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Copyright © 2003-2004 Phil Elmore, all rights
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Quick Look: Puma Scout
A Brief Evaluation by Phil Elmore
Coast Cutlery, the exclusive
distributor of Puma knives in the USA, sent me a Puma Scout at my request.
This fearsome-looking fixed blade has a strong “Americanized Tanto” tip,
two rows of vicious opposed saw teeth on the spine, an integral guard, and
a contoured synthetic handle with lots of checkering for the thumb rests.
(Interestingly, there is no grooving or other texture application on the
spine of the blade at the rear of the handle, and there really ought to
be.)
The strap you see here has Velcro on it and can be quick-locked into
place for belts wider than the small strap built into the sheath.
This pushes the knife very far from the body, though. There is a
mounting point for a thigh tie-down cord, but no cord is provided.
The knife is held in the sheath with a plastic clip attached to the
retaining strap. A plastic cylinder keeps it locked in position.
There is no way to quickly draw the knife as a result, but neither is it
likely to come loose without help.
The
pommel has two lashing holes and is pointed. I’m not sure why, other
than for stylistic reasons, this was done. It could be used for
striking, though. A survival knife would benefit more from a flat
hammering surface. A pointed pommel on a fighting knife makes sense,
but which is the Puma? Both? Neither?
Both knife and sheath appear to be well made. The partially
serrated blade has a Rockwell testing dimple on one side. A sticker
points directly to it as proof that the knife was properly hardened.
If you like your knives German-made and
aggressive-looking, take a look at Puma’s fixed blades.
Tell them I sent you.