Kalinga vs Akonua

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kossetx

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Howdy all, I see written often that the Akonua is the "little brother" of the Kalinga. Their both listed at 10". Why? I'm not a knife show guy and I have never held a kalinga so I don't know. I do have a lovely guitar Akonua and to me it's kinda massive. Looking at them it just looks like different blade sweeps.
 
Koss, the Kalinga named after an Island king is useful and many like that shape. They both have gone through subtle changes from 1970. Both were Buck's first top grade knives. As they thought the market would accept them and this was right. Just looking at the Kalinga I think skinner. But the point can puncture an area while working. A micarta handle, a polished 440C blade and a up grade sheath and box. Striking.
The Akouna has a more utility shape and could skin, slice and quarter at 5". The models afterward moved the belly back, changed the guard and the handle went to a laminate. With a good sheath. I really like it. A good all purpose knife that has not seen the popularity of the Kalinga.?
My thoughts. You can have your opinion too. DM
 
Thanks koss. I've used the Akouna not the Kalinga. And it was an early one from the 70's. The Akouna lends itself to more general use and could make a 5 1/2" cut. The Kalinga's strong suit would be skinning and it's more like a 4" not measuring on the curve. Just watch the tip. I hope you realize these models are pricey now days.
Especially the guitar. Good luck, DM
 
Here's a comparison, hair shy of 10" The Kalinga has some heft to it more meat on the blade and the cross guard has more brass. Photobucket absolutely terrible. Had to figure out a way and it is not very good as you can see. DOUBLES!!

1498e1e1-aab3-46d1-a942-d6286ab2ad7e_zpsmbx0fbjb.jpg



Kalinga%20and%20Akuna%20002_zpsl9wcnobi.jpg




Kalinga%20and%20Akuna%20002_zpsl9wcnobi.jpg
 
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Thanks Michael, that really helped. So the Kalingas grip is bigger and the guard is heftier. Is the blade wider also? That really helped. Mp
 
I really like the grip on the Kalinga, it seems to fill your whole hand with a thumb rest on top and a choil cutaway if you like a finger under. The blade on the Akouna from top to bottom is .940 1/16 shy of an inch. The blade on the Kalinga measures 1.100 one inch and one hundred thousands. Measured with calipers so that is exactly what they are. Surprisingly they are both .178 thick blades. I like shopping at Knifecenter.com,The Kalinga is $130.00 much cheaper than the guitar. It actually has a phone number to speak with a live person. I ordered brakes for my car from Rockauto.com and no phone number at all on the website. That is the first thing I look for now. The handle length is 4.437 on the Kalinga and 4.530 on the Akouna. The blade length on the Akouna is 5.160 and also the same on the Kalinga. Not much difference on the cutting edge on the Akouna has 4.312 and the Kalinga has 4.445 a little more than an 1/8 (.125) inch. MIKE
 
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So, they are close. That angle guard replaced the pointed guard sometime in 94 / 95. Good photos. Thanks, DM
 
David Martin said:
So, they are close. That angle guard replaced the pointed guard sometime in 94 / 95. Good photos. Thanks, DM
Click to expand...

David, the guard change happened about 1981, not 94/95. About the same time as the change from micarta to wood laminate. The guard changed "just" after the change to wood because rare variations can be found with wood handles and pointed guards. Switch to 425m about the same time also. A lot of changes in a short time. /Roger

Tried sending you a private message and the system said I was not allowed to start a conversation with you.... this new software takes some getting used to.

Here is a scarce birch handle with pointed guard (not my picture)
Akonua%20pointed%20guard_zpsvxqm57tb.jpg
 
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Had a Kalinga. It's a fairly beefy handle. I'd have preferred the Akonua.

Zieg
 
Thanks Roger. That's about normal for me, being 12 years off. I have one of those rare ones with the pointed guard and laminate handle.
I'll try to find it. DM
 
I've always wondered who sneaked into the Buck factory and got these weird-looking knives produced--the knives look as goofy as their strange names. :D
They are quite a departure from the shape of normal Buck knives, especially the Kalinga.
Akonua looks a little more normal and I could use it ok, but it's still not like a real Buck.
I suppose this was an attempt to bring new customers into the fold. Not a great success.
 
Here is some history of the Kalinga, it's a real Buck. It is a HUGE success. Since 1969!! I will bet most any collector has one.

"We like to feel that the Buck Kalinga is also the badge of authority for all sportsmen to wear." Al Buck, Circa 1969. The original Kalinga was a favorite of Al Buck’s. With a large sweeping skinner blade and ergonomic handle design, the Kalinga encompasses all the exceptional qualities that have kept it as an all time favorite among knife enthusiasts. Exclusive, elite, and luxurious, the Kalinga remains a top choice for a hunting knife or simply as a collectible. Either way, it is a conversation starter.
 
Al Buck liked the Kalinga so much, he named his boat the 'Kalinga'. There is a gold etched limited edition of the Kalinga knife with his boat on it.... I'm still looking.
 
The Akonua was introduced in 1972 just before the change from inverted to upright tang stamps. Here is an early Akonua with inverted stamp. Tough to find. The Kalinga being introduced a few years earlier are a little easier to find inverted. It's been suggested that a 2-line Kalinga might exist. Any one have one to show.

420Inverted002_zps7a4993ec.jpg
 
Cool, found this from CJ back in the day.

Dec 16, 1999#3

CJ BuckModeratorModerator
898
Apr 14, 1999
The Kalinga (Model 401) was designed by my uncle Frank D. Buck. He was my father's younger brother and he passed away in 1974. His tastes were very flambouyant and while we made them the Kalinga was one of the most difficult knives to mass produce. My grandfather Al, thought another knife without such an aggressive sweeping blade was necessary for the line and designed the Akonua (model 402)

My grandfather's favorite knife was the Kalinga and he named his boat after that knife. We also made a Kalinga with Mastodon Ivory handles and engraved with Al's birthdate and the date of his death and sat it in his coffin for his viewing. That knife is in our display in our main hallway to this day.

I have had bikers tell me they like the knife for it's aggressive look and feel. I have had hunters tell me that the skinning sweep on the blade made it their favorite work knife. To each his own. I just know it is a beautiful knife.

CJ Buck
Buck Knives, Inc.
 
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