Brass Mercator

Brass Mercator

$99.00
$99.00
  • A person holds an open Best Made Co Brass Mercator pocket knife with a cream handle against a sharpening stone, placed on a green cutting mat with measurement lines and nearby tools visible. SOLD OUT
  • The Best Made Co Brass Mercator is a folding pocket knife with a brass handle, one partially open stainless steel blade, an engraved Otter Messer logo and "OTTER," plus a keyring at the base. SOLD OUT
  • A Brass Mercator folding pocket knife by Best Made Co, with a metallic blade and beige handle engraved with an animal logo and "OTTER," is displayed on a plain light gray background, evoking classic craftsmanship. SOLD OUT
  • Close-up of the Brass Mercator by Best Made Co, showing its metallic blade engraved MERCATOR STAINLESS and brass handle with rivets, set against a plain white background. SOLD OUT
  • Close-up of a brass-handled Brass Mercator folding knife by Best Made Co. The handle features a metal rivet and engraved otter above "OTTER." The partially visible carbon steel blade is stamped with text. SOLD OUT
  • A top-down view of a closed Brass Mercator knife by Best Made Co, featuring a brass-colored handle and metal clip at the bottom on a plain white background. This pocket knife offers durable carbon steel construction with timeless style. SOLD OUT

Brass Mercator

Brass Mercator

$99.00
$99.00

The Mercator was developed in 1867 by Heinrich Kaufmann & Sons in Solingen. The original model was known as the K55K: "K" for Kaufmann, "55" for Hochstraße 55 (the original company address), and the final "K" for Katze—the cat emblem that was hand-painted on each knife. The novel, utilitarian design proved so essential that it quickly spread among factory workers, farmers, craftsmen, and eventually, American GIs who brought them home after World War II, where it gained cult status. This is the knife that defined what a working folder should be: slim enough to disappear in any pocket, substantial enough for the best of cutting tasks.

The lockback mechanism represents early knife engineering at its most elegant: a curved spring bar that locks the blade open with positive engagement and releases with deliberate thumb pressure. The blade is made of carbon steel and maintains an exceptional edge. The scales of this special brass edition are branded with the Otter Messer logo, and will develop a rich patina. No pocket clip, no assisted opening.

Otter-Messer acquired the Mercator pattern from Kaufmann in 1995 and has maintained production standards established over 140 years ago. 
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- Blade: Carbon steel C75 (also available in stainless steel)
- Handle: Solid brass
- Lock: Lockback mechanism with curved spring bar
- Spring: Carbon steel C75
- Features: Bail for lanyard attachment, pocket clip (on some models)
- Closed Length: 4.25" (10.8cm)
- Blade Length: 3.5" (8.89cm)
- Overall Length: 7.87"
- Blade Thickness: 0.1" (2.7mm)
- Weight: 0.18 lb (approximately 2.9 oz)
Wipe carbon steel blade clean and dry immediately after use. Apply food-grade mineral oil or camellia oil weekly during first months to prevent rust while allowing natural patina to develop. Brass handle will develop patina through handling—this protects the metal and adds character. Clean lockback mechanism periodically with compressed air. