Old version of the kalinga!

[RickJ]

I really like the looks of the older version of the kalinga, when I saw the new B&C Kalinga coming out soon, I said I have to have it! It looks like the older version.


Who prefers the older version over the newer version?

 

[BG42EDGE]

Oh yeah.......the new style Kalingas are just a slab of steel with two little slabs of wood slapped on.

Not much to that.

The older style is much more pleasing to the eye......many smooth curves and fitted areas and nice brass.

The new (old style) one looks great.....it just needs that ugly etching of what (I guess) is supposed to be an elk--REMOVED. Any halfway decent knife mangler can take that off and touch up the blade in a few minutes.

 

[jb4570]

They are two completely different knives and carry different model numbers. The only thing common to them is the name Kalinga, the Kalinga 401's were sold as a cut above the rest of the Buck knife line, as they were marketed in their own large velvet lined case and not displayed with the other Buck lines in the counter top display case! The 401 was the classy hunting knife of it's time, if you know what I mean. The Kalinga Pro (kinda styled after the Alpha series) came out in two different models the 408 & the 406. So I don't compare these two very different knives at all to each other.

Now if you want my opinion on these knives.....the 401 & the 408/406 blades are ergonomically too big for a skinning knife IMHO. The Kalinga 401 is a big knife and the 408/406 is even bigger! When I'm skinning an animal with a blade that is too long makes my wrist hurt. My opinion for these knives as display queens, the classy looks of the 401 win the ribbon.
jb4570

 

[Plumberdv]

The new 2012 Legacy Edition of the Kalinga is the "newer version" pattern of the "older version" pattern. Notice that it has the guard that is thicker at the end and not pointed like the originals.

The 401 has been used as the platform for several LE's and some buildouts in the past. I think they make a very impressive "show" knife.

Here's a couple of the older version 401's with the pointed guard.

 

[Plumberdv]

Now if you want my opinion on these knives.....the 401 & the 408/406 blades are ergonomically too big for a skinning knife IMHO. The Kalinga 401 is a big knife and the 408/406 is even bigger! When I'm skinning an animal with a blade that is too long makes my wrist hurt. My opinion for these knives as display queens, the classy looks of the 401 win the ribbon.
jb4570

John, have you had any experience with the Kalinga's little brother, the Akouna? It appears to possibly be a little more user friendly for skinning.

 

[jb4570]

John, have you had any experience with the Kalinga's little brother, the Akouna? It appears to possibly be a little more user friendly for skinning.

Hi Dave,

I don't have a Akouna in my accumulation yet. I have not used an Akouna, but The blade is just outside the useful length for me as my wrist starts to cramp with the extra sweep a long blade requires. Don't get me wrong folks....both the Kalinga and the Akouna are fantastic hunting knives for some folks and some applications. I use my hunting knives on Deer size game and don't need a large blade for ether field dressing or skinning. That need may be different even for me if I were using them on Elk size or larger North American game animals. Anyway, Dave one day I will find a stag Akouna to add to my pile.
jb4570

 

[Plumberdv]

Hi Dave,

I don't have a Akouna in my accumulation yet. I have not used an Akouna, but The blade is just outside the useful length for me as my wrist starts to cramp with the extra sweep a long blade requires. Don't get me wrong folks....both the Kalinga and the Akouna are fantastic hunting knives for some folks and some applications. I use my hunting knives on Deer size game and don't need a large blade for ether field dressing or skinning. That need may be different even for me if I were using them on Elk size or larger North American game animals. Anyway, Dave one day I will find a stag Akouna to add to my pile.jb4570

Like these?

 

[jb4570]

Like these?

Wow Dave,

Simply beautiful, yes just like those!

jb4570

 

[David Martin]

O, man those are handsome. DM

 

[RickJ]

The new 2012 Legacy Edition of the Kalinga is the "newer version" pattern of the "older version" pattern. Notice that it has the guard that is thicker at the end and not pointed like the originals.

The 401 has been used as the platform for several LE's and some buildouts in the past. I think they make a very impressive "show" knife.

