First Impressions of Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST
The Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST arrives as a no-nonsense, tactical knife designed for personal defense and utility. Cold Steel is known for its robust and affordable blades, and the Kobun aims to deliver on that reputation. Its tanto blade and OD green Kray-Ex handle immediately suggest a focus on practicality and durability.
I was initially drawn to the Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST due to my need for a reliable backup blade for hiking and camping. I wanted something lightweight, easily concealable, and capable of handling basic cutting tasks in the wilderness. The tanto blade shape also appealed to me for its piercing strength and versatility.
Unboxing the Kobun, I was immediately struck by how lightweight it felt. The Kray-Ex handle provided a surprisingly comfortable and secure grip, even with wet hands. The blade’s satin finish looked clean and functional, and the Secure-Ex sheath felt solid and well-made.
Compared to my Benchmade Nimravus and Gerber Strongarm, the Kobun felt significantly lighter and more compact. I picked the Kobun over these options due to its lower price point, smaller size, and the unique tanto blade shape, which I wanted to test for myself. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism about the AUS-8A steel, as I typically prefer higher-end steels.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST was on a weekend camping trip in the Angeles National Forest. I primarily used it for tasks like preparing kindling, cutting rope, and opening food packages. The Kobun performed admirably, its sharp tanto blade easily slicing through various materials.
I encountered light rain during the trip, and the Kray-Ex handle maintained a secure grip even when wet. The knife felt balanced and comfortable to use for extended periods. One slight issue was the Secure-Ex sheath’s retention; it was a bit too tight initially, making it difficult to draw the knife quickly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST has proven to be a reliable and capable knife. The blade has held its edge reasonably well, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a ceramic rod. I haven’t babied this knife, and it has held up impressively.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear on the blade finish, and the Kray-Ex handle remains in excellent condition. Maintaining the Kobun is simple; I typically just wipe it down with a cloth after each use and occasionally apply a thin coat of oil to the blade. Compared to my experience with other budget blades, the Kobun has outperformed my expectations in terms of durability and edge retention.
Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST
Specifications
- Overall Length: 9.88 inches (25.1 cm). This provides a good balance between blade length and overall portability.
- Blade Length: 5.5 inches (13.97 cm). The 5.5-inch blade is a practical size for a variety of tasks.
- Blade Material: AUS-8A Stainless Steel. AUS-8A steel offers a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
- Handle Material: OD Green Kray-Ex. The Kray-Ex handle is durable, weather-resistant, and provides a secure grip.
- Weight: 0.52 lb (8.32 ounces). Its light weight makes it comfortable to carry all day.
- Sheath: Black Secure-Ex. The Secure-Ex sheath provides secure and durable carry.
- Additional Features: Lanyard Hole. The lanyard hole adds versatility for carry options.
These specifications combine to make a knife that is lightweight, durable, and suitable for a variety of tasks. The AUS-8A steel, while not a premium steel, is easy to sharpen and maintain in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST performs its intended job as a utility and personal defense knife admirably. The tanto blade is excellent for piercing and offers good slicing capabilities. It’s reliable and consistently performs well in various cutting tasks.
The Kobun’s main strengths are its lightweight design, comfortable grip, and ease of sharpening. One minor weakness is the AUS-8A steel’s edge retention compared to higher-end steels. However, considering the price point, it meets my expectations and performs reliably.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kobun’s design is simple and functional, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use. The Kray-Ex handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions. The knife feels well-balanced in hand and is easy to control.
The design is user-friendly with no steep learning curve. The Secure-Ex sheath provides secure carry, but as mentioned before, it may require some breaking in.
Durability & Maintenance
The Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST is built to last. The AUS-8A steel is resistant to corrosion, and the Kray-Ex handle is virtually indestructible. With proper care, the Kobun should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and sharpening. The Secure-Ex sheath is also easy to clean and maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST comes with a Secure-Ex sheath. Customization options are limited, but some users may choose to replace the sheath with a different model or add a custom lanyard. The blade shape itself is the star here; it accepts well to sharpening and easy maintenance in the field.
Aftermarket accessories are not widely available for this model, but the included sheath is functional and durable. While there are no specific accessories to mention, the ability to add a custom lanyard can improve grip and handling.
Pros and Cons of Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry. Its light weight makes it comfortable to carry all day.
- Durable Kray-Ex handle. The durable handle provides a secure grip even in wet conditions.
- Sharp and versatile tanto blade. The blade shape is well-suited for piercing and slicing tasks.
- Secure-Ex sheath. It provides secure and reliable carry.
- Affordable price. It provides excellent value for the money.
Cons
- AUS-8A steel edge retention. It requires more frequent sharpening than higher-end steels.
- Secure-Ex sheath retention. It may be too tight initially and require breaking in.
Who Should Buy Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST?
The Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST is perfect for hikers, campers, survivalists, and anyone looking for a reliable and affordable utility or self-defense knife. It’s also a great option for those who appreciate the unique tanto blade shape.
This product is not ideal for those who demand premium blade steels or require a knife for heavy-duty tasks. A must-have modification is a paracord lanyard for enhanced grip and ease of drawing from the sheath.
Conclusion on Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST
Overall, the Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST is a well-designed and functional knife that offers excellent value for the price. The combination of a sharp tanto blade, durable Kray-Ex handle, and secure sheath makes it a reliable tool for various outdoor and tactical applications. The Kobun delivers impressive performance, and I am pleased with my purchase.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. I would personally recommend the Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade OD CS17TODST to anyone seeking a reliable and affordable fixed-blade knife. Pick one up, get outdoors, and put it to the test – you won’t be disappointed!