The Cold Steel Kobun is a lightweight, slim-profile fixed blade knife. Its 140 mm Japanese AUS8A stainless steel American Tanto blade, grippy Kray-Ex handle, and Secure-Ex sheath that attaches to a boot or belt make a practical set for outdoor use. Suitable for use For hiking and camp tasks For everyday cutting tasks For cutting gear and ropes For preparing food outdoors As a tactical gear addition For service and work equipment As a backup knife For users who prefer a lightweight fixed blade knife For belt or boot carry, where permitted by local regulations Why choose the Cold Steel Kobun? Japanese AUS8A stainless steel blade Reinforced American Tanto tip 140 mm long plain edge 3.5 mm thick blade Black finished steel Lightweight and slim construction Approximately 125 g weight Deeply textured Kray-Ex handle Handle shape reduces rotation in hand Secure-Ex sheath Strong boot and belt clip Compact 251 mm overall length Lower-maintenance alternative to leather sheaths Technical specifications Manufacturer: Cold Steel Model: Kobun Product type: fixed blade knife Blade material: Japanese AUS8A stainless steel Blade profile: American Tanto Tip construction: reinforced Edge: plain Blade color: black Blade length: approximately 140 mm Blade thickness: 3.5 mm Handle length: approximately 111 mm Overall knife length: approximately 251 mm Handle material: Kray-Ex Handle color: black Knife weight: approximately 125 g Sheath material: Secure-Ex Sheath color: black Sheath attachment: strong boot and belt clip Carry method: on boot or belt Included in the set Cold Steel Kobun fixed blade knife Secure-Ex sheath Boot and belt clip Frequently Asked Questions What are the properties of AUS8A steel? AUS8A is a Japanese stainless knife steel that offers a practical balance of toughness, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability. It is generally easier to maintain and sharpen than many highly alloyed, wear-resistant steels. What does American Tanto blade mean? The American Tanto blade has a distinctly reinforced tip and an angular transition from the main edge to the tip. The Kobun’s tip is supported by a strong spine that runs almost to the point, helping to reduce the risk of tip bending or breaking. Is the Kobun suitable for hiking and camp tasks? Yes. The knife is suitable for cutting rope, packaging, and gear, as well as other common camp tasks. However, its Tanto profile is not as comfortable for skinning or prolonged food slicing as a drop-point hunting knife with a curved edge. Is the Kobun suitable for wood splitting? The Kobun can handle small woodwork, but its main advantages are low weight, slim profile, and a strong tip. For regular heavy batoning or chopping, a longer and sturdier survival or camp knife is more suitable. How does Secure-Ex differ from leather sheaths? Secure-Ex does not absorb water and will not rot or mold due to moisture. The material is resistant to cuts and punctures, making it well-suited for use in changing weather. However, before long-term storage, both the knife and the sheath should be cleaned and dried. Does a knife with a black blade require maintenance? Yes. The black surface finish helps protect the steel and reduces reflections, but the blade edge remains exposed during use. After contact with moisture, salt, or acidic substances, the blade should be cleaned, dried, and, if necessary, coated with a thin layer of suitable oil. Do CS-17T and CS-17TZ refer to the same version of the Kobun? The manufacturer's current US product page lists the model code CS-17TZ, while older sales systems use the code CS-17T or 17T. Both list the same basic specifications: 140 mm AUS8A Tanto blade, Kray-Ex handle, and Secure-Ex sheath. It is advisable to check the batch marking on the packaging before ordering. When is the Cold Steel Kobun the right choice? The Kobun is suitable for users looking for a long-bladed yet lightweight and slim fixed knife. Its American Tanto tip is practical for tasks requiring a strong point, and the textured Kray-Ex handle helps maintain a secure grip even in wet conditions. The Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter is better suited for hunting, skinning, and game processing. The larger Cold Steel SRK is more practical for heavier camp and survival tasks but is thicker and heavier than the Kobun. Expert recommendation The Kobun’s plain edge is best maintained with a fine ceramic sharpener or an angle-controlled sharpening system. The two edge sections of the Tanto profile should be sharpened separately to preserve the distinct angle between them. After use, clean the blade and the textured surface of the Kray-Ex handle and allow the knife to dry completely before placing it in the sheath. Regularly check the condition of the sheath clip and attachments. The knife should be transported in its sheath, and local regulations and specific environment rules must be followed when carrying it. Lightweight fixed blade knife with a strong Tanto tip The Cold Steel Kobun combines a 140 mm AUS8A American Tanto blade, grippy Kray-Ex handle, and durable Secure-Ex sheath. The approximately 125-gram knife is suitable for users seeking a long-bladed yet easily portable work or backup knife.
