Puma is one of the world’s oldest knife makers having been registered with the Knifemaker’s Guild in Solingen, Germany in 1769. Solingen is known as the “City of Blades” and is world renown for cutlery much like Toledo, Spain. Puma is most famous for their White Hunter. The Puma Skinner is a stag handle knife specifically designed for skinning big game.
Puma Skinner
Purposefully designed for skinning game. The Skinner comes in two flavors – the original German hand-crafted Puma Skinner and the Puma SGB Skinner which is assembled in China with an authentic German blade. Puma Knife Company USA was formed in 2009 with the first SGB line of blades released in 2010. This is perhaps the most comfortable knife I have ever held. It is perfectly balanced. The true stag antler handle and thumb serrations make the Puma easy to control. The handle is approximately 1″ wide for a firm grip while skinning large game animals. Both versions of the knife come with a leather sheath. The sheath on the German knife includes a flap that secures the blade whereas the SGB Puma has an open top that is simpler to deal with but could allow the knife to fall out at the worst possible time. The German knife also includes a hole in the handle to attach a lanyard.
Specs
- Overall length 9.4″
- Weight 5.6 ounces
- Blade length 4.7″ drop-blade Full tang for strength
- Blade steel German 440C, Rockwell Hardness 57-60
- Blade steel SGB 440A, Rockwell Hardness 55-57
- Leather sheath
- German Puma list price $170
- SGB Puma list price $100
440A versus 440C stainless steel
440C steel has a higher carbon content and is a harder steel than 440A. That means the German Puma has a higher quality blade steel which accounts for the higher price – along with the higher labor costs associated with a hand-crafted German product. 440A being a bit “softer” than 440C is easier to sharpen, can take a beating, and has a higher resistance to rust. The German Puma blade steel is also slightly higher on the Rockwell Hardness scale. Bottom line is that the German blade is higher quality but the SGB Puma is easier to sharpen and more rust resistant.
TGR Recommendation
While many outdoorsmen carry a folding knife for convenience, some of us prefer a fixed blade for skinning game. It is a stronger, more secure tool for the job at hand and there is zero danger of the blade folding up on you. Your local big box sporting goods store is stocked full of inexpensive but serviceable knives. However, if you are looking to carry something unique, with the look of old-world craftsmanship, check out the Puma Skinner.
Mike Coker
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