Cold Steel 17T Kobun Tanto Fixed

I bought this knife back in November and have since carried and used it every day. I got this knife with the intent/purpose of carrying it every day, but I understand other people have different purposes of use. It is also a utility knife for me, as in I use it for any task that comes up through out the day, so I am not one who carries for the sole purpose of self defense. After these months of using the knife in many general roles here's my list of pros and cons for the Kobun: Knife Steel Pros: - The AUS 8 steel holds a great edge. I did put a different edge on the knife with my sharpening stones, but this isn't necessary as it comes out of the box very sharp. - The steel is tough as well. Example: I was cutting some peppers that I was fire roasting and then putting into my smoker. I over powered my cut (mostly due to just how sharp the knife was and how well it slices - I explain that later on in the review) and my blade went right through the pepper and smacked onto a metal bar. I was worried there would be a big ding in the blade from the hard impact, but the blade was un-phased. This was wonderful and really proved the strength durability of the blade's steel. Knife Steel Cons: - I have noticed that it smudges or takes signs of use more than other stainless steels. That just makes it so it isn't as pretty all the time and you can't let it sit in moist environments. - This steel is harder than your average pocket knife steel and if you are a person who is bothered by a steel that is harder to sharpen then you may not like this... I see this as a Pro - in my opinion though. Knife Size Pros: - The blade size of this knife allows it to be very useful, being a mid sized knife. I have carved chickens, chopped up boxes, sharpened pencils, cut soft bread, and much more (needless to say it is washed very often.) A very all around useful size! - The thickness of the knife is wonderful. It has a very slender profile so I hardly notice it while I am carrying it. It doesn't bulge and and sheath is very slender as well so it it extremely convenient. Knife Size Cons: - If you are looking for a knife that fits in your pocket this is not your knife. This knife is designed for self defense, and although I have found it very very useful for every day carry usage, some people might prefer something that folds or is smaller in length. Coldsteel does make a Tanto that they consider a neck knife, but I hear of most people getting it and using thin cord to strap it to their belts and they really like using it/carrying it on a daily basis, that could be a smaller alternative. Knife Blade Pros: - The Kobun has the tanto blade design. It is a Japanese blade design that is primarily meant for fighting and self defense. That being said, this is going to be an excellent self defense knife. - The tanto blade has incredible blade and point strength due to it's thickness. You can read all about it on the ColdSteel site. Personally I have noticed that the point stays needle sharp so when I have cutting tasks that need puncturing this knife never has a problem and the point doesn't bend when I am being tough on it while doing wood work or carving meat and working through or around bones. - Another thing I personally love about the tanto blade is the point where the two blade angles meet. That bad boy slices like crazy! Cutting fruit or vegetables with skin is nothing for this blade. I just use that point where the to blade meet to make my original slice and it is like a hot knife through butter. I have heard that this is also an advantage because it slices so well on a slashing movement, so it has its benefits in the personal defense realms as well. - The blade design overall is one I have found to be very useful. So much so that I am teaching myself to make knives and when I am good enough I am going to make a tanto style kitchen knife. Knife Blade Cons: - The blade is thick. Not ultra thick, but you can tell it was design to be strong. It is very strong so that is a "pro" but some people may prefer a little thiner of a blade for more finite cutting tasks. If you are that type of person you may find this thicker knife blade a little more than you would like. It has never hindered any of my cutting tasks, but there have been times my preference would have been just a blade just a tiny bit thinner. But if you make this knife thinner then you would lose some of the pros that make this knife amazing so I wouldn't say it should be a deal breaker if you are in the market for a knife like this. Knife Sheath Pros: - As I mentioned earlier on in the review. The sheath is very slender and makes carrying this knife confortable and easy. - The plastic is strong and holds the knife well. I carry this knife when I go running (strap it to my leg or back pack) and after 2-4 miles I check to make sure it is holding well and it is always snug. I should explain that I do carry the knife handle down, so if it were to fall out it would with that carry style. Knife Sheath Cons: - Whenever I take the time to hone my knife blade so it can cut hair I feel like the blade edge doesn't hold and my theory is that it rubs on the sheath when I un-sheath and re-sheath the knife. Thus wearing the extra sharp edge off. I am not a real knife expert and have been practicing sharpening on a stone, so I may just need more work to get the perfect edge on there. This is NOT to say that the knife becomes dull. It still cuts right through just about anything I'd ever need it to, just not a hair shaving edge... I feel that if I go into any more details the review will get a little to nitty gritty for my taste. I have tried to illustrate the pros and cons I have come across in my type of use for this knife. Your uses may be different, so I hope these insights can help you determine whether this is the knife for you. For the cost, strength, durability, quality, and sexiness of this knife I recommend it to all of my friends, as well as anyone reading this review. If this knife already appeals to you and you feel you would have uses for it, then you will not regret purchasing this knife. If you think big carry knives are "scary", or people should have permits to carry knives like this then it may not be the best purchase you could make.