On the German website of the manufacturer they specify the steel: Kohlenstoff-Stahl C75, rostfreier Stahl 1.4034 (carbon c75 aka. AISI 1075, stainless 1.4034 so AISI 420). Seems like laziness of the importers not to specify the steel to me. It's 34€ over here, which changes the value proposition quite a lot to me. Hope that helps, Grüße!
Thank you (and to everybody else pointing it out). Not sure whether it’s new or if I wasn't checking their German site or if I missed it, but it’s good to see that they’re being transparent.
@@NickShabazz To be completely fair to you, their website isn't descriptive sometimes. Especially when you switch to english some of the stuff just isn't even mentioned.
The knife was introduced in 1867, so it truly could be called the first tactical folder ... almost 100 years older than the Buck 110 (which is from 1964).
The black-painted version is *significantly* cheaper, sufficiently so that the outcome of a cost-benefit analysis is far more favorable than with the brass version. I've encountered claims that the carbon steel blade is C75. I've never had a problem with the hugely protruding back lock interfering with my comfort, or catching on my clothing, or hitting my fingers. I've never pinched my fingers between the blade and the handle on opening. This is the knife I carry 80% of the time. I carry a lot of stuff in my pockets so this knife's thinness is hugely beneficial to me. I don't use pocket clips. The knife feels at home in my hand in spite of the thinness. The steel is very easy to sharpen so I have no qualms about beating the edge up on hard plates when using this as my personal steak knife while eating out. I have a very sharp edge on mine. Edge retention sucks but that comes with the territory. The price of the black version of this knife is sufficiently cheap that I don't cry too hard when I lose one. I don't slice boxes or carpet or drywall all day. I don't baton logs or shave sticks with this knife. The knife is used for cutting cord, slicing steak, opening packages, cutting my nails, and other light-duty tasks. My day-to-day use doesn't demand positive tactile feedback on opening or closing the blade, or the ability to operate the knife one-handed. This is my knock-about convenience utility knife and it suits that purpose well. I find nothing exceptional about this knife aside from its thinness, yet I truly like it. It's simple, unobtrusive in my pocket, kind of cheap, and strangely appealing to my sensibilities, and it works very well for me. Need pocket jewelry? Need a fidget toy? Need something that give off vibes of precision manufacturing and high-end quality? Need something that will hold an edge forever? How about one-handed opening? This isn't the knife for you. There are many other knives that can fill the same roles and needs as this knife (except thinness - good luck with that), in the same price range, with arguably better ergonomics (clips just suck in my hand, good thing many can be removed), while looking and feeling better. How about that RAT 2, eh? And I hear some of those ultra-cheap Ozark Trail knives at Walmart can be nice if you find a good one. It's nice to have options at the low end of the price spectrum.
A lot of old school German folders have an exposed lock release simply because when you're wearing gloves and your hands are still frozen solid, those flush and even recessed releases are almost impossible to operate. So says my son who asked me to make him a folder with an exposed release. I think he is the knife equivalent of a 'Fudd'. . . .just like me! Honest review Nick, well done for daring to challenge things.
I've edced a Mercator for months and it works well. Every couple days strop it and it's fine. And as a lefty I'll take the slightly odd back lock over a right handed frame lock.
The K55K is the best and most beautiful knife ever. Nick is just a dumb hater, telling the same the things over and over again. If it was made in the USA he would probably love it.. 😂
Thanks for reviewing a classic! I carried and hard used these for years before i plunged in to my knife life. This knife imo is an incredibly useful tool that last almost forever. Its like a more durable folding victorinox pairing knife. Cheers
So nice to see the extremely analog Opinel briefly on the table. ~ Such simple elegance, the knife made better often by its owner for like a hundred years.
Mah boi here is revealing when he filmed the video lol. For real though, i often have this one (copper version) as a back up knife. It is non threatening and a freaking LAZER. I have it usually in my 5th pocket so i do not need a clip on it. And also, the otter on it is cute. Greetings from Austria
I've had the black handled Cat version for several years. The black ones are both cheaper ($30 or less) and slightly lighter than the brass ones. From the sharpening (easy) and edge holding (decent for a traditional knife), I believe the steel is 1085 or something very similar. The stainless version would make a great dedicated food prep knife.
