Kalinga and 704

[lifter4Him]

Hi folks. I have a question about a Kalinga I recently picked up. The blade is marked Buck/Kalinga/USA but doesnt have any of the usual Buck coding for the date. Is there any way to know how old it is? The brown sheath has 6 rivets down the side if that's any help. Also, if it's not out of line, can I ask your educated opinions as to approximate value? It is not mint, it is lightly used.
My other question is on a 704-does the + after 704 mean 1991 like it does on a Buck 110?
Thanks in advance,
Dave

Edited to add that the Kalinga handle appears to be black micarta.

 

[Joe Houser]

Dave,
The Kalinga had a black micarta handle from its introduction in 1970, until about 1982. I do not have a way to narrow them down any better than that.
The date code system started in 1986 is the same for all Buck knives. The only exception i can think of is the 180 crosslock. The plan on that series of knives was to put the date code on the liner, which we did. The only problem is that we NEVER changed it! Every 180 has the same date code. Oops!
Hope this helps,

 

[lifter4Him]

Thanks Joe!