The Cold Steel Kobun is a lightweight, slim-profile fixed blade knife. Its 140 mm Japanese AUS8A stainless steel American Tanto blade, grippy Kray-Ex handle, and Secure-Ex sheath that attaches to a boot or belt make a practical set for outdoor use. Suitable for use For hiking and camp tasks For everyday cutting tasks For cutting gear and ropes For preparing food outdoors As a tactical gear addition For service and work equipment As a backup knife For users who prefer a lightweight fixed blade knife For belt or boot carry, where permitted by local regulations Why choose the Cold Steel Kobun? Japanese AUS8A stainless steel blade Reinforced American Tanto tip 140 mm long plain edge 3.5 mm thick blade Black finished steel Lightweight and slim construction Approximately 125 g weight Deeply textured Kray-Ex handle Handle shape reduces rotation in hand Secure-Ex sheath Strong boot and belt clip Compact 251 mm overall length Lower-maintenance alternative to leather sheaths Technical specifications Manufacturer: Cold Steel Model: Kobun Product type: fixed blade knife Blade material: Japanese AUS8A stainless steel Blade profile: American Tanto Tip construction: reinforced Edge: plain Blade color: black Blade length: approximately 140 mm Blade thickness: 3.5 mm Handle length: approximately 111 mm Overall knife length: approximately 251 mm Handle material: Kray-Ex Handle color: black Knife weight: approximately 125 g Sheath material: Secure-Ex Sheath color: black Sheath attachment: strong boot and belt clip Carry method: on boot or belt Included in the set Cold Steel Kobun fixed blade knife Secure-Ex sheath Boot and belt clip Frequently Asked Questions What are the properties of AUS8A steel? AUS8A is a Japanese stainless knife steel that offers a practical balance of toughness, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability. It is generally easier to maintain and sharpen than many highly alloyed, wear-resistant steels. What does American Tanto blade mean? The American Tanto blade has a distinctly reinforced tip and an angular transition from the main edge to the tip. The Kobun’s tip is supported by a strong spine that runs almost to the point, helping to reduce the risk of tip bending or breaking. Is the Kobun suitable for hiking and camp tasks? Yes. The knife is suitable for cutting rope, packaging, and gear, as well as other common camp tasks. However, its Tanto profile is not as comfortable for skinning or prolonged food slicing as a drop-point hunting knife with a curved edge. Is the Kobun suitable for wood splitting? The Kobun can handle small woodwork, but its main advantages are low weight, slim profile, and a strong tip. For regular heavy batoning or chopping, a longer and sturdier survival or camp knife is more suitable. How does Secure-Ex differ from leather sheaths? Secure-Ex does not absorb water and will not rot or mold due to moisture. The material is resistant to cuts and punctures, making it well-suited for use in changing weather. However, before long-term storage, both the knife and the sheath should be cleaned and dried. Does a knife with a black blade require maintenance? Yes. The black surface finish helps protect the steel and reduces reflections, but the blade edge remains exposed during use. After contact with moisture, salt, or acidic substances, the blade should be cleaned, dried, and, if necessary, coated with a thin layer of suitable oil. Do CS-17T and CS-17TZ refer to the same version of the Kobun? The manufacturer's current US product page lists the model code CS-17TZ, while older sales systems use the code CS-17T or 17T. Both list the same basic specifications: 140 mm AUS8A Tanto blade, Kray-Ex handle, and Secure-Ex sheath. It is advisable to check the batch marking on the packaging before ordering. When is the Cold Steel Kobun the right choice? The Kobun is suitable for users looking for a long-bladed yet lightweight and slim fixed knife. Its American Tanto tip is practical for tasks requiring a strong point, and the textured Kray-Ex handle helps maintain a secure grip even in wet conditions. The Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter is better suited for hunting, skinning, and game processing. The larger Cold Steel SRK is more practical for heavier camp and survival tasks but is thicker and heavier than the Kobun. Expert recommendation The Kobun’s plain edge is best maintained with a fine ceramic sharpener or an angle-controlled sharpening system. The two edge sections of the Tanto profile should be sharpened separately to preserve the distinct angle between them. After use, clean the blade and the textured surface of the Kray-Ex handle and allow the knife to dry completely before placing it in the sheath. Regularly check the condition of the sheath clip and attachments. The knife should be transported in its sheath, and local regulations and specific environment rules must be followed when carrying it. Lightweight fixed blade knife with a strong Tanto tip The Cold Steel Kobun combines a 140 mm AUS8A American Tanto blade, grippy Kray-Ex handle, and durable Secure-Ex sheath. The approximately 125-gram knife is suitable for users seeking a long-bladed yet easily portable work or backup knife.
