---
product_id: 1714042
title: "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"
brand: "cold steel"
price: "$108.18"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Cold Steel"
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/1714042-cold-steel-kobun-plain-edge-5-5-japanese-aus8a-stainless
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# Ergonomic Kray-Ex grip 5.5" reinforced Tanto blade Japanese AUS8A stainless steel 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

**Brand:** cold steel
**Price:** $108.18
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🗡️ The $30 tactical edge that could save your life — carry confidence everywhere.

## Quick Answers

- **What is 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 by cold steel
- **How much does it cost?** $108.18 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/1714042-cold-steel-kobun-plain-edge-5-5-japanese-aus8a-stainless)

## Best For

- cold steel enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted cold steel brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Ready for Action:** Includes Secure-Ex sheath with sturdy clip for fast, reliable draw on the go.
- • **Precision Cutting Power:** Plain edge blade delivers unmatched control for tactical and outdoor tasks.
- • **Battle-Tested Durability:** Reinforced American Tanto point resists bending and breakage under pressure.
- • **Lightweight & Concealable:** At just 4.4oz, designed for discreet carry without sacrificing strength.
- • **Secure Grip in Any Condition:** Deeply checkered Kray-Ex handle ensures slip-free handling, even wet or cold.

## Overview

The Cold Steel Kobun is a 5.5-inch fixed blade tactical knife crafted from Japanese AUS8A stainless steel, featuring a reinforced American Tanto point for superior strength and piercing ability. Its ergonomic, deeply checkered Kray-Ex handle offers a secure grip in all conditions, while the lightweight 4.4oz design ensures easy, discreet carry. Complete with a Secure-Ex sheath, this knife is a trusted tool favored by military professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

## Description

desertcart.com The Kobun, from creative cutlery company Cold Steel, is a Tanto-style boot knife named after the Japanese word for "soldier." The sleek, lightweight knife has a blade made of Japanese AUS 8A stainless steel, with a reinforced point that's highly resistant to bending and breakage. The blade's spine runs nearly to the tip of the blade for added durability, and a checkered, nonslip Kraton handle has minimum bulk with a great deal of grip. Its cross section is designed to be as thin as possible at only a half inch, and contoured to resist turning or shifting in your palm. A Secure-Ex sheath is also included. Specifications 9.875-inch overall length 5.5-inch blade Japanese AUS 8A stainless steel 4.375-inch Kraton handle Secure-Ex sheath 4.4-ounce weight Warranty All Cold Steel knifes are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship. Details are included with your purchase. About Cold Steel Cold Steel, Incorporated was founded in 1980, with the goal of making the strongest, sharpest cutlery in the world for knife enthusiasts. Over the last three-plus decades, the company has been at the forefront of many design innovations that have helped innovate the knife industry, including introduction of checked Kraton handles, and the tanto point blade styles which have become industry hallmarks of quality and sophistication. Product Description THE COLD STEEL KOBUN FIXED BLADE KNIFE: The Cold Steel Kobun is a lightweight 5-1/2" fixed blade 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"in, 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"in. 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 the 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. SPECS: - Weight: 4.4oz; - Blade Thickness: 3.5mm; - Blade Length: 5-1/2"; - Blade Steel: Japanese AUS8A Stainless; - Handle: 4-3/8" Kray-Ex; - Overall Length: 9-7/8"; - Knife Type: Fixed Blade; - Blade Shape: Tanto; - Blade Type: Plain.