@@Matt-xc6sp These have been popular with some fishermen for decades. Folders that can be disassembled are a relatively new phenomenon, people have historically done just fine just rinsing the old fashioned stuff out with water. Maybe you worry too much. ;-)
One of my first knives when I was a kid over 50 years ago, though it was the black enameled steel version. I think they were only a couple of bucks back then, lol. Still have one I bought a few years ago just for nostalgia; pretty sure it was less than $30. I still like the simplicity of the design, but I mainly use it as a letter opener these days.
Hey, the website of Otter Messer states that the steel is C75 (likely equivalent to 1075). No secrets. The steel is very appropriate for this kind of knife. My 2 cents
@@NickShabazz no sorry but that's plain wrong. It was always there? Which website did you look? I was looking at the Germany site. It always had the steel named
@@ketevv Nope, they were explaining it's a way-behind-the-times steel in plain German 🤣 (In all seriousness, I've pinned a comment about this so it's the first thing folks see)
Its 30€ here in Germany and there is a Version with Clip available. Mine got a little side to side play, everything else is good, still rustic though. thats how it is, small company who makes these. Backlock looks funny tbh, but no problem when handling the knife. In Solingen its normal when they say Carbonsteel, its 1080(german Equivalent) for most of them
As a brass addict I've often wondered about this knife for a long time. Thanks for giving me a great look at it and all the info. Appreciate it. Definitely picking one up next time I'm feeling the need for a fix of brass. I'm older and it appeals to me, and a wire bale on a classic looker like this, speaks to my inner child.
Well, that this knife used to be high-tech over 100 years ago and is still in production today speaks for itself! Next you should review one of the Douk-Douk knives. Also integral but non-locking.
If he hated the k55k then the Douk Douk will for sure not be any better, it's even more crudely built. It's a real shame though, as they're both absolutely wonderful.
I think that this is a really beautiful knife, it's as you say a historical design, and it's so simple, just three pieces (if you don't count the pins and lanyard ring) some times simplicity is the way to go
haha this is the last piece i've ever expected to see on this channel, otter knives are cool!👍 i agree with you on the fit'n'finish though, could definitely be much better. btw: they are not hiding their steel, it's listed on their website and always was (c75) and i kinda hope you test their 3-rivet knife too, it's a great workhorse-slippie with a very classy design.
I would be interested what you think about the Sanrenmu 9305/9306. Super flat slip joint, thumb studs, ffg 8Cr13MoV, tip up rh carry clip. My 9306 was confiscated at the airport when I forgot it in my jacket, now the 9305 is my edc knife at home. It would be interesting to see it side by side with the K55.
Had one of these, black steel version, when I was younger, it was my dad's. He got it when in the army reserve back in the late fifties. Unfortunately it was stolen. They were still very affordable in the 90's and shouldn't cost more than $25. today but inflation and all that. If you want to part with it let me know Nick. Then I could pass it down to one of my kids with a story about how it once belonged to The Nick.
Used this knife as main edc for about year and a half or more (black handled version, cheaper then cooper). Bought as a piece of history and never intended to carry for that long, but sucker sticked to my pocket in small sheath. Never had issue with disingaging lock (seems many have that concern before actually using this knife), no blade play despite of use I myself consider unreasonable for a folding knife. It's outdated, not comfortable for heavy use (probably shouldn't do it anyway), but pretty ok for general edc tasks, and most annoying thing for me was blade hitting plastic insert. But for whatever reason it was very enjoyable to carry and use (maybe less so outdoors, but I carried different knifes there). Btw, when doing my research before buying the knife I came across info on steel, but can't remember what it was, it's been a few years ago.
There is a modern-day contemporary design out there being sold as an inexpensive utility knife: Cold Steel Pocket Bushman. Construction is very similar with the handle being a single piece of flat steel folded over and fastened with rivets. And the price is about the same too. So there's still a market for this design.