Here's a couple of the older version 401's with the pointed guard.

Sir,

You have some very nice kalingas there, thanks for posting the great pics and making me want one that much more.

 

[zerot71]

I think all three are very beautiful knives (401/406/408), and don't forget the folding versions (415/419). The newer versions are all inspired by the 401.
Pherhaps there are better skinners, but in think not many knives can compete with the looks and quality of these models, fixed or folding!

Then again, as a kalinga collector iam not unprejudiced, lol.

Grtz F

 

[RickJ]

I think all three are very beautiful knives (401/406/408), and don's forget the folding versions (415/419). The newer versions are all inspired on the 401.
Pherhaps there are better skinners, but in think not many knives can compete with the looks and quality of these models, fixed or folding!

Then again, as a kalinga collector iam not unprejudiced, lol.

Grtz F

WOW! what a great collection you have there, outstanding pics too!

 

[peterinct]

Some VERY nice Kalingas in this thread. I MUCH prefer the original with pointed guard and 440C steel.

An OLD pic, but my favorite Bucks:

Peter

 

[Plumberdv]

I think all three are very beautiful knives (401/406/408), and don't forget the folding versions (415/419). The newer versions are all inspired on the 401.
Pherhaps there are better skinners, but in think not many knives can compete with the looks and quality of these models, fixed or folding!

Then again, as a kalinga collector iam not unprejudiced, lol.

Grtz F

Friso, I have to say that your photographic skills are second to none! Your photos are the most artistic, beautiful and professional that I've had the pleasure to look at. They deserve to be used on a magazine cover or a calender! Buck would do well to hire you to photograph their products for the catalog!

Thanks for posting them.

 

[jb4570]

Friso, I have to say that your photographic skills are second to none! Your photos are the most artistic, beautiful and professional that I've had the pleasure to look at. They deserve to be used on a magazine cover or a calender! Buck would do well to hire you to photograph their products for the catalog!

Thanks for posting them.

+1 I agree 100%, fantastic photo's.

Frisco, can you post a close up of the gold etch and tell us about it? I have never seen on like it before!
jb4570

 

[zerot71]

Wow! guys (thanks David), these compliments are to much. Collecting knives and knife photography is a lot of fun, and it's very nice to know that my pictures are appreciated, thanks!

About the 'gold etch kalinga' a description with text from the HH advertisement: it's a mirror polished Buck 401 Kalinga blade that Jim Figara of Automated Finishing transformed into a classic piece of artwork. Jim engraved the blade with scrollwork, and highlighted the RMEF logo in 24k gold. The years 1984 - 2004 discreetly frame the logo identifying this as a 20th Anniversary Edition. The blade also carries the HC logo, individual serial # and artist's signature. The handle on RMEF 2004 by Friedly is designed and handcrafted by Dennis Friedly. North American Elk antler is cut, hand stained, polished with a German silver guard. A Wyoming native, Dennis has been a knife maker for over 30 years. He began his career with Harvey Draper in 1972, and became a full-time maker in 1979. The knife is presented in a walnut and glass showcase that has the official RMEF 20th Anniversary logo etched in the glass with Pass It On laser engraved in the showcase.

Here are some detailed pictures of the Heritage House RMEF Kalinga:

Grtz Friso

BCCI member 2316

 

[whetrock]

I've always had a place in my heart for the Kalinga. While the blade profile is a bit extreme I can't dismiss it as useless and IMO it is a quite attractive almost Arab looking profile. I just wish that the newer Kalingas had a bit shorter blade.

 

[David Martin]

Some nice photos gents. DM

 

[Stainz]

Oddly, I was enamored by the Kalinga Pros when they were announced. It actually got me introduced to Buck knives as something other than just a source for 110s and 301s! I must have been the exception - they sure didn't last!

(Ignore the WallyWorld bargain 110 at the bottom above!)

Stainz

 

[zerot71]

Here's an older Kalinga (1979) with an elk etch, iam very pleased with this one...