Akonua Picked up

[375dave]

I picked this up yesterday after looking at it for several months, after doing a search now I'm glad I did. Does the inverted stamp date this to '72-'73 like on the other fixed blades?

 

[Plumberdv]

I'd say either '72 or '73 based on the history in the BCCI archives.

"The 402 Akonua was introduced in about 1972. From
the few records that we have, it appears as though the
402 was started in 1971 but Buck did not actually
ship any until 1972.

I have no evidence of a two line
Akonua and it is not very likely that one exists. The
first known variation of the 402 is the same as the
three line 401. It will be marked with an inverted
BUCK, AKONUA, U.S.A. and have the same wide
grained micarta handles.

From this point on, both
models share the same path. The only difference is
that the 402 was never offered in a hinged box.

Sometime shortly after the introduction of the 402,
the stamp on both models was changed to the standard
3 line read with the tip pointed up. The handle
will now be the more familiar tight grained black
micarta.

These minor changes probably occurred in
about 1973. This configuration went basically
unchanged on both models up until sometime in 1981
when the handle was changed to “Impregnated
Birch”.

 

[375dave]

Thanks Plumberdv, I always forget that I can look it up in the archives. I should have picked it up sooner but was saving for a 124 that I still haven't run across.

 

[David Martin]

I think your's is from 1971. We've had this similar question before and someone posted a photo of a two line model. I've held a 2 line 401 and 402 in my hand. They are indeed rare but they do exist. Should your model had burgundy micarta handles, that is dated to a short run in 1973. Both models were on the drawing board at the same time and run the same time line. I agree shipping could have been later. The Akouna is way up on my favorite's list as there is so much correct with it's design. Whereas, with the Kalinga I wonder why. DM

 

[David Martin]

It's interesting about those two models; the stamp is on the left and they never had the model number stamped like other fixed blades, only the name. DM

 

[Pack Rat]

Now you need a Kalinga to go with it.

 

[375dave]

Actually they reason I was looking at the Akonua was to go with a Kalinga I picked up last year. Neither have boxes but thats OK.

Now you need a Kalinga to go with it.

 

[dnight]

I owned my first Akonua for about 35 years and lost it last deer season. I have purchased 1 for each of my 2 sons in the last 2 months and now I have just received my replacement today. When comparing to 2 there are several differences between the 2, they both have the black handles. One the biggest difference is the logo one is stamped facing the handle the other facing the tip of the blade, another is one has the blade sharpened back to within 3/4" of the handle forming a quarter moon in that 3/4" space, the other is sharpened back to 1" of the handle and in that 1" the first 1/4" is flat then the quarter moon in the last 3/4". Another is the pins through the brass is very evident the other is hardly noticeable. There is a couple other little differences. So my biggest thing is the stamping facing different ways? Does any one have any ideas?

 

[Plumberdv]

I owned my first Akonua for about 35 years and lost it last deer season. I have purchased 1 for each of my 2 sons in the last 2 months and now I have just received my replacement today. When comparing to 2 there are several differences between the 2, they both have the black handles. One the biggest difference is the logo one is stamped facing the handle the other facing the tip of the blade, another is one has the blade sharpened back to within 3/4" of the handle forming a quarter moon in that 3/4" space, the other is sharpened back to 1" of the handle and in that 1" the first 1/4" is flat then the quarter moon in the last 3/4". Another is the pins through the brass is very evident the other is hardly noticeable. There is a couple other little differences. So my biggest thing is the stamping facing different ways? Does any one have any ideas?

Post #2 explains the stamp difference.

 

[David Martin]

dnight, Welcome. I can't understand what your saying. Can you show pictures? Your main question is answered above. DM