kind of knives is Puma turning out these days? Are they any good? Have they "lost it"?

 

[jackknife]

Sadly, Puma is but a very pale shadow of what they used to be, back in the green and yellow box days.

Carl.

 

[Steven65]

Sadly, Puma is but a very pale shadow of what they used to be, back in the green and yellow box days.

Carl.

Yes I would have to agree.......The new knives are very disappointing.

 

[HoosierQ]

Thank folks. I'll pass on that knife. I have too many knives I like to be disappointed. That's a shame.

 

[Stainz]

They have used a 'German D1.4 SS' for years - it's closer to 440A than 440C. Additionally, the mail order discount house that perennially carries it at a bargain price won't sell that, or many of the other knives they carry, to Alabama, et al, because it can be considered a 'fighting knife' - or so they claim. Of course, other vendors will send one to Alabama without a problem. You can go into a store and buy one here - or a BladeSport Chopper - or an OTF auto, too. For comparison, here is my Puma Bowie (#6396) with the mean-looking Buck 119 'Special', available at WallyWorld <$40, and the hard to find now Buck 120 'General':

The Bowie 'style' enflenced many knives. Here is Bear & Sons Damascus Bowie with cocobolo handle - made in Alabama - and a NY-made KaBar 'Utility Knife' with my Puma Bowie:

Current Puma 'classics', like the stag handled 'Bowie' and 'White Hunter', are still decent knives - for 'classics'. There are many current knives that may be better - including in both a more secure grip material and upgrade blade metal. My Puma's are in a display case - my Buck 119 & 120 are sheathed in a kitchen drawer - great roast turkey, beef, etc, slicers!

Stainz