"Stay 'unreasonable.' If you
don't like the solutions [available to you], come up with your
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Copyright © 2003-2004 Phil Elmore, all rights
reserved.
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.