The Martialist: The Magazine For Those Who Fight Unfairly

“Stay ‘unreasonable.’  If you
don’t like the solutions [available to you], come up with your
own.” 
Dan Webre

The Martialist does not
constitute legal advice.  It is for ENTERTAINMENT
PURPOSES ONLY.

Copyright © 2003-2004 Phil Elmore, all rights
reserved.

The Puma Backpacker

By Danny “Spanky” Rowell

The Puma
Backpacker (Model 230465) is classified on the company’s website in the
“sporting folders, outdoor, folding” category.  When I first opened the
box and removed the knife from its carrying case, I was surprised at how heavy
it felt, especially compared to some of the other blades I possess. At 120
grams, my first assessment was that this knife would be good to carry in the
black nylon pouch, but might be too much of a burden to carry around in my
pocket.

The Puma Backpacker with its factory Nylon sheath.

I field-tested the Backpacker, carrying first in my work
slacks and later in my jeans pocket. I even took it along in my summer shorts
for a family adventure. Contrary to my initial expectations, I didn’t notice
the knife in my pocket unless I was seeking it out for use. The weight of this
knife ensured that it would stay buried in the pocket bottom and not ride up
high enough to fall out. The Backpacker’s design provides a solid foundation
for hiking/camping and everyday utility purposes. The profile is sleek and
well rounded at both ends, easy to put in and take out of my pockets.

Puma Backpacker deployed from sheath, which can ride
horizontally.

The Backpacker has a very nice clip point design. The
locking mechanism is a standard rocker bar lock. The blade was very sharp out
of the box and is attractively accented with the Puma logo and model
designation. There is a hairsbreadth of play where the blade meets the body,
but this is the case in every single folding knife I own.

Backpacker blade with
through-and-through groove.

The Puma is exceptionally stable compared to many of the
other blades in my collection. Blade length is 3.125 inches with a blade
thickness (measured by the manufacturer) at 3 millimeters. The blade is made
from “Special D1.4 Cutlery Stainless Steel” with a reported hardness (Rockwell
Hardness Test) between 57 and 59.

The overall length of the Backpacker is 7.5 inches fully extended. Folded
footprint is 4.33 inches long and 0.5 inches thick. Three pins hold the knife
together, one near the blade and two at the back end. There is a small 1/8th
inch diameter lanyard hole between the two rear pins. Scales are ABS and
nicely accent the pewter-colored bolsters with a nice, soft green. This knife
is an attractive addition to any collection.

ABS scales are textured and, well,
green.

The Puma Backpacker is designed specifically
for outdoor recreational use. The blade requires two hands to open by design,
but, I was able to open the blade with a single hand by holding onto the blade
and snapping the handle downward. I do not recommend this opening method for
self-defense purposes, nor with this knife design, but it is possible to
perform.

Overall, the Puma Backpacker is a very solid and dependable knife. It is easy
to carry and simple to manipulate in use. I highly recommend this knife,
whether you are an avid outdoorsman or simply like to putter around in the
back yard.

You could even carry it
while…backpacking.