Review: Good IWB carry. The $30 knife that could save your life! - The blade: AUS8 in a enlosed full tang (handle goes over tang). Satain finish of decent thickness. It has clean lines and stock sharpness on par with cold steel knives. The Handle: cold steels standard rubber handle. It has checkering similar to that seen on gun grips on its sides. On the front and back there is cross line grooves. The knife provides good grip. People complain about it being small, but its supposed to be a conceal carry boot knife. The handle is a good balance between size and concealment. The Sheath: Good basic kydex sheath with sturdy clip. If your carrying IWB (inside waist band) if you want the blade edge down as is proper. If you want OWB (outside waist band) It will be on the left. The clip holds solid enough for a quick draw of the knife and the sheath stays put. Overall: Its a hell of a deal at $30, but of I paid cold steels retail of $60 it would be average. Thank you desertcart... The blade is a good tool that I use for carry so it is easier to live by cold steels "never unarmed" motto. I know lots of people who open carry their larger knives. I have an ontario SP-50 that is 15 inches. It looks fierce, but people can see it. And as often as people made a point to clear my path it was just as frequent it would attract a bad element. The Kobun carries tight to my hip and the handle is just below my ribs on my right when I IWB carry. Some people say they carry below the navel, but I find that on my hip when its in line with my arm i can cover it slightly (it does show a bit when wearing just a t shirt) and being in line with my arm when I walk the grab is quicker. I know some people say they carry blade up and attempt a japanese style sword draw, but after 6 years of Military Japanese sword training I can say this is not practical with a small knife. This knife is nothing like a traditional japanese tanto that a samurai used and bayonets or daggers were issued by the military in WW2 japan. A smart user should treat this knife system like a pistol with a thumb break holster. Practace, draw smooth going straight up and out. I keep the tip pointed center mass as any smart knife fighter will. I would advise people to keep this knife tight to the body at rib level with elbows in. Final Word: The knife is a very concealable self defnse tool. When considering the $30 tag its worth it to have something that will increase your odds of living in a self defense situation. Once you get used to the feel of it in carry (takes a day or two) you can take it anywhere. The best tool is no good unless you have it on you at all times so that its leverage can be applied when needed. It would not be an ideal woodscraft blade or a survival knife. But if you carry it everywhere and have it in such a situation your odds will be worlds better having a passable fixed blade than a $10 folding knife. Simply put its a $30 knife that could save your life. Provided you train your skills, always remember to carry, and develop a self preservation mind set.
Review: A simple, beautiful, sharp, and usable knife - This is a great knife. Its blade is not too thick like the typical Cold Steel blades, but is just right. In my hand, I feel it is the right amount of weight, not over heavy duty, and the thin blade make it a nimble, and sharp knife. The blade is 5.5", long enough to easily slide things, but not too long to scare people. I also felt this knife is more solid built than the Mora's I have and I like it much better than Mora knives. And it is very pleasing to my eyes! This is a knife I would use and worth to collect.

## Features

- JAPANESE AUS 8A STAINLESS
- Made in the USA
- RELIABLE KNIFE - Named "Kobun," or "soldier," this knife is built for those who need a dependable tool under pressure; The reinforced American Tanto point & lightweight profile make it a favorite among military professionals, offering strength & utility
- PLAIN BLADE - This knife's plain edge is a versatile tool for anyone needing precision and control; With its single, continuous sharp edge, this plain-edge knife is designed to offer steady cutting power, making it perfect for outdoor & tactical use
- STRONG & RESILIENT - The Japanese AUS8A Stainless Steel blade resists bending and breaking, thanks to a full-thickness spine running nearly to the tip; This design gives it excellent piercing capability, so that this knife is a choice for high-impact use
- SUPERIOR GRIP - The Kray-Ex handle is deeply checkered & contoured to prevent slipping, even in wet or cold conditions; The ergonomic design ensures the game hunting knife stays firmly in hand, providing reliability and control when precision is essential
- SPECS - Weight: 4.4oz; Blade Thickness: 3.5mm; Blade Length: 5-1/2"; Blade Steel: Japanese AUS8A Stainless; Handle Length/Material: 4-3/8" Kray-Ex; Overall Length: 9-7/8"; Knife Type: Fixed Blade; Length Range: 5+; Blade Shape: Tanto; Blade Type: Plain

