1965-1980 Kodiak date??

[Slomo]

I've searched here, other places on the web and books and while I find information pertaining to how to narrow the date down on a Kodiak I just haven't been able to figure it out myself I feel like it's right in front of me but I just haven't cracked the code I'm hoping some of you knowledgeable folks can help me out.

I know the date range should be acceptable but I feel like it can be narrowed down a little closer based on the different things I have read. I bought this knife from a guy who said he bought it new over 40 years ago..other than that and pictures I don't have much more. I will provide any pictures you folks need if you can help me out.

I believe it to be close to early 70's but don't have enough accurate information to know for sure right now. One of the differences according to what I have read is the length. This one is actually 10 3/4" as seen in the picture if that helps any.

Thanks for any help you can give.

[robinetn]

Does your knife have stars on the guard ? If you have the original box , could you post a pic of the interior of it ?
Bob

[32man]

Hi Bob, mine has two stars under guard so is it late 60's or earlier?
Thanks for posting about this Slomo

[Slomo]

Does your knife have stars on the guard ? If you have the original box , could you post a pic of the interior of it ?
Bob

Bob there are no stars on the guard and I don't have the original box. The gentleman I bought it from said he misplaced it several years ago

[robinetn]

If the guard has stars , it was made in 1973 or later . No stars would be prior to 1973 (possibly late 1960's) . Somewhere around 1973 they started using white Styrofoam in the insert for the handle to rest on (prior to that time they used brown cardboard) . Not much info , but it's all that my frazzled brain can recall at this time . Also , sometime in the mid 1960's they moved the "HANDMADE IN THE U.S.A." from the back of the blade to the back of the tang . Maybe someone else will come along soon with more detailed info .
Bob

[Slomo]

If the guard has stars , it was made in 1973 or later . No stars would be prior to 1973 (possibly late 1960's) . Somewhere around 1973 they started using white Styrofoam in the insert for the handle to rest on (prior to that time they used brown cardboard) . Not much info , but it's all that my frazzled brain can recall at this time . Also , sometime in the mid 1960's they moved the "HANDMADE IN THE U.S.A." from the back of the blade to the back of the tang . Maybe someone else will come along soon with more detailed info .
Bob

Awesome information Bob thank you for narrowing it down for me. If I'm understanding correctly that narrows it down to 65-72 now? If so that is great. I have also seen mention of the location of "HANDMADE IN U.S.A" and mine is on the tang not the blade but I wasn't for sure what years are what . I also know that the sheath was changed in the earlier years but once again I just know it happened and not what year(s) they changed.

Thanks again for your help I really appreciate it.