CS kobun in AUS-8

topgunpilot20

topgunpilot20

Joined
Oct 21, 2003
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120
i just purchased a crkt companion off of ebay for use as a defense knife, and will probably end up getting a sheath from on/scene tactical. however i must admit that the CS kobun intrigues me quite a bit. i used to collect knives until i got into guns, but now, a couple of gun purchases later, i can't afford to expand my gun collection any further. so now seems like a logical time to dive back into my first love of knives, hence the thought of also getting a kobun. i like the longer blade, style, and concealability of the kobun, so it will probably serve along side my new crkt companion as a defense knife, depending on my mood that particular day. i won't own a knife with a 420 steel blade, but can't afford the carbon V model, however CS has a closeout on the AUS-8 models for $45. is this worth it?

bottom line: is it worth spending $45 on a AUS-8 CS kobun when i already own a crkt companion, or should i spend my money on more worth while things?
 
the Kobun is significantly more slim & lightweight than the CRKT Kasper, making it very concealable. However the very slim handle does not offer all that secure of a grip, and I didn't trust the marginal guard for forceful stabbing. I really liked my Kobun for camping, until I traded up to a Spyderco Perrin. It's twice the price but has VG10 steel & a very secure handle.
 
I had one, and its very slim. The shealth and size are nice cause you can clip to the inside of your pocket like a folder. How I carried mine. Got rid of mine cause I went for a stronger becker..didn't need a pointy pig sticker.
 
i can't afford the spyderco, hell i can barely afford the kobun. i like the japanese tanto look of the kobun, over the spyderco's kitchen knife look. i know it's not as important as steel or quality, but that's what attracted me to the kobun. the fact that i could get it in a decent steel (AUS-8) made me think about purchasing is. i know you're probably going to say that i've already made up my mind, i'd like everyone's input. i'm a college student, so $45 is not chump change to me. anyone else have a problem with the handgaurd?
 
Nope, never had a problem with the guard. Neither does my friend...uses it every single day in 2 kitchens.


If thats what you want, and can afford...good. Its sharp, its sturdy..nice shealth. Enjoy it!
 
CRKT makes one but in AUS6:

http://www.knivesplus.com/CR-2705-CRKT.HTML

I guess it would be ok for a dedicated defensive knife. It does look like it has a better grip than the Kobun though I haven't had any problems with my Kobun. My CRKT knives in AUS6 (Stiff KISS and M-16Z) don't hold edges very well, so I wouldn't carry one for utility unless I really wanted to sharpening practice. I've had much better performance with my 420HC Buck knives, to give a comparison.
 
do a search on the first strike before you buy. Lotta complaints on the forums: cheap handle wrap, too thick, not sharp, etc. If you like the Kobun, $45 seems like an ok price.
 
I practice hard thrusts with my Kobun into a thick sheets of layered cardboard and have never had any problems with the grip.It is very secure.I do a lot of grip/finger/forearm training so that I can keep a secure grip on any of my knives.I am one of those guys that bought the CRKT First Strike and yes mine was dull as well.I sharpened and stropped mine and now it will shave hair(I am by no means a master sharpener,trust me).It is very thick blade with a thinner handle so it kinda feels like chopper.I love the skull crusher on the end.My only beef with it is I wish the handle was a bit longer.I love my First Strike and the Kobun,two very cool knives.A Kobun on steroids is the First Strike.I have the Companion and you will love it when it arrives.My fits my hand perfectly and another cool knife.
 
I don't have a CRKT First Strike, but it does LOOK nice from the pictures. I have not handled one yet. From my experience with CRKT's AUS6 (when my Stff KISS got dull I was easily able to reprofile it to a zero edge as easily as I would be able to sharpen a 1095 knife. That is a bit too soft for my taste.) I'd get the Cold Steel Kobun in AUS8 if I could only have one.

Now, if the choice was between either one and a Fehrman First Strike I'd get the Fehrman.:D

http://www.fehrmanknives.com/fs.htm
 
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