In the fourth quarter of 1964,  PUMA implemented a new control system.  This control system helped establish quality control measures in production activities.  For older knives the code itself is a 5 digit number.  Beginning in 2002, the code was changed to 3 digits. Then again, in 2007, it was further reduced to 2 digits.

The Control number, also known as the Production Code or the Date Code, is located on different locations, depending on the model.  For older fixed-blade knives. in most cases, you can find the code on the finger guard near the blade.  In some cases, the code was stamped into the handle of the knife on wood-handled models.  On folding knives with blade locks, the Control Number was stamped on the Spring lock where you depress to close the blade. The smaller folder without locks,  the number was stamped on the inside of the brass liner.  On the Waidmesser knife, you can find it stamped on the brass where the corkscrew is. For newer knives made after 2002, the Control Number is etched on the blade.  It will look similar to this,  103 / RC. You may have to look over your knife carefully to find the number.

Not all knives have Control Numbers.  Those knives made before the Fourth Quarter of 1964 are considered  to be Pre-64 models.  The list is small but there are also knives with no Control number. The SkinMaster and all of the Scout Models are examples of knives with no Control Number. The Scout knives are very difficult to date since they were made generally from the 1940′ s through the mid 1990’s; a span of 50 years.

You can use the internal App on our website to determine the date of your knife.  Look for it on the Main Page down on the left side. Find The Production Date.

For older knives,  you can also find it below with these charts. Click on them to make them bigger.

Ken Tarpey
Puma Knife Man