Newbie advice on Ursus Cub / smaller fixed blades

[wyM1Aguy]

I am looking for my first fixed blade. Uses will be edc/camping/hiking here in WY. Currently I edc a BM 940 which I love, but I need something with a more larger, comfortable grip for my big hands. Also need something that can perform some light fire prep, bush crafting, food prep, etc. Three to four inch blade, sabre or convex grind with a nice protective choil would be great. I considered the F1X but it seems overkill and the handle is slab style (like my BM = too thin). I saw the M1 Backpacker recently which looked good, but is it too small for fire/bush work? Maybe the FC4?

This brings me to the Ursus Cub. It looks like it checks most of my boxes (Ursus 45 is too big), but is so new I cannot find any real-world feedback. Does anyone have experience with it? Are there any other particular knives I should consider? ESEE? LionSteel? I prefer kydex...and it would be fun to have a firesteel mount, but that is not a deal-breaker. My budget is ~ $200 max. Thanks for the advice.

 

[FranklinG]

Moderators forgive me if we're straying too far from the Traditionals Path.

W wyM1Aguy to answer your first question, I don't have any experience with the Ursus Cub. For your second question, I really love the Buck 104. It looks kind of traditional with an old timey steel and micarta handles.

I got it for camping with our son, but ended up keeping it in the kitchen and using it most days for dinner prep. Don't get me wrong, it's great for processing wood for a fire also. I just find the grip and blade dimensions make the knife really easy to control and a joy to use, so I try to find a use for it as often as possible. Now I have a second one in the garage for camping trips.

Edit: I just double-checked the dimensions of the Buck 104. It looks like it's the same size as the Ursus 45, and probably wouldn't work for you.

 

[Meridian]

I have the full size ursus in 3v, it's a great piece. The cub in magnacut is on my list, thicker handle than fallknivens, better steel but a saber grind not convex. I'd go with the ursus cub. Better sheath and warranty as well. Good luck.