The Rarest Bear Kodiak – Production Bow

Horney Toad · February 06, 2009, 10:59:00 PM

Wade, actually I did mean the kodiak not the special. The picture you posted of the kodiak with the half high compression riser threw me. That is a pic of the special, correct? A handsome combination by the way.

I only have a copy of the bear catalogs I bought from Joe St Charles. It shows a 1967 kodiak which is identical to the kodiak shown in the 1966 catalog.

Did they have 2 different catalogs in 1967?

Wade Phillips · February 06, 2009, 11:21:00 PM

Jeff - Yes that image of the Zebrawood and Black handle section is a greatly edited image of the 1967 Kodiak Special. It was my attempt to convey what I envisioned the color combination of 1967 Kodiak to be... boy was I wrong. The 1967 Polar used the same inset angle as the Special but used Zebrawood and bubinga. The Kodiak could have been so much more had different combination of materials been used.

Horney Toad · February 06, 2009, 11:50:00 PM

Wade, I'll bet you and I could design a mighty handsome 1967 if we had too!

Orion · February 07, 2009, 10:16:00 PM

Thanks for the info Wade. Mine Kodiak appears to be a 57. Definitely has brown glass and does have the one piece arrow rest/strike plate. Very thin piece of leather. Too thin, I think. Have some other questions about it, but started a new thread, which I hope you'll check out. I don't want to clutter up this one with my questions.

Bjorn · February 08, 2009, 03:38:00 PM

OK here's one you don't see every day

It is a 57/58 Kodiak with with the riser of a 1957 and the white glass of a 1958. It is 60" and 52#. Zero stress and the transfers were applied lovingly by Al himself; may he rest in peace.

Wade Phillips · February 08, 2009, 07:15:00 PM

Bjorn - You have a very nice looking White Glass 1957 Kodiak.

Yes, the White Glass 1957 Kodiak with no stress is tuff one to find in 60" length in a nice hunting weight.

If stress-free and clean, the White Glass 57 is a very handsome bow. Unfortunately, old stress cracks in this bow are usually filled with dirt and the white glass can become very unattractive.

Acquiring all three lengths 56", 60" & 64", of the White Glass 1957 Kodiak in all original stress-free condition, is a memorable milestone when assembling a Kodiak Collection of every length and riser style from every production year from 1950 to 1966.

Bjorn · February 09, 2009, 07:13:00 PM

Fairly uncommon, this little gem arrived today from that unmentionable auction site-anybody got any idea why we can't use that 4 letter word?

In any event, it is a 1955 Kodiak 56" amo and 36#@28"-double shelf, of course.
The 'Kodiak' decal has peeled off; but Trap says he has a spare-what a Prince!
The bow is a dandy, and I had been looking for years.

mwmwmb · February 09, 2009, 08:36:00 PM

Nice bow Bjorn,

Wade you never cese to amaze. I would love to view your collection someday.

TRAP · February 09, 2009, 09:28:00 PM

Let's all get together through Private messages to see what date works for all of us and just show up at his house on that day .

Trap

Wade Phillips · February 10, 2009, 12:36:00 AM

Bjorn - Glad to see you got the 56", 1955. I have its slightly heavier 39# twin brother with all decals. It is always a tuff year-length combination Kodiak to find in nice condition. Did you get that triple 56 for a song a few years back???

Bjorn · February 10, 2009, 12:59:00 AM

I wish it had been me, Wade. The glass is really nice on the 1955 Kodiaks-isn't it? There are more 56 inchers for me to get-have a 1960 and now the '55.
You got a '59 that needs a new home?
Bjorn

Wade Phillips · February 10, 2009, 01:08:00 AM

mwmwmb & Trap - If you guys want to plan a get together here before spring... just let me know what dates work for you guys. I need a bit of advance notice to clear a path to walk and to make sure we have enough cold beer on hand. You are welcome to spend the night, just bring a sleeping bag, there is lots of room.

I'm retired so can be here about any time and always enjoy having collectors with similar interests stop by. Over the years have had guys stop from all over the country. It is always a good time.

Shaun is stopping by this Friday on his way through to a pig hunt. So he will have first shot at all the extra stuff around here.

Right now I have over 200 extra old bows that need to find a new home, several quivers, lots of arrows and arrow boxes and thousands of extra broadheads... so bring lots of green stuff and trading material.

Wade Phillips · February 16, 2009, 03:15:00 PM

Bjorn - The only 56" 1959 Kodiak that I have as an extra is LH. Don't now if you are really into collecting 56" Kodiaks, or just looking for shooters of the various years. Your 1955 and 1960 are certainly a good start either way.

Guess I categorize a total of 11 different 56" Kodiaks, if my math is correct...

2-1954s
1-1955
1-1956
2-1957
2-1958
1-1959
2-1960

There could easily be one or two more 56" Kodiaks that may show up some day...

The 56 inchers are a pretty tuff Kodiak length to complete just to get one from each year.

Bjorn · February 16, 2009, 03:30:00 PM

Now that would be quite the accomplishment to complete that list! I wonder if anyone has them all-do you have them all, Wade?
I am at the point where I don't worry about shooting all my bows anymore........although most have a working string attached still.
A lefty 56" 59 K eh? I'll sleep on it!

Wade Phillips · February 16, 2009, 04:03:00 PM

Bjorn - Yes, I have had all 11 of those 56" Kodiaks for a few years now. Those 11 are all actual production bows. Also have another exp 56" Kodiak that can not be included as a production bow. As mentioned earlier, there may be one or more additional 56" Kodiaks that could show up someday. If one does show up on auction, I hope I either miss seeing it, or have just hit the big lottery.

After you have slept on it, let me know your thoughts on the LH 56" 1959 Kodiak. It is 46#. No rush on my part as it has been here for several years.