I have a white hunter from mid 60's that I had to get a replacement sheath for (leather dried out because of bad maintence on my part) hadn't used knife for years and was suprised at the very large price increase. I bought mine at military exchange for less than $70. New ones were in the $400 range.
I've had a few Puma's over the decades - including the White Hunter - but you are incorrect in your description of the leather thong/loop near the sheath belt loop as another "hanger". It is, of course, intended to be passed through the lanyard hole in the handle, then looped over the handle butt as a secondary "lock", to secure the knife in its sheath when bouncing around on horseback, and a well-used retaining "Snap" or Popper, pops open.
Nice review. I just got mine two days ago and i love it. Same as you i always struggled with the "saw teeth" on the blade. The newer models also have a much (2mm!) thicker tang and blade. so they seem sturdier than the already though knives. th only thing i thinkk hasnt improoved over the ages are the rivets on the Automesser. The brass rivets on the elder models had more charm imo. By the way: Mine has the serial number 6392. so just two higer than yours :) Greetings from Austria!
Automesser means in english Car Knife. As far as i (german) know, there was formerly also a sheet, you somehow could fix in your car. Would cause in current Germany lots of trouble, german Gouvernement has restricted knife law over the decades . This type of knife is a descendant of Waidblatt, or older Standhauer. Both knives are no more common among german language hunters, had been used as small machete to clean a path, and as light cleaver to cut game into halfes. Not so much for ,final stab' of wounded game.
The upgrade was done to reduce cost of production and nothing else. With regular use and sharpening the gristle saw goes away. I don`t appreciate someone peeing down my neck, then telling me it`s raining outside.
Actually @barrycole not to blow my own trumpet, but I approached them and eventually persuaded Puma to allow customers to choose to have a plain edge, as adding the serration is a step easily removed from the manufacturing. The 'normal' version has the gristle saw. There is no cheaping out by Puma, instead they listened and gave customers a choice.
@@TacticalReviews Original design calls for stag handles. Even the wood and rivet set up of todays issue, cheapens the design. I have been around the knife game long enough, to know when it is time to break out the umbrella.
Hello from PUMA, tacticalReviews is absolutely right. We have listened to many calls from our customers who asked for a version without a saw tooth. People complain that they can't carve well when they have a serrated blade. Additionally, we still sell all versions to this day: the White Hunter, the original Automesser, and the new version without a saw tooth. We are not cutting corners! :)
I have the Puma White Hunter, got it when I went to Viet Nam back in the late 60s and still have it today
Great Video! Very professional review, we like it! Best greeting from Germany and the PUMA-Werk :)
OK , the leather lace by handle is the 2nd retention device , you pass it thru the hole in the handle and loop over the handle .
I have a white hunter from mid 60's that I had to get a replacement sheath for (leather dried out because of bad maintence on my part) hadn't used knife for years and was suprised at the very large price increase. I bought mine at military exchange for less than $70. New ones were in the $400 range.
I've had a few Puma's over the decades - including the White Hunter - but you are incorrect in your description of the leather thong/loop near the sheath belt loop as another "hanger". It is, of course, intended to be passed through the lanyard hole in the handle, then looped over the handle butt as a secondary "lock", to secure the knife in its sheath when bouncing around on horseback, and a well-used retaining "Snap" or Popper, pops open.
Nice review. I just got mine two days ago and i love it. Same as you i always struggled with the "saw teeth" on the blade. The newer models also have a much (2mm!) thicker tang and blade. so they seem sturdier than the already though knives. th only thing i thinkk hasnt improoved over the ages are the rivets on the Automesser. The brass rivets on the elder models had more charm imo.
By the way: Mine has the serial number 6392. so just two higer than yours :)
Greetings from Austria!
There is a small dent in the blade offered as proof tat they hardness tested every blade, but they don't tell you the resulting HRc number.
That new Puma looks GREAT. I also did not like the gristle saw so I owned the smaller version which didn't have the serrated blade.
Automesser means in english Car Knife. As far as i (german) know, there was formerly also a sheet, you somehow could fix in your car. Would cause in current Germany lots of trouble, german Gouvernement has restricted knife law over the decades . This type of knife is a descendant of Waidblatt, or older Standhauer. Both knives are no more common among german language hunters, had been used as small machete to clean a path, and as light cleaver to cut game into halfes. Not so much for ,final stab' of wounded game.
great review..Prefer this version without the gristle saw. . Make a version with the other side fully sharpened..??
Owning a White Hunter from 1997. That would be my one-tool option if I be forced to choose one of the collection
You might want to look into "BW German Army Legendary Paratrooper Knife"
The upgrade was done to reduce cost of production and nothing else. With regular use and sharpening the gristle saw goes away. I don`t appreciate someone peeing down my neck, then telling me it`s raining outside.
Actually @barrycole not to blow my own trumpet, but I approached them and eventually persuaded Puma to allow customers to choose to have a plain edge, as adding the serration is a step easily removed from the manufacturing. The 'normal' version has the gristle saw. There is no cheaping out by Puma, instead they listened and gave customers a choice.
@@TacticalReviews Original design calls for stag handles. Even the wood and rivet set up of todays issue, cheapens the design. I have been around the knife game long enough, to know when it is time to break out the umbrella.
@@barrycole so you know the Automesser dates from the 60s with the wooden handle and was sold alongside the White hunter with stag handles since then.
Hello from PUMA, tacticalReviews is absolutely right. We have listened to many calls from our customers who asked for a version without a saw tooth. People complain that they can't carve well when they have a serrated blade. Additionally, we still sell all versions to this day: the White Hunter, the original Automesser, and the new version without a saw tooth. We are not cutting corners! :)
@@PUMA-WERK I am no longer interested in the brand. Too much rah- rah is what I learned. They priced themselves out of the game.
I know a lot of military guys liked this knife. Myself? Never liked it for anything.
I thinned out the end ad now prefer it
ua-cam.com/video/1Srn48V9tBY/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
ffs just get on with it. I couldn't even get to you unsheathing the knife.
@@crazyharry1586 I also create a short format 60 second review for those with less time. That might be better for you.
Ive used mine and modified it but its still great
ua-cam.com/video/1Srn48V9tBY/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
Rubbish knife ....use kukri
No knife is for everyone, just like a Kukri isn't 🙂