The Cold Steel Kobun CS17T: Engineered for Excellence and Unwavering Reliability

For individuals seeking a fixed-blade knife that combines historical tactical design with modern material science, the Cold Steel Kobun CS17T stands as an exemplary choice. This isn't just a cutting tool; it's a meticulously engineered instrument crafted for a diverse range of demanding applications. Whether you're a military professional, a law enforcement officer, an avid outdoorsman, or someone prioritizing personal defense, the Kobun offers a unique blend of discreet carry, formidable cutting power, and exceptional durability.

What truly sets the Cold Steel Kobun apart, and why is it so highly regarded in tactical circles? Its reputation stems from a purposeful design philosophy, focusing on practicality and performance under pressure. The very name, "Kobun," hints at its origins in the Japanese underworld, where it signified rank – a subtle nod to its status as a reliable and essential companion for those who depend on their gear in critical situations. This knife is a testament to Cold Steel's commitment to producing robust, high-performance blades that meet real-world challenges head-on.

Why Choose the Cold Steel Kobun CS17T Fixed Blade Knife?

Choosing a fixed blade knife often comes down to a few critical factors: reliability, ease of access, and the ability to handle demanding tasks without failure. The Cold Steel Kobun CS17T addresses these needs directly, making it an ideal candidate for various users.

• For Military and Law Enforcement Personnel: The Kobun has garnered significant popularity within military and law enforcement communities. Its lightweight profile and discreet carry options, coupled with its unyielding durability, make it an invaluable tool for operational readiness. It’s a blade that can be relied upon for utility tasks, emergency situations, or as a last-resort defensive measure. Its ability to be carried subtly, yet deployed effectively, is a key advantage for professionals in the field.
• For Outdoor Enthusiasts and Survivalists: Navigating the wilderness or preparing for unexpected scenarios requires gear that won't let you down. The Kobun's robust construction and resilient blade are perfectly suited for tasks like processing tinder, cutting cordage, preparing food in a camp setting, or even light batoning (though it's not a dedicated chopper, its strength is surprising for its size). Its fixed blade design eliminates potential points of failure found in folding knives, offering peace of mind when reliability is paramount.
• For Everyday Carry (EDC) and Self-Defense: While a fixed blade might seem less "everyday" than a folder for some, the Kobun's compact size and lightweight nature (just 4.40 oz) make it surprisingly adaptable for EDC. For those who prioritize immediate accessibility and absolute blade rigidity for self-defense, the Kobun's American Tanto point and secure grip provide confidence. Its rapid deployment from the Secure-Ex sheath ensures that it's ready when you are, offering a reliable layer of personal protection.
• For Collectors and Cold Steel Enthusiasts: The Kobun represents an iconic design within Cold Steel's storied lineup. Its fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern materials and a practical, combat-proven design makes it a desirable piece for any serious knife collection. It embodies the brand's philosophy of "strength through design."

Unpacking the Design: Features That Define Performance

Every element of the Cold Steel Kobun CS17T is intentionally designed to contribute to its overall performance and user experience. Let's delve into the key features that make this knife a standout:

The Iconic American Tanto Blade: Strength and Precision

At the heart of the Kobun's exceptional performance is its 5.50-inch blade, featuring Cold Steel's iconic reinforced "American Tanto" point. This blade geometry is a cornerstone of its strength and versatility.

• What is an American Tanto Point? Unlike traditional Japanese Tanto points which are designed primarily for thrusting and piercing armor, the American Tanto is a modernized interpretation. It features a high point with a flat grind, and a pronounced, unsharpened "kink" or angle where the primary edge meets the tip. This creates a secondary point, making the tip incredibly thick and robust.
• Why is it Superior for Durability? The reinforcement from the full thickness of the blade's spine, which extends almost to the very tip, makes the American Tanto point exceptionally resistant to bending, breaking, or chipping. This is a crucial advantage in situations where the knife might encounter hard materials or experience significant lateral stress, such as prying or aggressive piercing.
• Piercing and Cutting Potential: Despite its robust tip, the Kobun's plain edge ensures excellent slicing capability. The primary grind allows for efficient cutting through various materials, while the reinforced tip provides superior penetration for piercing tasks. This combination of piercing power and slicing efficiency makes it incredibly versatile.