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0034JR4EO |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Age Range Description | Adult |
| Best Sellers Rank | #53,368 in Sports & Outdoors ( See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors ) #77 in Fixed Blade Hunting Knives |
| Blade Edge | Plain |
| Blade Length | 5.5 Inches |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Blade Shape | Tanto Point |
| Blade Type | Plain |
| Brand | Cold Steel |
| Brand Name | Cold Steel |
| Color | Black |
| Customer Package Type | Boxed |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,204 Reviews |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel |
| Included Components | Knife, Sheath |
| Is Product Cordless | Yes |
| Item Length | 1 Inches |
| Item Shape | Rectangular |
| Item Type Name | Holster |
| Item Weight | 0.12 Kilograms |
| Manufacturer | Cold Steel |
| Model Name | 17TZ |
| Model Number | 17TZ |
| Orientation | Upright |
| Part Number | 17TZ |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Hunting |
| Reusability | Reusable |
| Set Name | Single Item |
| Size | 5.5" |
| Special Feature | Manual |
| Special Features | Manual |
| Style | Boxed |
| Theme | Outdoor |
| UPC | 705442008132 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year Manufacturer |

## Product Details

- **Age Range (Description):** Adult
- **Blade Material:** Stainless Steel
- **Brand:** Cold Steel
- **Color:** Black
- **Handle Material:** Stainless Steel
- **Included Components:** Knife, Sheath
- **Model Name:** 17TZ
- **Recommended Uses For Product:** Hunting
- **Special Feature:** Manual
- **Style:** Boxed

## Images

![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 - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Un5zjhrGL.jpg)
![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 - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61BaaQZ3N5L.jpg)
![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 - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NIac8p+2L.jpg)
![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 - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51njljVzyVL.jpg)
![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 - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61BX21Zu9XL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Style** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: why is the sheath ''left handed''?
t(he sheath clip will face outboard if you are right handed)**
A: It is a boot knife right hand sheath.
It is a LEFT handed sheath for outside belt or on pocket.
It is a right hand inside belt.
The belt clip IS NOT REVERSABLE for normal carry.
If you reverse the belt clip, you could carry it upside down for left shoulder strap carry.

**Q: Is this knife too heavy to clip onto my jogging suit when I'm walking?  Or do I need to wear an extra light weight belt to support it?**
A: The belt clip will hold well on a leather belt or a cargos/chino pant. I would doubt if it would hold on to a jogging suit. The knife + sheath is not too heavy, but the lack of a strong surface on the jogging suit to clip it on to, would be the point to be considered. I would suggest the usage of a belt to support and secure the knife and its clip.

**Q: Can you use soft IWB belt loops with the sheath?**
A: So you're asking if the sheath has rivet holes the soft IWB belt loops can be connected to?   The answer if yes, 5 rivet holes on top and 5 on bottom running the whole length of where the blade sits inside the sheath

**Q: Is this legal to carry non concealed in Michigan (when I go camping)?**
A: you need to check the local laws on what constitutes a 'weapon'.  some places have it written that any blade longer than 4.0" places it in a different category when carried.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good IWB carry. The $30 knife that could save your life!
*by R***S on May 4, 2013*

The blade: AUS8 in a enlosed full tang (handle goes over tang). Satain finish of decent thickness. It has clean lines and stock sharpness on par with cold steel knives. The Handle: cold steels standard rubber handle. It has checkering similar to that seen on gun grips on its sides. On the front and back there is cross line grooves. The knife provides good grip. People complain about it being small, but its supposed to be a conceal carry boot knife. The handle is a good balance between size and concealment. The Sheath: Good basic kydex sheath with sturdy clip. If your carrying IWB (inside waist band) if you want the blade edge down as is proper. If you want OWB (outside waist band) It will be on the left. The clip holds solid enough for a quick draw of the knife and the sheath stays put. Overall: Its a hell of a deal at $30, but of I paid cold steels retail of $60 it would be average. Thank you Amazon... The blade is a good tool that I use for carry so it is easier to live by cold steels "never unarmed" motto. I know lots of people who open carry their larger knives. I have an ontario SP-50 that is 15 inches. It looks fierce, but people can see it. And as often as people made a point to clear my path it was just as frequent it would attract a bad element. The Kobun carries tight to my hip and the handle is just below my ribs on my right when I IWB carry. Some people say they carry below the navel, but I find that on my hip when its in line with my arm i can cover it slightly (it does show a bit when wearing just a t shirt) and being in line with my arm when I walk the grab is quicker. I know some people say they carry blade up and attempt a japanese style sword draw, but after 6 years of Military Japanese sword training I can say this is not practical with a small knife. This knife is nothing like a traditional japanese tanto that a samurai used and bayonets or daggers were issued by the military in WW2 japan. A smart user should treat this knife system like a pistol with a thumb break holster. Practace, draw smooth going straight up and out. I keep the tip pointed center mass as any smart knife fighter will. I would advise people to keep this knife tight to the body at rib level with elbows in. Final Word: The knife is a very concealable self defnse tool. When considering the $30 tag its worth it to have something that will increase your odds of living in a self defense situation. Once you get used to the feel of it in carry (takes a day or two) you can take it anywhere. The best tool is no good unless you have it on you at all times so that its leverage can be applied when needed. It would not be an ideal woodscraft blade or a survival knife. But if you carry it everywhere and have it in such a situation your odds will be worlds better having a passable fixed blade than a $10 folding knife. Simply put its a $30 knife that could save your life. Provided you train your skills, always remember to carry, and develop a self preservation mind set.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A simple, beautiful, sharp, and usable knife
*by P***A on July 13, 2025*

