Need help dating a vintage Kalinga

[arksknives]

I need some help dating this vintage Kalinga. The tang is read with the tip of the knife pointing down.




Eric

 

[David Martin]

I can't tell the color of the micarta on the handle. Is it maroon or black? DM

 

[David Martin]

It could be 1972. That model doesn't follow the Buck pattern. DM

 

[DeSotoSky]

The Kalinga was introduced about 1970, I can't lay my hands on my notebook at the moment. It follows the standard Buck orientation pattern changing from inverted to upright in 1973 so that makes your knife the first few years of production, pre 1973. It varies from the standard pattern in that the name [Kalinga] was used instead of a model number which did not appear across the rest of the product line until 1972. Joe Houser wrote an article on Kalinga /Akouna dating in the BCCI newsletter at one time. As I recall he hypothesized the possibility of a 2 line tang mark existing.

Here is the matching first year Akouna. It came out a couple years later, just before the change from inverted to upright.

 

[David Martin]

I've already held a 1969 model Kalinga in my hand. His is a 1970-72. And they don't follow the Buck pattern. As the model number is 'Kalinga'. Hence, the model number would not appear until 1972 should it follow the 100 series Buck pattern. DM

 

[David Martin]

I wish you had the box and paperwork. DM

 

[DeSotoSky]

I've already held a 1969 model Kalinga in my hand......

Dave, was it a 2-line tang mark?

 

[David Martin]

Yes. I called Joe H. he thought they didn't exist. I have all of Joe's notes for this model and I'm reading from them. DM

 

[DeSotoSky]

Yes. I called Joe H. he thought they didn't exist. I have all of Joe's notes for this model and I'm reading from them. DM

Wow, would love to see a picture of that one Dave!

 

[arksknives]

Thanks for the information guys! Looks like black micarta handles on mine.

Eric

 

[David Martin]

Ok, this makes it the early dates. The box and papers on those are attractive. So, I wish you had them. Still, one of Buck's top shelf models.
'The Buck pattern' is much more than merely the blade stamp. It's a number of items about the knife which help identify it's mfg. date. 1) It's spacers, number and material type. This one doesn't have these. 2 ) It's handle material. THe 100's don't change. This one changed 3 times before the year dates. 3) It's sheath, type. Flap over, keeper strap, the model # added, 'Buck' on it's button, ect.. This one hasn't changed. 4) How the pommel is attached. The 100 series has changed. This one hasn't. So, when I say the 'Buck pattern' I'm referring to several items that influence the entire package. DM

 

[DeSotoSky]

All good points Dave.... :thumbup: