The Cold Steel Kobun is a lightweight knife that takes its name from the Japanese underworld, where the word “Kobun” is sometimes used as an indicator of rank that suggests the word “soldier”, or one who takes orders from his “Oyabun” or boss. It’s a fitting name for a knife like the Kobun, which was effectively designed to be “a good soldier”. Proven to be incredibly popular with the Military, where it’s prized for its light weight and discreet profile as much as its durability and cutting potential. The Kobun features Cold Steels iconic reinforced “American Tanto” point, making it highly resistant to bending or breaking because it is reinforced by the full thickness of the blade’s spine (which runs almost to the very tip of the blade). Despite its thin profile, the Kobun’s deeply checkered Kray-Ex handle is designed to offer maximum grip and is contoured to resist turning or shifting in the hand.
Cold Steel Knives - 17TS Specifications:
Overall Length:
9.875 in.Blade Length:
5.50 in.Cutting Edge Length:
5.00 in.Blade Thickness:
0.13 in.Blade Width:
Blade Material:
Japanese AUS-8A Stainless SteelBlade Hardness:
Blade Style:
TantoBlade Grind:
Flat GroundBlade Finish:
SatinEdge Type:
SerratedHandle Length:
4.375 in.Handle Thickness:
0.49 in.Handle Material:
Kray-ExHandle Color:
BlackWeight:
4.40 oz.Sheath:
Secure-Ex SheathKnife Type:
Fixed BladeBrand:
Cold SteelModel:
KobunModel Number:
17TSDesigner:
Country of Origin:
TaiwanUPC:
705442019268
Michael on 07/20/2019 09:14am
Great knife! I tested the tip and the sloped edge and it cut through carpet very nice. I then tried the big edge and it would cut cardboard easy but I tried it on the carpet and it didn%u2019t cut. I showed my neighbor and said I guess it isn%u2019t that sharp. Two seconds later I pulled it across the carpet and bluntly hit my index finger and it cut me pretty good. Overall good knife!
Roger Morton on 12/18/2017 01:59pm
Good blade, but its stainless steel so you will need to re-edge it frequently. If you want this for defensive purposes, my philosophy is that it needs to be sharp ONCE, so go ahead. If you want this as a working/camping knife, the weak edge will frustrate you. I wish the sheathe did not use the rubber of the handle to retain the knife as this surface will abrade over time and not lock up as securely. Good overall.
Dash Strom on 02/16/2016 02:38pm
Holy cow this knife is sharp. Unusualy sharp you will see. I cut thru thick cardboard like butter. Very surprising cutting power for such small knife. I Love it!
Yorkey on 11/07/2015 03:43pm
Awesome knife but mine didn't come with the sheath pictured here it has a clip that doesn't work well at all would like the one in this picture.
Pam S. on 08/20/2015 03:26pm
Great self-defense weapon. The rubber grip keeps it secure in the hand.
Mike on 08/16/2015 10:41am
I carry this because double edge daggers are illegal in many jurisdictions.
Cormac Kelty on 09/22/2014 10:58am
Absolutely love this knife. Carry it concealed all the time. Very lightweight.
Chad Armstrong, Mesa AZ on 05/25/2012 12:49pm
Amazing knife! Not a big fan of tanto blades but the curved belly gives you the best of both worlds. Blade is thick and strong and handle has a nice grip. Nice sheath that secures the blade very well even upside down. Cuts through paper, cardboard, plastic packages, and wood like a hot knife through butter. So whatever you want to use it for it will not disappoint. Good for a collector, military, or outdoorsman. Its so lite its easy to pack or have on you but also durable. This price for a Cold Steel blade is amazing. Buy one for yourself and one for a friend as a gift. You will be happy and your friend will be happy.
Marcos Ramirez on 05/12/2012 12:12am
This is one of the best knives you can buy for $36. The edge is literally razor sharp right out of the box. You wouldn't want to accidentally cut yourself because it would go through your skin like butter. Also, another great thing with this knife is how light it is. I almost always wear it on my boot whenever I go out and it almost doesn't even feel like it is there. The rubber Kraton handle offers an excellent grip as well. I highly recommend this product, whether you need a really high quality yet affordable utility knife or whether you a civilian looking for extra protection. I especially recommend this product to any law enforcement or military personnel who might need a lightweight and reliable blade in an emergency situation. For $36, you can't go wrong.
Doug Bostich on 09/29/2011 07:14pm
I've always wanted a knife that i can carry almost everywhere that was bigger than a folding blade and the Kobun fits the bill. This Cold Steel Kobun Boot Knife is just awesome it fits on my belt or on my boots and it's razor sharp also a really good steel for the price you really can't beat it. I highly recommend, you wont regret it!
Jack J on 05/10/2011 08:50pm
Excellent design, I would categorize this blade as medium sized. Very compact and light weight, and under $40 it would be one of my top choices if I were to be deployed. I have several CS blades and they are affordable and have excellent quality. You can find many helpful video reviews on youtube. Comes with an excellent sheath, good retention. The Kraton handle does wear a little over time but it is the most grippy handle material I've ever used.