Anyone like their Kobun ?

upnorth · Jul 4, 2014

I got an order in and the Kobun was part of it. From Youtube reviews I formed an opinion that: 1. The knives spine was on the thin side, 2. that the grip felt lousy and 3. that the finger guards were soft mush. I have to say that I am delightfully surprised on all counts. The spine is thicker than I thought. The grip has more than enough rubbery feel for my satisfaction. And the finger guards, although bendable, are stiffer than I was lead to believe. Overall I feel that this blade gives above average value for the minimal purchase cost incurred. As for the sheath dulling the blade edge... I have withdrawn\ inserted about 7-8 times now and it still slices printer paper cleanly. If I have to touch the edge up now and then it will not be an issue for me, as I do not foresee withdrawing this knife from its sheath much. It also snugs up tightly to the waist which is exactly what I was hoping for. I am very satisfied with this low cost\ high value Cold Steel product.

UCPOPO · Jul 4, 2014

I agree with your assessment completely. I think its a great value knife. I have a few of them and they are one of my favorite lightweight fixed blades.

oxman198 · Jul 4, 2014

I like mine. For such a beautiful, well made and concealable fixed blade its hard to believe its so inexpensive.

Slipperyfish · Jul 4, 2014

I find the handle a little thin. Feel like I can't hold it securely. No problem with the spine or finger guards. Really like the price too. Probably going to sell mine and get a GI Tanto or Recon Tanto.

Rypper · Jul 4, 2014

I adore the design, I just wish the Oyabun was not discontinued as I would prefer it to be longer.

G. Scott H. · Jul 4, 2014

Love the knife, not so hot on the sheath. I like the style of the sheath and the fact that it can be clipped in my pants pocket, but mine dulls the blade pretty noticeably.

Larry Turko · Jul 5, 2014

Rypper said:
I adore the design, I just wish the Oyabun was not discontinued as I would prefer it to be longer.

I like my Kobun. I'm happy to say I also have a couple of Oyabuns including the Carbon V model.

michael t · Jul 5, 2014

I have a early Kobun Its put up now is carbon V steel made in USA as I remember. Excellent knife . Bought it to replace my Gerber MK I I carried for years on (out in field) and off duty in military. Then decided to go with a XL CS Voyager instead . That gave way to x2 voyager I carry today. A large folder clipped in pocket can be explained away a lot easier. Than a fixed blade IWB under shirt.

Charlie_K · Jul 5, 2014

The only thing I don't like about my Kobun is the fact that I have no idea how to comfortably wear it.

GCG199 · Jul 5, 2014

I had one for a very short time.

I found the handle and guard to be too small.

theobetts · Jul 5, 2014

I have an old model and find it to be a good knife for the price.

Freman Bloodglaive · Jul 6, 2014

Charlie_K said:
The only thing I don't like about my Kobun is the fact that I have no idea how to comfortably wear it.

Make a figure of eight out of paracord and a cordlock and hang it upside down under your left arm.

Charlie_K · Jul 6, 2014

Freman Bloodglaive said:
Make a figure of eight out of paracord and a cordlock and hang it upside down under your left arm.

Tip up? Tip down? Any pictures to give an idea of how to suspend it?

mwhich50 · Jul 6, 2014

Another cool collectable knife/gift knife for a reasonable price. No regrets!

Freman Bloodglaive · Jul 7, 2014

Charlie_K said:
Tip up? Tip down? Any pictures to give an idea of how to suspend it?

Tip up. From this guy.

[video=youtube;5ozFYptpHRM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ozFYptpHRM[/video]

Charlie_K · Jul 7, 2014

Freman Bloodglaive said:
Tip up. From this guy.

[video=youtube;5ozFYptpHRM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ozFYptpHRM[/video]

Very informative. I was drastically overthinking the whole thing. I was even considering adding cord length and a leash end for latching it to a belt look to keep it steady and stable.

Mark Nelson · Jul 8, 2014

G. Scott H. said:
Love the knife, not so hot on the sheath. I like the style of the sheath and the fact that it can be clipped in my pants pocket, but mine dulls the blade pretty noticeably.

Same. Something needs to be done about it. Lots of reports of it happening. Wanted to add that this is not just a Cold Steel problem a lot of different companies have the same problems. Most of the time seem to get the "Well that is the first we have heard of it happening" from companies. Kinda sad.

upnorth · Jul 12, 2014

Mark Nelson said:
Same. Something needs to be done about it. Lots of reports of it happening. Wanted to add that this is not just a Cold Steel problem a lot of different companies have the same problems. Most of the time seem to get the "Well that is the first we have heard of it happening" from companies. Kinda sad.

I've seen the same issue with some Beckers. I think that it was dealt with, but I'm not certain about it.

kerberosWXIV · Jul 13, 2014

The old model sheath and the minimal finger guard is the two things I don't like on my Kobun. The old sheath not only has very limited mounting option but also scratches the blade. The lack of a proper hilt and thin handle make stabbing dangerous. Otherwise, the Kobun is a wonderful lightweight blade. Other similar option that addresses the two drawbacks I mentioned is Spyderco Street Bowie, lighter and with better steel, which of course would be much more expensive.

Charlie_K · Jul 13, 2014

I finally got around to making the under the arm rig like in the video. No cord lock so I just tied it down through the eyelets. And the nut I'm using to hold the figure 8 isn't a tight fit so it slides, but it won't erode the paracord. And the guy's right, this thing is surprisingly comfortable.