The Wupper River
Puma Knives was founded in 1769 on the banks of the Wupper River outside Solingen, Germany, a region known for its quality cutlery and knife makers. Harnessing the water power to operate his grindstones, Johann Wilhelm Lauterjung established Puma-Werk. He had his first trademark entered into the renowned Solingen Master Cutlers Guild register in 1769, making it the eighth-oldest German trademark.
The 19th Century
Still using old techniques and grindstones, in the early 19th century Puma Knives had 93 grinding cottages and six drop-hammer forging shops in operation along the Wupper and its seven tributaries.
Expansion
As a family business, several generations of Lauterings continues the Puma tradition of quality. Great grandson to Johann Wilhelm Lauterjung, Mathanael Lauterjung expanded the production line to include straight razors, haircut scissors and pocket knives in the mid-1800s.
20th Century and War
As World War II came to an end, Puma-Werks went through a transformation. Seeing a need for high-quality hunting knives, Puma-Werks shifts its onus to making hunting and guide knives. Several patents were issued for knives specific to different hunting regions in the world.
The 21st Century
With new and cutting-edge designs such as the Game Warden, Capri and Red Deer series, Puma Knives has entered the 21st century still producing high-quality hunting and guide knives sought because of the high quality and ethic involved in manufacturing.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