AUS-8A Stainless Steel: A Balanced Performer

The blade is crafted from AUS-8A stainless steel, a material chosen for its well-rounded characteristics that balance edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.

• What are the Benefits of AUS-8A Stainless Steel?
  • Corrosion Resistance: AUS-8A offers good resistance to rust and corrosion, making it suitable for use in diverse environments, including humid or wet conditions. This is particularly important for outdoor and tactical applications where exposure to elements is common.
  • Edge Retention: While not a super steel, AUS-8A holds a working edge admirably for most general and tactical tasks. It strikes a balance that allows for consistent performance without requiring constant sharpening.
  • Ease of Sharpening: One of the most significant advantages of AUS-8A is its relative ease of sharpening. Even with basic sharpening tools, users can restore a razor-sharp edge to the Kobun, ensuring the knife remains optimally functional throughout its lifespan. This user-friendly maintenance aspect is a major plus for practical users.
  • Toughness: AUS-8A exhibits good toughness, meaning it can absorb impacts and resist chipping or breaking under stress, complementing the strength of the American Tanto point.
• Optimized Blade Thickness: With a blade thickness of 3.50mm, the Kobun strikes an excellent balance between robustness and cutting efficiency. It’s thick enough to provide significant structural integrity, yet thin enough to maintain good slicing geometry.

The Kray-Ex Handle: Unyielding Grip in Any Condition

A knife's effectiveness is heavily reliant on the user's ability to maintain a secure grip, especially under adverse conditions. The Cold Steel Kobun addresses this with its deeply checkered Kray-Ex handle.

• What is Kray-Ex? Kray-Ex is a high-performance thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) known for its excellent grip properties, even when wet, cold, or oily. It's designed to mimic the feel and performance of Kraton, a material widely used in knife handles for its tactile security.
• Maximum Grip and Retention: The deep checkering on the Kobun's black Kray-Ex handle creates a highly textured surface that dramatically enhances friction between the hand and the handle. This deep texture ensures maximum grip security, preventing the knife from slipping or shifting during use, even with gloved or wet hands.
• Contoured for Comfort and Control: Despite its thin profile (designed for discreet carry), the handle is expertly contoured to fit the hand, providing comfort during extended use and mitigating hot spots. The ergonomic design actively resists turning or shifting in the hand, allowing for precise control during both fine cutting tasks and more aggressive applications.
• Ambidextrous Design: The handle's design, combined with the sheath, ensures that the Kobun is fully ambidextrous, catering to both right-handed and left-handed users without compromising on access or comfort.

Secure-Ex Sheath: Ready for Rapid Deployment

A fixed blade knife is only as effective as its carry system. The Cold Steel Kobun comes with a custom-fit Secure-Ex sheath, designed for secure retention and rapid, ambidextrous deployment.

• What is Secure-Ex? Secure-Ex is Cold Steel's proprietary material for high-performance sheaths. It's a durable, weather-resistant, and impact-resistant polymer that holds the knife securely without dulling the blade.
• Unwavering Retention: The sheath provides excellent friction retention, ensuring the knife stays firmly in place during active movement, yet allows for a smooth and quick draw when needed. The characteristic "click" upon sheathing provides audible confirmation that the knife is securely seated.
• Versatile Carry Options: The Secure-Ex sheath is designed with multiple lashing slots and a removable belt clip, offering a variety of carry configurations. Users can attach it to a belt, a pack, a vest, or other gear using paracord or additional attachments, adapting to individual preferences and mission requirements. This versatility is crucial for tactical and outdoor use, where specific carry positions are often preferred.

Applications and Use Cases: Where the Kobun Excels

The Cold Steel Kobun CS17T is more than just a knife; it's a versatile tool designed to excel in a multitude of real-world scenarios.