Thank you Nick, love your thorough reviews and pointing out the design flaws on each knife. I was about to buy this K55 and fortunately i watched this review in time. the blade slamming flaw is a MAJOR deal breaker for me. I have a few knives that do the same namely Dragonfly gen 1, Cadet alox, heck even my Opinels (rubbing against the handle constantly does dull the hair whittling edges). I had to grind a couple years worth of steel off of the said knives AND slip in a tiny piece of para cord in the handles to avoid dulling the fine edges from slamming on the "stops" directly. I guess i will spend on an Old Bear for a piece of Italian instead of the German history
I had one of these for a few years and its my favorate pocket knife. They sell one with a pocket knife. Its nice and hard but very flexable and doesnt chip out even when hitting something hard. And mine never dulled even when slamming it shut. And i think most modern designs are really ugly and its not noname steel. Its c75 german industral steel( pretty much 1075) and its heat treated really well.
With all the shortcomings of this knife, I love it. Such as classic design and so slim. It disappears in your pocket. IT’S TRADITION!!! :-) I do like fact they are still paying someone to make this by hand mostly. If we don’t support a knife company like this, then Chinese knife maker will just own the whole industry.
I have some old slip joint knives that I love to get out and look at, but rarely carry. Larger Opinels are great for picnics or travel kitchen use. Swiss Army knives may be the only “traditional” (sort of) knife that I carry often. Always when traveling.
super cool i have 2 the small and large. carried for about a year never had an issue with the locking on the large and gets pretty patina hardly gotta sharpen (always sharp!). good knife if ur tired of modern knives and ittle make you appreciate your flippers. you can put a thumb stud on the blade and make it one handed fairly easy. great slim little edc good for food prep but i wouldn’t chop a tree with it hahah
started with shitty grandpa knives and mtech stiletos (i know) then went to opinel, the handle is a bit large but you can carve the wood to personalise it which is good. the. went mercator and loved it! tried MAM knives which is like square portugal opinel but the lock system is out of WHACK very inconsistent. current edc is r2d2 thankyou mr shabazz for that.
Omg you just SLAYed one of my first "good" knives and it was so fair! You had me nailed to the floor. I still like the slenderness of this old thing. Also there is indeed one with a pocket clip now but all the other criticisms remain unchanged.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on some of the higher end Eickhorn models, as a knife collector and german i own a couple of them and all the mercator versions, but i can't say that i really like any of them. Atleast the Eickhorns feel indestructible, but 260 bucks for the Pohl One for example with its action and N695 just hurts these days. They seem to be trying to make some more modern and less expensive folders too now, maybe you can give them a push in the right direction, would be unfortunate to have them go bankrupt, again.
Lierande The Cutter is kinda similar, but a little more "modern" take on the back lock style system. It is also pinned and has no pocket clip, but is super slim and I think it's just meant as a real affordable knife to throw in the pocket or a slip. But might be worth checking out to take a look at the lock. It got a 14C28N blade (there might be a carbon version)
Have never had that issue with mine. The lock sits in the soft part of your hand and would be very difficult, if not impossible to unlock. Also it's a thin metal knife which does not feel the best to grip hard.
Appreciate it friends! My old buck has the lock back that's closet i have. That's why i asked. I would like to at least hold one so i can fully understand what you guys are talking about...
Nick, I am one of those people you describe who like the knife for reasons outside of the knife. I’m a history buff plain and simple, I’ve been pursuing a history teacher education for the past little bit (though am actually taking some time to direction check and looking into funeral services) however that’s besides the point. The point is, you’re not missing the point, simply a different point is being made, that’s he beauty of life, the existence of every given thing is bound up in the perspectives that encompass our interaction with said thing. As different as they may be
When i was in high school in New England, in the late sixties, the hardware store in our town sol these for $1 buck. I would by them three or four at a time, give them for gifts, beat them to death, lose them etc. But i still have one that i got in '68 or '69. It is still strong and tight and sharp. Carries easily and cuts well and yes i value the "cultural heritage. I do agree with you on the price. Great review...um...Danke Schoen!
It costs that much for the historical value and being made in Germany. As a functional knife it’s a poor value, as an item with a long historic pedigree it’s worth the price.