This is a great knife. Its blade is not too thick like the typical Cold Steel blades, but is just right. In my hand, I feel it is the right amount of weight, not over heavy duty, and the thin blade make it a nimble, and sharp knife. The blade is 5.5", long enough to easily slide things, but not too long to scare people. I also felt this knife is more solid built than the Mora's I have and I like it much better than Mora knives. And it is very pleasing to my eyes! This is a knife I would use and worth to collect.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best $30 knife I’ve ever bought.
*by V***L on September 14, 2018*

For the price point ($30-$35), this knife is nothing short of awesome. If it was $50, I’d call it 4 stars, for $100 I’d give it 3, but for $30, I’d give it 6/5 stars if I could. It’s very light, nimble, and usable. The blade is thin (1/8”), but not thin enough to feel cheap. It’s not a “Japan level” good Cold Steel, but it’s a solid knife. It’s a Taiwan cold steel, one of their “junk knives”, made of AUS-8 steel, which means it’s about the quality of a SOG or Gerber production knife. I own a Cold Steel San Mai iii Recon Tanto, which is a big, serious knife, worth every bit of the $115-$135 you’d pay for it. You’ll pay $50-$60 for a SOG seal pup or SOG tsunami, for the same thickness of the same steel as the Kobun, with a junk sheath. The secure-ex sheath is good quality. The retention is great, maybe too good. If you try to use the metal clip that comes with it (junk!!!!!!!), the sheath will come with the knife if you try to draw it. My knife came with the newer shesth that only has holes on one side, not both. If you buy this knife, buy a tek-lok, tek lok mini, or a spyderco G Clip to go with it. I’ve had one kobun for several years. It holds an edge well for breaking down boxes, gutting and skinning deer, and other basic knife uses. With minimal upkeep on a spyderco sharpmaker (a must have for any owner of goood blades) mine stays shaving sharp all the time. The handle is too thin for my big hands. I remedied it with a paracord wrap. The cord wrap is done with OD green paracord with the inside strands pulled out, called a “flat wrap”. It’s done by wrapping it as simply as it looks, then pulling both ends through the lanyard hole and burning them together into a “knob” so they can’t pull back through. The grippy rubber handle keeps them perfectly in place with no adhesive, even with hard use. I recently bought a second one to mount 2 opposing sheaths to one large tek lok. Mounting them together required trimming the pointy ends of the sheath off with a dremel, which didn’t hurt the sheaths functionality at all. The double sheath is totally impractical, and totally unecessary but also totally awesome. See my pictures. BUY THIS KNIFE!!!!!!

## Frequently Bought Together

- 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
- Cold Steel Kyoto 3.25" Durable Compact 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Fixed Blade Tanto Outdoor Hunting Utility Knife, 3 3/8" Textured Kray-Ex Handle, Sheath Included
- COLD STEEL Recon Tanto 7" SK-5 Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath

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*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-05-14*