The Cold Steel Kobun masterfully combines practicality with historical depth. Its name, drawn from the Japanese underworld, refers to a subordinate in the Yakuza’s family-like hierarchy—a loyal “soldier” serving their leader. The knife lives up to its namesake, designed to be discreet and dependable. Adding to its intrigue, the Kobun is notably associated with a legendary CIA officer and America’s response to 9/11.

The Cold Steel Kobun

The Kobun features a 5.5-inch full-tang AUS-8A stainless steel blade with a reinforced tanto point, combining durability with precision. Its satin finish adds a clean, professional look, while the slim profile enhances maneuverability.

Made from AUS-8A, a versatile mid-range Japanese steel, the blade strikes a balance between performance and affordability, performing reliably for general use despite not matching higher-end alternatives. Although Cold Steel doesn’t list a hardness rating, AUS-8A typically is 57-59 HRC when properly heat treated, which balances toughness, edge retention and ease of sharpening.

Arriving razor-sharp, the blade sliced cleanly through paper with ease. Inspired by traditional Japanese designs, Cold Steel’s reinforced “American Tanto” adaptation boosts durability, ensuring resistance to breakage—particularly at the tip—during demanding tasks like piercing. The spine’s full thickness extends almost to the tip of the blade, providing additional strength.

Designed for everyday carry (EDC), the Kobun is celebrated not only for its lightweight and discreet design but also for its durability and cutting performance. It comes with a Secure-Ex® Sheath with metal clip.

Angular Geometry

The angular transition between the saber-hollow-ground main edge and the flat-ground secondary edge creates two distinct points of cutting power. The intersection of the two blade bevels, referred to as the “Yokote,” creates a highly effective secondary tip that delivers a powerful and precise snap cut.

Although the Cold Steel tanto blade excels in strength and durability, its angular geometry makes it less efficient for slicing compared to drop-point or clip-point designs. These designs feature more gradual curves, or a “belly,” which allow for smoother and more effective slicing action

The deeply-checkered Kray-Ex handle, made from Kraton high-performance polymer, is one of the Kobun’s standout features. It’s designed to provide a secure, non-slip grip, even in wet conditions. The handle’s shape ensures excellent control, while the full tang construction adds strength to the overall build. The handle is equipped with a lanyard hole that’s large enough for parachord.

The Kobun features Cold Steel's signature reinforced “American Tanto” point that is highly resistant to breakage.

Thin Profile Design

The knife’s thin profile enhances its concealability and ease of use, making it practical for a variety of tasks. Weighing just 4.4 ounces, the Kobun feels both balanced and lightweight in hand. The knife is very agile and maneuverable.

The Kobun comes with a Secure-Ex sheath, crafted from a durable thermoplastic polymer known for its lightweight and wear-resistant properties. Engineered to withstand harsh conditions, including moisture and extreme temperatures, the sheath ensures safe and reliable carry. It features a secure click-in friction fit, allowing for easy and efficient deployment. There’s no blade rattle.

The sheath is designed to clip easily onto belts or boots. However, while functional, the stainless steel clip lacks a hook at the bottom, which can affect its retention during active use. The clip is detachable, allowing for modifications or replacement with alternative clips to enhance customization and carry options.

Cold Steel Secure-Ex Polymer C-Clips are available separately. Available in two sizes with installation hardware, the large C-Clip fits the Kobun sheath and provides additional carrying options.

Although slim in design, the Kobun's deeply textured Kray-Ex handle is crafted to deliver exceptional grip, while its contours are engineered to prevent any turning or slipping in the hand.

The CIA Connection

Legendary CIA officer Gary Schroen purchased a Cold Steel Kobun for use as his personal knife during operations in Afghanistan following 9/11. The Kobun’s lightweight design and reinforced tanto point made it a practical choice. Shroen’s knife now resides in the CIA Museum at CIA Headquarters.

Schroen dedicated 50 years of service to the CIA, including 32 years in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations, eventually serving as deputy chief of the Near East Division (1999–2001). Fluent in Persian and the Dari dialect, he was the agency’s leading expert on Afghanistan.

During the 1970s, Schroen operated in Iran, where, in 1975, he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by armed attackers. In 1979, he survived the assault on the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad by Pakistani protesters, finding refuge in a secure vault with others before escaping unharmed.

Paramilitary Operations Officers of the CIA’s Special Operations Group, during a mission prior to entering Afghanistan in late September 2001. Fifteen days after the 9/11 attacks, CIA officers were already on the ground in Afghanistan, leveraging intelligence networks that had been meticulously built over years of effort. (Photo by CIA).

Taking the Fight to the Enemy

Throughout his career, Schroen held numerous critical positions, including chief of station in Kabul during the late 1980s and chief of station in Islamabad (1996–1999). In these roles, he spearheaded efforts to capture Osama bin Laden and fostered alliances with Mujahideen leaders such as General Ahmad Shah Massoud. Schroen also played a pivotal role in a joint CIA-FBI operation that apprehended Mir Aimal Kansi, a fugitive responsible for the 1993 CIA headquarters shooting.

After the 9/11 attacks, Schroen delayed his retirement and volunteered to lead the CIA’s JAWBREAKER team, the first Americans deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11. His leadership helped secure Northern Alliance support against al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Schroen chronicled these experiences in his 2005 book First In. The CIA-modified Russian-made Mi-17 helicopter that Schroen and his team used to carry out this daring mission is now dedicated on CIA’s grounds in Langley, Virginia.

Retiring in November 2001 as the CIA’s most decorated officer, Schroen later returned as a contractor, mentoring new agents and teaching intelligence tradecraft. He remained a celebrated figure in U.S. intelligence until his passing in 2022.

*`The CIA-modified Russian-made Mi-17 helicopter used to insert the CIA team on the ground in Afghanistan during Operation JAWBREAKER. (Photo by CIA)*

Final Thoughts

The Cold Steel Kobun is a versatile and dependable fixed blade knife, blending strength, practicality, and a lightweight design. Its tanto blade and ergonomic handle make it suitable for a wide range of uses, from tactical scenarios to everyday carry. Given its performance and build quality, the Kobun is an affordable option for those seeking a reliable fixed blade. Its durability and functionality make it an excellent value for the price. And it’s a piece of CIA history.

The Cold Steel Kobun has a MSRP of $64.95. However, as with all products, it’s often available at discounted prices from various retailers, so check around.