Puma Planter lockback 970 knife reworked by Rod Chappel. Piece bears Rod "Caribou" Chappel's signature and not usual Puma marking. We believe piece was re-worked by Chappel for a friend, as Chappel was not known to make many folding knives. A desirable blade made even more so by Chappel's signature flair. From a Post Falls, Idaho collection.
Rod Chappel was a talented and well-known knife maker, working from the early 1970’s to his passing in 2017. His history in engineering translated well into the world of knife-making, where he was well known for his ergonomic handles, skillfully crafted blades, and superior sharpening technique. He started his business in Airway Heights, Washington and later opened a shop in Spokane. He learned from makers such as Harvey Draped, Gil Hibben, and Bill Moran and was a member of the American Knife Maker’s Guild.
PERIOD: Late 20th CenturyORIGIN: Idaho, United States
SIZE: Blade 3 3/4" Overall 8"