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Puma
The Puma 1967 White Hunter (Model 6399) is a vintage fixed-blade knife characterized by its specialized wood handle and "Pumaster" steel blade.
The blade of the 1967 White Hunter was engineered as a "multi-tool" for African professional hunters.
Puma White Hunter (Model 6399) 1967 ~ Vintage
$269.99
Current stock:
1
Puma White Hunter (Model 6399) 1967 ~ Vintage
While the standard White Hunter (Model 6377) typically featured stag horn, the 6399 model was specifically produced with hardwood scales, making it a rarer and highly sought-after variant for collectors.
Handle Description and Material
The 1967 model's handle is designed for durability and ergonomics in rugged outdoor environments.
- Material: The scales are made from Jacaranda wood, a dense and dark exotic hardwood. Some collectors also refer to it as Rio Jacaranda or Rosewood.
- Construction: It features a full tang design, meaning the blade steel extends through the entire length of the handle for maximum strength.
- Fasteners: The wood scales are secured to the tang by three large brass rivets.
- Guard: It includes a built-in aluminum finger guard, which typically has a 5-digit production code stamped on it to identify the manufacture date.
- Features: The handle includes a lanyard hole at the butt for securing the knife during use.
Blade Specifications and Features
The blade of the 1967 White Hunter was engineered as a "multi-tool" for African professional hunters.
- Steel Type: Crafted from Pumaster Steel (high-carbon steel), known for its ability to take a razor-sharp edge and its ease of sharpening in the field.
- Blade Length: The blade typically measures 6 inches (approx. 155 mm), with an overall knife length of roughly 10.6 inches.
- Versatile Edges:Hardness: Each blade was individually Rockwell tested (typically 55-57 HRC) and bears a small diamond-shaped proof mark.
- Main Edge: A curved belly designed for slicing and skinning.
- Hatchet Edge: A wider-ground section on the spine (back) of the blade for heavy-duty tasks like chopping bone or wood.
- Serrations: A small serrated section near the guard for cutting rope, fish skin, or green branches.
Historical Context
The White Hunter was originally developed in 1956 in collaboration with the East African Professional Hunters Association (EAPHA). By 1967, it had become an iconic survival and hunting tool, famously used by pilots and military personnel during the Vietnam War. The wood-handled 6399 variant was often marketed for its robustness and later influenced the design of the "Automesser" or car emergency knife.
- Used, minor patina and wear consistent with age and use
- Leather sheath
- Condition is excellent , see chart below
NKCA Grading system
MINT: A factory fresh knife, absolutely original as it came from the manufacturer, not carried or sharpened, a perfect knife.
NEAR MINT: A new knife that has seen sometimes, show some slight carry or shop wear, blades snap perfectly, handles show no cracks.
EXCELLENT: Shows no more than 10% blade wear, handles are sound, no cracks, blades snap good.
VERY GOOD: About 25% blade wear, slight cracks in handles, may have one lazy blade, stamping clearly visible to the naked eye, no blades changed or repaired.
FAIR: 50% blade wear, blades lazy, cracks and chips in handles, handles replaced with same type, blades repaired, stampings faint but readable with a glass.
POOR: Blades very worn, handles bad or missing, blades have been replaced with the same type, reading of the stamp is almost impossible, even with a glass, good mostly only for parts.
