Cold Steel "Kobun" Tanto

A

Allen E. Treat

Banned
Joined
Oct 4, 2001
Messages
498
I was thinking of aquiring one of these ; it looks to be a well
made knife ( Cold Steel makes the finest, as far as I've seen )
the "down side" I would guess in the eyes of you forumite(s) is
the 420 steel used. I would hope this blade would still be "Cold
Steel sharp" though. Opinion(s)?

"...and let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one..."

Luke 22:36 :)

A.E.T. ;)
 
If you like it, buy it! That is the best rule in knives. The 430 should be fine for self defense applications, or just messing around with the knife. I had one and carried it for a while. I think the design is very useful, all in a slim package. Mine was AUS-8 though.

Get one, and enjoy it. Just don't expect stellar edge holding :)
 
Maybe try to get a used Kobun, the earlier versions used AUS8 I believe. Also, handle it before you buy. It is a very slim and useful knife, very easy to carry, BUT the handle is pretty thin and some people find it uncomfortable for actual use.

A possible alternative for defense & utility, same blade size with perhaps a more comfortable handle (and MUCH better steel!) would be the Spyderco Perrin Street Bowie, VG-10 steel and $85 at 1SKS.
 
Originally posted by Allen E. Treat
( Cold Steel makes the finest, as far as I've seen )
Click to expand...
I don't wanna sound like a smart@$$, but Cold Steel is hardly the finest, the finest factory-made fixed-blade tantos, maybe, only because virtually no one else makes them, though I'd take an SOG Tsunami over a Cold Steel Kobun any day of the week. I'm really not trying to knock the Kobun too much, it seems like an ok knife, but don't be fooled into thinking you are getting the finest.
 
i have an older version of the koubun (aus8) that i use vhen i have to go somewhere in a business suit. Carried IWB on the small of the back it disappears under the suit jacket (is the correct term "coat" ?). I never had the chance to use it for hard work,thoug,so i cannot tell you anything about long term comfort.As a defensive blade it would be wonderful,as a worker,maybe you could benefit from a more ergonomic grip even with a tanto shape.Try a tsunami from Sog and see if it fits you better.
 
Allen, according to my CS Special Projects July 4th flier, the Kobun is available for $44.99 and it is listed as AUS 8A. You might want to call them at (800)255-4716 and see if they still have any, and to confirm that steel type.

Heck, I'm thinking of calling for one...:)

Karl
 
Cold Steel are not the finest blades out there, but they sure do make a HELL of a product for the price. I have a Recon Tanto, and it was well worth the $50 I paid for it. Solid, well-made, and scary sharp. Could my Strider put it to shame? Sure. But I also paid about $400 for my Strider BT. Was the BT worth the $400? Of course!

For the money, Cold Steel is great. I also have the Tanto "spike" which is another GREAT buy for about $20!

Go for it if you want it. That's what's important.

Drjones
 
The one's in the Fourth of July sale flyer probably either a factory second or inventory reduction. Either way well worth the price.
 
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