- Joined
- Apr 11, 2021
- Messages
- 274
I've gotten closer to what I'm looking for - after returning the new CS Master Hunter in 3V due to the thickness/geometry, I settled on a larger White River offering (I have the M1 backpacker and I dig it) so I snagged this Ursus 45 in 3V (standard version is in S35, like the M1). I wanted a slightly larger alternative to my TRC K1-s, something in a tool steel for different work. The taller blade & grind provides even thinner geometry behind the edge than the TRC.
The spine is on the thin side compared to similar knives (which I like). I put it with an ESEE 3 and the TRC to show the blade & handle thickness variations - here's the data:
Spine Thickness:
Shaman: .145"
ESEE: .125"
TRC: .138"
Ursus 45: .158"
I don't have calipers but it feels and cuts as if the Ursus 45 is as thin as the ESEE behind the edge, if not thinner. The Ursus slices fantastic in the kitchen, and hacked a bunch of 1/8" - 1/2" branches off of a few limbs without the hint of a roll or chip, or dulling for that matter. I think this geometry, combined with the toughness of the steel, is kind of a great pairing (S35 isn't even a 1/2 step away as well). The Ursus 4.5" blade length does fall kind of in between a chopper and a smaller "pocket knife" and while it's certainly not perfect for every on task, it fits a window really well if it's what you need - medium to hard all around use that allows you to work outside, wipe the blade, and move right to the kitchen or campsite without changing tools. I usually still have a small, sharp folder (lil' native or Native 5) that stays sharp for smaller work. Just the difference in blade geometry kicks the (new) Master Hunter (for my needs) out of rotation, and if you're looking for a camp/hunt/around the property and you love sticky, matte Micarta - may I humbly suggest you check out White River. I generally prefer slimmer handles like the ESEE and TRC, but these thick scales give you a lot of options for grips, all of which are insanely comfortable.
The TRC is about the largest fixie I can throw in a jeans pocket and not notice it's there (The kydex sheath strips down to almost nothing once you remove the loop attachment:
I'm going to strip down the Ursus sheath as well, but it will still be much larger than the TRC style, and the thickness of the handles makes it a bit much in a jeans pocket, even if you slim down the sheath. It's a fantastic dangler however, and it includes a pull-the-dot strap for easy belt attachment. And that Micarta - it's so great! It's the opposite of polished Bark River or TRC (classic freedom) Micarta. It wants to stay in your hand. The balance is perfect, the Ursus is agile in your hand and you can switch grips in an instant without thinking.
The spine is rounded all the way around the handle, then transitions to flat above the cutting edge, which is an amazingly precise, tiny bevel:
I sent White River an email to try to figure out why this idiot's torx bits couldn't seem to turn the screws - I received an answer almost immediately asking for my address and letting me know not to worry, they would send me a key (it's hex) and an extra screw just in case. I've never had such a friendly and FAST experience with any customer service (and I gots lots of experience, lol) While I haven't put this Ursus 45 through anything truly "challenging" yet, I can tell you that the confidence the company shows for their work is a great sign, IMO and I will be keeping an eye on White River from now on to see what else they offer so I can be at the front of the line. American small business with superior product and wonderful staff - it's as important to share the good as the bad with the community, check out the Ursus if your use case sounds similar, I doubt you'll regret it.
I'm curious to hear other users opinions, YouTube only has a few videos in English - respond if you've used one! Hoe everyone is staying safe and healthy!
The spine is on the thin side compared to similar knives (which I like). I put it with an ESEE 3 and the TRC to show the blade & handle thickness variations - here's the data:
Spine Thickness:
Shaman: .145"
ESEE: .125"
TRC: .138"
Ursus 45: .158"
I don't have calipers but it feels and cuts as if the Ursus 45 is as thin as the ESEE behind the edge, if not thinner. The Ursus slices fantastic in the kitchen, and hacked a bunch of 1/8" - 1/2" branches off of a few limbs without the hint of a roll or chip, or dulling for that matter. I think this geometry, combined with the toughness of the steel, is kind of a great pairing (S35 isn't even a 1/2 step away as well). The Ursus 4.5" blade length does fall kind of in between a chopper and a smaller "pocket knife" and while it's certainly not perfect for every on task, it fits a window really well if it's what you need - medium to hard all around use that allows you to work outside, wipe the blade, and move right to the kitchen or campsite without changing tools. I usually still have a small, sharp folder (lil' native or Native 5) that stays sharp for smaller work. Just the difference in blade geometry kicks the (new) Master Hunter (for my needs) out of rotation, and if you're looking for a camp/hunt/around the property and you love sticky, matte Micarta - may I humbly suggest you check out White River. I generally prefer slimmer handles like the ESEE and TRC, but these thick scales give you a lot of options for grips, all of which are insanely comfortable.
The TRC is about the largest fixie I can throw in a jeans pocket and not notice it's there (The kydex sheath strips down to almost nothing once you remove the loop attachment:
I'm going to strip down the Ursus sheath as well, but it will still be much larger than the TRC style, and the thickness of the handles makes it a bit much in a jeans pocket, even if you slim down the sheath. It's a fantastic dangler however, and it includes a pull-the-dot strap for easy belt attachment. And that Micarta - it's so great! It's the opposite of polished Bark River or TRC (classic freedom) Micarta. It wants to stay in your hand. The balance is perfect, the Ursus is agile in your hand and you can switch grips in an instant without thinking.
The spine is rounded all the way around the handle, then transitions to flat above the cutting edge, which is an amazingly precise, tiny bevel:
I sent White River an email to try to figure out why this idiot's torx bits couldn't seem to turn the screws - I received an answer almost immediately asking for my address and letting me know not to worry, they would send me a key (it's hex) and an extra screw just in case. I've never had such a friendly and FAST experience with any customer service (and I gots lots of experience, lol) While I haven't put this Ursus 45 through anything truly "challenging" yet, I can tell you that the confidence the company shows for their work is a great sign, IMO and I will be keeping an eye on White River from now on to see what else they offer so I can be at the front of the line. American small business with superior product and wonderful staff - it's as important to share the good as the bad with the community, check out the Ursus if your use case sounds similar, I doubt you'll regret it.
I'm curious to hear other users opinions, YouTube only has a few videos in English - respond if you've used one! Hoe everyone is staying safe and healthy!