Cold Steel Oyabun Carbon V review

R

rlschne

Joined
Jan 2, 2005
Messages
30
I just saw this knife and it looks pretty nice anybody have one, used one, heard anything about them ?
19BC.jpg
 
New knife to me. Don't think that was in the last catalog that CS sent me. Would look good next to my Carbon V Recon Tanto and Original Recon Tanto. ;) Let's find out more.

Jeff
 
Ooops. Found the Oyabun in my CS catalog. Specs. are weight 8.3 oz., blade length 9", 3/16" thick, oal 14 1/16", kraton handle, Carbon V and epoxy powder coated. Special Projects price is $74.99. I don't know what you would do with this knife, but it does look "cool".

Jeff
 
Had the knife, sold it on Ebay. It is VERY large, 9" blade, but it has a crappy "rubbery" like handle. It is too large to use as a tanto, but hasn't got the heft to be a good chopper. The steel is not bad(very sharp), but because of the "small" handle it has a weird balance, when u swing it it didn't feel well balanced for me. The sheath is mediocre. It had to wrap the handle with paracord to get a grip on it. For the price it's not bad but it will be a ""closet" knife, i wouldn't trust it in the woods due to the crappy handle. It's way to big for urban carry. it's more a knife u show to your buddies or keep as a home defense sword/knife. IMHO a kukri would be a better buy.
 
yeah, after doing some reading last night i pretty much came up with the same sort of reviews - crappy handle and sheath... wicked sharp blade, wierd balance... most of the reviews said to try the recon carbon V tanto.... anyway, still looks cool
 
The Kobun is a smaller, thinner version that makes a pretty cool but lightwieght camp and defense knife. The handles are pretty thin though. The Spydie Perrin fills the niche better for all practical reasons, unless you really like the look (which I admit I do).
 
Hello all!
I have been carrying my Oyabun in Iraq for about a month now, and i can say that I agree with the other posts, in the handle being a little small. HOWEVER, the length I find perfect. I am Military Police, Stationed in Iraq, and its the perfect knife for, how to put it, Getting one's point across... for example, when on a convoy, and we need to stop for some reason or another, people will gather up and either a.) beg for anythnig under the sun, or b.)will try to steal anything not tied down on the trucks. now this only happens when we are in a populated area, and its not really the best idea to be directing and ponting with your pistol, so I use the oyabun. its big enough to be seen in my hands, and also big enough to be respected. And its a little safer to be in my hand in a situation with civilians. Just my 2 cents, thanks!
 
I made the mistake of buying and Oyabun in the "420 sub-zero quenched" version. My only beef with it is the steel. I barely used it for some light chores- I live in the burbs and work retail son I don't use these in combat or anything- like cutting small branches and limes for drinks... and the edge was simply a joke.

I don't find the handle "crappy." It sticks to my hand well and fits okay... I'm not sure what's not to like about Kraton.

I found the knife fun and easy to use, and despite its length not too heavy. I suspect that its thinner blade thickness helped govern the choice of metal- a less "tough" steel might snap with a good whack on a blade of this size. I often thought if it was available in a better steel its would be a great knife.

I have a Recon Tanto, and I love it. I've used to to chop dead logs (AND slice limes) and I like the steel just fine- its Carbon V.

So I'd guess the Carbon V Oyabun would be a good mix as long as you don't do extreme levering/prying with it.

I like the design, size and quality of it...
 
Being a fan of the "rubber" handle I would suggest that if you are just looking for a beefier grip, why not try one of the Ontario versions in 1095 carbon steel? Their handles are pretty comfortable - at least for me (I have one of their Bowies):

10" Tanto Blade: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=ONSP14 - I bet that one would make a pretty good "pointer" like sgt. demeo was saying...!

These too - 8" Tanto Blades: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=ONSP13, and http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=ONFF13

6" Tanto Blade: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=ONFF12

Kabar makes an 8" Tanto too.

Personally I would go with a Bowie but hey, to each his own...
 
I just got mine today from www.gpknives.com True the handle is kinda small,its not a prob. I like how it fits in my hand. Me like!! Ooops,I also have an SRK,Recon Tanto,both OSS,and a bunch more.
 
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