Micarta Kalinga's

Plumberdv

Plumberdv

Joined
Sep 26, 2008
Messages
8,160
I already had an old micarta Kalinga that has the tang stamp that's read tip up. Today, I picked up a second one that reads tip down. I know (I think I know) that the one reading tip up is pre-'86 but I don't know what the time period of the one read tip down is. I can probably find that info if I do enough digging, but I thought someone might know off the top of their heads.

Also, I first thought that the sheath was pretty beat up, but having it in hand, it seems like maybe it was made "distressed". It is slick, smooth and doesn't feel like it's been skinned up as it appears. Was that the way they came?

MicartaKalingasa.jpg


MicartaKalingasb.jpg


MicartaKalingasc.jpg


MicartaKalingassheatha.jpg


MicartaKalingassheathb.jpg
 
I'd say the sheath is distressed. Notice how the marks go up to and thru the rivets. If it were from use or abuse it would stop or scratch the rivet also. kinda like it does on the 2nd rivet from the bottom on the front side, and its to uniform.


I know you didn't ask opinion about this but I'll give my 2C anyway.:) To me it makes more sense to put the tang stamp so that the user can read it. Quite frankly I think the guy that it's being used on could care less what the stamp says.:D
 
Original sheath to the first Kalinga's...1968(78) if my memory is correct,I will check when I get home.
Rivets would pop off after using the sheath for a while.
Great pics.
Looking at my 1983 price sheet Dealer Prices 401 Kalinga $51.00 complete
knife only $48.45
sheath only $5.10

Custom knife $84.00
custom sheath $9.00
Sambar Stag Or Horn $96.00
Mastadon Ivory $252.00
Pearl $144.00
Walnut box $28.00
 
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Very nice looking knives and very good pictures, Dave. For sure one of my favorite knives.
 
Dave, Your inverted 3 liner is the earliest model 401. Early 1972 any earlier would be a 2 liner which I've not seen in a Kalinga. Thanks. DM
 
David Martin said:
Dave, Your inverted 3 liner is the earliest model 401. Early 1972 any earlier would
be a 2 liner which I've not seen in a Kalinga. Thanks. DM
Click to expand...

The Kalinga was introduced in May 1970. At this time all the other Buck knives
had the inverted stamp Buck USA. I don't know what kind of stamp
the Kalinga had at this time. But it may be that it was the complete stamp
with the added name.

Best,
Haebbie
 
Dec 1970 is the oldest recipt I have for the Kalinga. $54.00
Inverted 3 liner w/distressed sheath,info booklet and leatherette case w/gold pile lining.
The lining,stamp and sheath and box changed over the years.
Interesting story with the booklet that came with the set.
My camera is on loan at the moment so no pics.
 
Plumberdv said:
So, do we know when they went from inverted to not inverted stamps?
Click to expand...

I don't know it for sure. The BCCI information pool doesn't help in this context. There's only a note that
the stamp from the Akonua changes from inverted to not inverted in 1972. I suppose that
the Kalinga got the new stamp in this year too.

Best,
Haebbie
 
Habbie, Yes I agree. I merely said I hadn't seen one. I have the data sheets for both the 401 and 402 sent to me from Joe. Which gives the Kalinga's year of introduction as 1969-70 with a inverted 2 line stamp (which I've not seen). Then sometime in 1970-72 they went to a 3 line inverted stamp (which is in agreement w/ Earl's model) and sometime in 72 it shows this model with a 3 line stamp viewed point up. This is consistent w/ the 100 series as well. In 1973 the stamp is viewed point up and w/ burgundy micarta handles. Which I know many models went to this color micarta that year. Its well verified. So, Plumber's model could be as early as Earls . DM
 
WOW...that's a FINE looking pair of Kalingas Plumb! I especially like the earlier ones with the more tapered guards as compared to the later ones with the thicker less tapered guards.

This is my favorite pair of Buck fixed blades:

P1020003.jpg


They are both used, but in excellent condition. The sheath for the Akonua is more brown, and a different texture than the one for the Kalinga, which is more cordovan.

Peter
 
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