PUMA History

  • 1769 > Johann Lauterjung writes down his trademark in the knife makers role of Solingen - the PUMA history began.

  • 1855 > His great-grandchild Nathanael (1815-1865) moved the production to the nearby city of Solingen

  • 1876 > His son, Ernst Otto Lauterjung (1855-1931) for the first time also manufactures pocket-knives, stilettos, sabers and hunting knives in an additional small factory.

  • 1900 > On May 26th the name "PUMA-Werk, Lauterjung und Sohn" is written down on the Solingen register of companies.

  • 1920 > The sons Eugen (1883-1961) and Franz (1888-1976) build a second plant in Solingen and push the export. So PUMA got known internationally before the II. World War.

  • 1936-1945 >During the second World War the production is put under the authority of the war industry.

  • 1946 > Return to the civilian production of pocket- and household knives.

  • 1953 > Oswald von Frankenberg and Ludwigsdorf (1915-1986), husband of Renate Lauterjung, changes the produktion on functional hunting-, fishing-, outdoor- and sporting knives. In cooperation with top forestray commissioner Walte Frevert, a numerous PUMA classics are developed (Waidbesteck, Jagdnicker, Waidmesser, universal hunting knife and hog spear). The bloodhound leader Tassius designs the Rüdemann and the Wildtöte.

  • 1956 > PUMA develops the model White Hunter for the East african hunting organization.

  • 1964 > PUMA introduces the number system. Every model gets an examining number of its own, incl. guarantee exercise book, with production year.

  • 1967 > Renate von Frankenberg takes over the management in the PUMA-Werk.

  • 1986 > Oswald von Frankenberg and Ludwigsdorf dies and leaves an economically highly profitable and internationally recognized enterprise behind.

  • 1991 > Sale of PUMA-Werk to the Solinger family Hindrichs.

  • 1995 > Harald Lauer, already active in the enterprise since the end of the seventies, becomes Managing director of PUMA-Werk. Under his management new production methods are forced, e.g. CNC controllers and laser technology.

  • 1998 > Sale to businessman Heiner Hiepass-Aryus and removal to the modern industrial area "Aufderhöhe".

  • 2003 > Next to the classic line PUMA offers its customers a series of very qualitative knives in traditional design under the label "PUMA IP" ( PUMA International Production).

  • 2008 > With "Puma TEC" the company completes its knife program with economically attractive, fixed blade and folding knives in a modern look.

  • 2009 > PUMA celebrates its 240 year company anniversary. In honor of the anniversary, new hunting knives series arise in classical PUMA style which modified according to the latest ergonomic knowledge.

  • 2009 / 2010 > The traditional company provides a internet program "PUMA Individual" in which the customer can assemble his own original PUMA knife independently and individually.

  • 2015 > Die Rückkehr des Klassikers nach 40 Jahren: PUMA rüdemann 40

  • 2015 > The return of the classic knife after 40 years: In 1975 we commissioned H. P. Knoop to develop the first mo- dels, "rüdemann" and "wildtöter". 40 years later they were modernised and their design was modified, now they are in the PUMA product portfolio once again.

  • 2017 > Harald Lauer takes his well-deserved retirement. Under the management of Heinrich-Ernst Hiepass-Aryus, Hendrik Hiepass-Aryus and Julia Nicolai take over the management of the traditional manufacturing business. The newly designed online store goes live.

  • 2019 > PUMA celebrates a quarter of a century of corporate history. 250 years of knifemaking in Solingen - and the story continues.

  • 2019 > PUMA has continued to develop and design new knife models as well as produce various Limited Edition knives.