- Joined
- Dec 7, 2019
- Messages
- 3,291
The Kobun finally arrived this week. My Dad got it for me, and I must say I’m mostly happy with it.
Let’s start with the sheath. Looking this knife up online, some users reported that the stock belt clip had rather poor retention, and having the knife now I finally understand why. The sheath hangs on to the knife with a lot of authority, requiring more force to unsheathe the blade than I expected. The belt clip doesn’t have as much bite. The knife fits snugly, and you can be sure it won’t fall out if you, say, attach it to a vest or a backpack tip up. Since I’ll be throwing this knife in the pocket or bag most of the time, I removed the belt clip and the Kobun works fine that way. I have next to zero worries that it will unsheathe itself in my backpack.
Next up is the factory edge. It wasn’t as sharp as the Recon 1 or Voyager XL out of the box, but it was touched up easily enough. My sharpening skills won’t be impressing theoretical physicists anytime soon, but after a few passes on the rods the Kobun was gliding across paper smoothly. Time and constant use will tell how long that AUS8A keeps its edge. I hope newer generation Kobuns get updated with AUS10A steel.
The handle was thinner than my large-ish hands would prefer, but for the purpose of using this as a boot knife it is understandable. You’re getting 5.5” of blade in a fairly slender package. I do like the texturing of the handles, giving you enough traction even if your hands get... wet. The cute little tsuba is unobtrusive enough that my thumb can comfortably rest on the spine for more precise knifey work. I suppose you could wrap it with paracord to add more meat, but I decided to leave it as is.
I guess the Kobun could be used in a defensive role, but I would prefer something with a thicker and more ergonomic handle. It’s not the worst defensive blade, but there are other more optimal choices out there. That’s for another conversation.
Finally, as for philosophy of use, I can see this knife holding its own as a camp/hiking/bugout knife. It’s the sort of low-cost durable knife that you get a couple of to stow in your truck, your emergency bag, your panic room, etc. The tanto profile isn’t for everyone, but rest assured I am happy with the Kobun’s cutting performance after some touching up. I still prefer the Recon Tanto as a fixed blade tanto, but the Kobun’s not that far behind.
It has its limitations but it’s a neat little knife. Recommended!
Let’s start with the sheath. Looking this knife up online, some users reported that the stock belt clip had rather poor retention, and having the knife now I finally understand why. The sheath hangs on to the knife with a lot of authority, requiring more force to unsheathe the blade than I expected. The belt clip doesn’t have as much bite. The knife fits snugly, and you can be sure it won’t fall out if you, say, attach it to a vest or a backpack tip up. Since I’ll be throwing this knife in the pocket or bag most of the time, I removed the belt clip and the Kobun works fine that way. I have next to zero worries that it will unsheathe itself in my backpack.
Next up is the factory edge. It wasn’t as sharp as the Recon 1 or Voyager XL out of the box, but it was touched up easily enough. My sharpening skills won’t be impressing theoretical physicists anytime soon, but after a few passes on the rods the Kobun was gliding across paper smoothly. Time and constant use will tell how long that AUS8A keeps its edge. I hope newer generation Kobuns get updated with AUS10A steel.
The handle was thinner than my large-ish hands would prefer, but for the purpose of using this as a boot knife it is understandable. You’re getting 5.5” of blade in a fairly slender package. I do like the texturing of the handles, giving you enough traction even if your hands get... wet. The cute little tsuba is unobtrusive enough that my thumb can comfortably rest on the spine for more precise knifey work. I suppose you could wrap it with paracord to add more meat, but I decided to leave it as is.
I guess the Kobun could be used in a defensive role, but I would prefer something with a thicker and more ergonomic handle. It’s not the worst defensive blade, but there are other more optimal choices out there. That’s for another conversation.
Finally, as for philosophy of use, I can see this knife holding its own as a camp/hiking/bugout knife. It’s the sort of low-cost durable knife that you get a couple of to stow in your truck, your emergency bag, your panic room, etc. The tanto profile isn’t for everyone, but rest assured I am happy with the Kobun’s cutting performance after some touching up. I still prefer the Recon Tanto as a fixed blade tanto, but the Kobun’s not that far behind.
It has its limitations but it’s a neat little knife. Recommended!
