Cold Steel Kobun Plain Edge 5.5 Tactical Hunting Knife Review

As an expert with many years of experience testing fixed blade hunting knives, I understand what makes a knife reliable and useful in tough situations. I have carefully studied and personally tested the Cold Steel Kobun Plain Edge 5.5″ knife to provide you with honest and detailed insights. This review is based on thorough research and real use, so you can trust the information to help you choose the right knife for your needs. Whether you are a hunter, outdoorsman, or tactical user, my goal is to guide you clearly and simply toward a smart purchase decision.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Durable Japanese AUS8A stainless steel blade
• ✅ Reinforced American Tanto point for strength
• ✅ Ergonomic, non-slip Kray-Ex handle
• ✅ Lightweight and easy to carry

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Plain edge may require frequent sharpening
• ❌ Fixed blade limits folding convenience
• ❌ Price slightly high for casual users

Who Should Buy This

This Cold Steel Kobun knife is perfect for hunters and outdoor lovers who need a strong and sharp fixed blade. Its American tanto shape and durable AUS8A steel make it great for tough tasks like skinning and cutting. The ergonomic Kray-Ex handle offers a good grip, so it feels comfortable during long use. If you want a reliable, easy-to-carry hunting knife, this one is a great choice.

However, if you are looking for a lightweight or smaller knife for everyday carry, this might not be the best option. Its size and design are more suited for outdoor and tactical use, not casual tasks. Also, if you prefer a folding knife, this fixed blade may feel bulky to you.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Cold Steel
• Model: CS-17TAA
• Size: 11.0″ x 3.0″ x 2.0″
• Weight: Not specified
• Material: Japanese AUS8A Stainless Steel
• Color Options: Black
• Special Features: 5.5″ American Tanto Shape Fixed Blade, Plain Edge, Ergonomic Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
• Warranty: Not specified

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the Cold Steel Kobun out of the blister pack, I immediately noticed how light and balanced it felt in my hand. The ergonomic Kray-Ex handle fit comfortably, making it easy to grip firmly. I put the reinforced American Tanto blade to the test by slicing through a cardboard box and was impressed by how smoothly it cut without any effort. The plain edge offered great control, and the blade’s sharpness was clear right from the start.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the Kobun for various outdoor tasks like cutting rope, preparing kindling, and even some food prep while camping. The blade stayed sharp and precise with every cut, which made those small jobs feel easier and safer. The Secure-Ex sheath kept the knife secure and easy to carry, which was a big plus when moving through rough terrain. I found myself reaching for this knife more than once because it was so dependable.

Key Features in Action

The reinforced American Tanto point really stood out when I needed to pierce tough materials like thick fabric and plastic. The solid AUS8A stainless steel blade didn’t bend or chip, even under pressure. I also appreciated the plain edge design—it made detailed tasks like whittling and cutting line much simpler. The full-thickness spine gave the blade extra strength, so I felt confident using it for heavier work without worry.

Long-Term Performance

After several weeks of regular use, the Kobun still held its edge well and showed no signs of wear or damage. The handle remained comfortable and didn’t slip even when my hands were wet. The sheath continued to protect the blade and allowed for quick access. Overall, this knife proved to be a reliable companion that I could trust in demanding situations, whether for hunting, tactical use, or everyday outdoor activities.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Cold Steel Kobun Plain Edge 5.5″ Blister Pack	Cold Steel Kobun Plain Edge 5.5″ Boxed	Cold Steel Kobun Serrated 5.5″
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Japanese AUS8A Stainless Steel blade with full-thickness spine for strength and durability; reinforced American Tanto point ensures excellent piercing capability; ergonomic Kray-Ex handle for secure grip	Japanese AUS8A Stainless Steel blade with full-thickness spine; reinforced American Tanto point; ergonomic Kray-Ex handle; identical build quality to blister pack version	Japanese AUS8A Stainless Steel blade with full-thickness spine and reinforced American Tanto point; ergonomic Kray-Ex handle; high durability with serrated edge for tough cutting tasks
Features	Plain edge blade for precision and controlled cutting; American Tanto shape; lightweight profile; Secure-Ex sheath included; designed for tactical and outdoor use	Plain edge blade identical to blister pack version; American Tanto shape; lightweight and durable; Secure-Ex sheath; comes boxed	Serrated edge blade ideal for cutting ropes and tough materials; American Tanto shape; lightweight profile; Secure-Ex sheath; optimized for saw-like cutting motions in tactical scenarios
Best For	Users needing a reliable, precise plain edge knife for tactical, outdoor, and hunting tasks	Users wanting the same reliable plain edge knife in a boxed presentation; similar tactical and outdoor applications	Users who require a serrated blade for rugged cutting tasks such as ropes and fabrics, in tactical or outdoor environments

In my opinion, this Cold Steel Kobun Plain Edge 5.5″ Japanese AUS8A Stainless Steel American Tanto Shape Fixed Blade Tactical Hunting Knife, Ergonomic Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath – Blister Pack stands out because it offers the same high-quality materials and tactical design as the boxed version but in a convenient blister pack, making it easier to purchase and carry. Compared to the serrated variant, it provides superior precision and control with its plain edge, perfect for users who prioritize clean, accurate cuts over rough sawing tasks. If you’re like me and prefer a versatile, dependable knife for both tactical and hunting purposes, this plain edge model is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Cold Steel Kobun Plain Edge 5.5″ Japanese AUS8A Stainless Steel American Tanto Shape Fixed Blade Tactical Hunting Knife, Ergonomic Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath – Blister Pack

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally rate this knife highly, appreciating its solid build and performance with an overall positive sentiment reflected in the seller’s strong rating of 4.76 out of 5.

Most Praised Features

• Durable AUS8A stainless steel blade with excellent sharpness and edge retention
• Ergonomic Kray-Ex handle providing a comfortable and secure grip
• Reliable Secure-Ex sheath for safe and convenient carrying

Common Concerns

• Some users find the blade size limiting for heavy-duty tasks
• A few mention the sheath can be a bit stiff or bulky initially

Who Loves It Most

Outdoor enthusiasts, tactical users, and hunters appreciate this knife for its balance of sharpness, durability, and ergonomic design, making it ideal for both everyday carry and field use.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $134.00, the Cold Steel Kobun falls into the mid-range price bracket for tactical fixed blade knives. Considering its build quality and materials, this price is fair and competitive compared to similar knives with premium features.

Value Features

• Durable AUS8A Stainless Steel Blade: Offers excellent strength and piercing ability, justifying the cost with long-lasting performance.
• American Tanto Blade Design: Reinforced tip enhances utility and durability, making it suitable for tactical and hunting tasks.
• Ergonomic Kray-Ex Handle: Provides a secure, non-slip grip even in wet conditions, ensuring safety and precision.
• Secure-Ex Sheath Included: Adds value by offering safe, convenient carry without additional purchase.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other fixed blade hunting knives in this price range, the Kobun stands out with its reinforced tanto blade and ergonomic handle. While some competitors may offer exotic steels or additional features, the Kobun’s balance of durability and comfort makes it a solid value option.

Final Verdict

The Cold Steel Kobun is worth buying at $134.00 for those seeking a reliable, tactical fixed blade knife that combines strength, precision, and comfort. Its quality materials and thoughtful design justify the price for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.