• Tactical Operations: Its lightweight, discreet profile, combined with the strength of the American Tanto blade, makes it ideal for military and law enforcement personnel for general utility, breaching light materials, or as a reliable backup weapon. Its ability to be carried covertly yet accessed swiftly is paramount.
• Survival and Bushcraft: For outdoor enthusiasts, the Kobun can handle essential survival tasks such as preparing kindling, cutting cordage, processing game, or even light shelter construction. Its robust design ensures it can withstand the rigors of the wilderness.
• Emergency Preparedness: In an emergency kit, the Kobun serves as a vital tool for cutting seatbelts, breaking glass (using the pommel in some cases, though primarily the tip), or opening containers. Its fixed blade nature ensures immediate readiness.
• Personal Defense: The Kobun's ergonomic grip, devastatingly strong American Tanto point, and rapid deployment from its Secure-Ex sheath make it a formidable tool for self-defense. Its compact size allows for easy concealment and quick access when personal safety is a concern.
• Utility and General Purpose: Beyond specialized roles, the Kobun functions admirably as a general-purpose utility knife for tasks around the home, workshop, or campsite, leveraging its sharpness and durable construction.

Maintaining Your Cold Steel Kobun: Ensuring Longevity

To ensure your Cold Steel Kobun CS17T remains a reliable companion for years to come, proper maintenance is essential. While AUS-8A steel is relatively low-maintenance, a few simple steps can significantly extend its life and performance.

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, especially if exposed to dirt, moisture, or corrosive substances (like salt water or acidic food), clean the blade and handle thoroughly. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, then rinse and dry completely.
• Drying: Always ensure the knife is completely dry before sheathing it or storing it. Moisture is the primary enemy of steel and can lead to corrosion.
• Lubrication: Periodically apply a thin coat of light oil (such as mineral oil or specialized knife oil) to the blade, especially if storing for extended periods or if used in wet environments. This adds an extra layer of corrosion protection.
• Sharpening: While AUS-8A is known for being easy to sharpen, maintaining a sharp edge is key to performance and safety. Use a quality sharpening system (stones, ceramic rods, or diamond sharpeners) at a consistent angle. A sharp knife is safer and more efficient than a dull one.
• Sheath Care: The Secure-Ex sheath is low-maintenance but can be wiped clean with a damp cloth if it becomes dirty. Ensure no debris gets inside that could scratch the blade.

The Cold Steel Legacy: A Commitment to Innovation and Performance

Cold Steel has been a pioneering force in the knife industry for decades, renowned for its commitment to designing and manufacturing some of the strongest, sharpest knives in the world. Their dedication to testing products rigorously, often to destructive limits, has forged a reputation for producing tools that genuinely perform when it matters most. The Kobun is a direct reflection of this philosophy, combining innovative materials with battle-proven designs to create a knife that is both practical and exceptionally durable.

When you invest in a Cold Steel Kobun, you're not just buying a knife; you're acquiring a piece of Cold Steel's legacy of uncompromising quality and performance. Its proven track record in the hands of military personnel and outdoor adventurers speaks volumes about its inherent reliability and utility.

Where to Purchase Your Cold Steel Kobun CS17T

The Cold Steel Kobun CS17T, with its distinctive design and formidable capabilities, is available from reputable retailers. For those seeking this exceptional fixed blade, it can be found at DEGuns.com. DEGuns offers a wide selection of Cold Steel products and provides a reliable source for acquiring the Kobun and other high-quality knives.

In conclusion, the Cold Steel Kobun CS17T fixed blade knife (UPC: 705442008132) is a testament to purposeful design and robust construction. Its unique American Tanto blade, durable AUS-8A steel, and uncompromising Kray-Ex grip, coupled with its lightweight and discreet profile, make it an indispensable tool for anyone requiring a reliable, high-performance fixed blade. Whether for professional duties, outdoor adventures, or personal security, the Kobun stands ready to perform.

Cold Steel Kobun CS17T Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Cold Steel
Model	Kobun
Blade Length	5.50 inches
Overall Length	9.88 inches
Blade Material	AUS-8A Stainless Steel
Blade Type	American Tanto
Edge Type	Plain
Blade Thickness	3.50mm
Handle Length	4.38 inches
Handle Material	Kray-Ex (Black Deep Checkered)
Weight	4.40 ounces
Style	Fixed Blade
Hand	Ambidextrous
Sheath	Secure-Ex with Belt Clip
MPN	CS17T
UPC	705442008132