I have the black cat knife and i like it. It's less expensive but I like its simplicity and how solid it feels. I own better modern knives but I just like having knives with old designs like this in my collection.
Kaiser Wilhelm carryed one, 10.000s of German soldiers in both WW1 and 2 did and so did lots of American gang members., It cant be that bad then., ( We don't all have 1500 bucks for Shirogorovs and the like)
You can/could get it with a clip, although it looks like nothing special from the pics I have seen. I feel the locking black handle w/stainless blade and no clip is the best of the series if you can call them that. Despite it's many shortcomings I love mine.
The lock looks like it would be ergonomically troublesome. I'd probably just forego locking and opt for a Douk Douk or Perrin Vendetta instead... if I was also willing to do without a pocket clip, which is harder and harder for me to do nowadays. I carried a Douk Douk for years, it was a personal favourite. I must confess though, I don't miss the dance it does in the pocket through the span of a day. I definitely love the slimness and aesthetic of many traditional knives, but for daily use, the conveniences of modern folders have mostly won me over.
Hey Nick, there is a Clip Version available. But you are right Build Quality is bad. Take a look at the Boker Atlas, its like a modern better cheaper Version.Greetings from Germany
"Sometimes, history is called history because it should be in the past', So sayeth The Nick That's my new comeback when somebody tries to argue "Tradition" with me.
I have one that I bought probably 15 years ago now & the blade on mine hits the back spacer in exactly the same place. At the lime I assumed it was just mine but around 15 years later yours has the same issue, @Nick Shabazz that’s a really bad sign.
Interesting perspective Nick, however I think this review should be taken only as a "new product review", because it doesn't take into account the fact that, in my opinion at least, traditional knives get better the more you use them. I would love to see you carry and use one until its broken in, and then re-review it, or alternatively review someones well loved user. I also think that given your critical eye for value would have done better to review the base model instead of brass model. The base model can be had for $35 and the brass only adds aesthetic and weight.
LOL! Ya. But i bought mine very specifically because of the blade pattern - thin, full flat ground, classic drop point shape with a bit of reach that you'd think would be easy to find elsewhere (You usually like thin blades but say nothing about it here.). Ya, steel's a yawn but it will take an edge and isn't terribly rust prone for a 'carbon steel' and it will cut. Pocket clip? They do make an all stainless version with a pocket clip. Can't remove the bail? Nick, why would you buy a knife with a bail when you want one with a pocket clip? Tie some paracord to it, tie the other end of the paracord to your keys, just drop the knife inside your waistband, the keys hanging over, carry problem solved. Maybe use a little clip from something like a dog leash so you can take the knife off easy. Ya, they are terribly overpriced at this time (the black cat version in stainless steel, when it was $20, was a decent deal for a usable tool) but then you plunk down a Spyderco next to it, talk about overpriced ($150 for a Lil' Native in S30V???!!! Maaaaaaannn....) for what it is and paying for an intangible cultural thing... It is still within the price reach of us mere mortals (a $375 Sebenza? Nick, why? How much better does top steel and titanium scales actually cut anything? Some sort of magic in that? Wave it over something and it falls into two pieces? And, so, you're out in the yard and want to dig up some crabgrass by the roots, would you stick the blade of a $375 Sebenza in the ground?). Another negative, with the brass version, the varnish on the brass is thin, with some 'holidays', will tarnish kind of splotchy, won't look all bright and shiny long. Maybe best to take some acetone and scotchbright, just remove the varnish altogether, let it patina fairly evenly. What i do like about it, you've got a 3.5", thin and slicy blade (surprisingly hard to find these days) in a very slim, very lightweight package (also surprisingly hard to find) with a very solid lockup that's tougher than it looks. Personally, i find it has some serious eye appeal, much more so than the Real Steel RealSlim or most of the Spydercos, but maybe i'm a bit old fashioned in my tastes. What i don't like about it, the ergos aren't very good. It hasn't replaced my vintage made in USA Schrade CH7 (the first one hand open/close liner lock i ever saw, figured i'd better snag one before they make 'em illegal) that has hung from one end of my key chain for better than 40 years now that serves all of the same purposes in a similarly light and compact package but with much better ergos. Who's it for? Someone who needs a very discreet carry knife. Toss it in a fishing tackle box or clip it to something on your fishing boat. Dedicated mushroom hunting knife. Letter opener (mine has come to be my dedicated letter opener). Something to slice cheese and apples with on a road trip. If you're in a street gang in the 1950s in New Jersey, it's a required membership badge, almost a challenge coin. Maybe history buff knife collectors as an example of old time manufacturing economy and functional practicality from a time people still thought of knives first and foremost as a tool rather than as a fashion accessory or status symbol. Ok, done enough damage here for now, back to working on a set of scales for the Russell Green River Dadley.
Lol I love your reviews Nick but sometimes when you review something like this and put “no pocket clip” and “two handed opening” in the bad part of the review it’s like… well yeah, they’re just building the knife the same way it’s been built for over a hundred years. When it comes to a company making what is essentially outdated on purpose for nostalgia or as a tribute or homage, they aren’t trying to make it practical for modern day use. It’s not what they are aiming for. If they put it together with screws, a pocket clip, m390, and titanium it would cost 250-300 and nobody would buy it. This knife only makes sense in its exact configuration, aimed at the exact market they already find themselves in. That being said it’s not for me, and you knew that it wasn’t for you either before you even purchased it. So it’s like, you’re just saying “this outdated pocket knife is outdated, only buy it if you collect traditional knives for nostalgia purposes.” Which is EXACTLY what this knife is already doing. It’s exactly what they are marketed towards. They don’t claim to be innovative or cutting edge (forgive the pun). I think this knife does what it aims to do perfectly fine.
Not what i expected but considering your points of view it's a fair review. I love classic knives. But since 1 have 2 toddlers, i have no time for my hobby, or for caring for carbon steel, open and close the knives with two hands, caring for the wood or horn handles that are just not happy with a quick rinse. So i bought s flipper with linerlock. Actually i am disappointed with german knife manufacturers, tha fit and finish on the knives i hav bought or ordered are less than desirable. And i am not even talking about blade centering. I have a respected Solingen brand traditional knife with a blade not even being symmetric nor straight. The choice of antlers so poor that it gives the whole hangle a distorted profile (not just like generally, but the whole handle has a significant curve to left, even though the liners are straight.
Not a "savage" review in any respect. Honesty IS the best policy, and in this case, with this particular offering, maybe your pointed comments will introduce future innovations and unique iterations of this beloved classic folder. Thanks for keeping it real! :-)
Claiming for modern steel, modern build elements etc- just get one 🤷♂️. This is all about slicing and nostalgia, if this is not for you, just pass it. Btw: I have several knives in the same style: the Douk Douk, the Boker Atlas and others. The only one which is better than the Mercator is a french one: the canif patine by Coutellerie Maria. Second btw: the plasic insert is a modern iteration. The original was made from leather and the blade is supposed to hit the grip there to prevent blade damaging by hitting the metal parts of the grip
I used one of these as a work knife for a few months. The handle sucks when using for heavy cutting tasks. The action does smooth out but never gets as good as a modern knife with bronze washers (I had the black handle one, maybe the copper one is better). Also the lack of a pocket clip really sucks. Would not recommend.
10:55 Yeah I hate that, when the edge touches the inside of the handle in closed position, but then you take care and don't just slam it shut mindlessly. 😅
13:30 Then maybe compare it to similar knives of the same makings? You won't really find any though. Maybe a Higonokami is semi-comparable, or those other "traditional" knives, that are pinned and havs a backlock. 😅 They all have scales though, or rather plates. Comparing an outdated method from 1867 to productions from 2022, with modern machining, modern mechanisms and more modern materials, I don't really see the point in that. It is still great for what it is, a very simplistic design, but I would -like- love to see a modern version of this knife nontheless. You only need the blade, a few pins, one piece of sheets metal for the handle, and a drop of oil. Love the simplicity. Maybe you can find other very simplistic knives, and then compare it to this beauty! 😱
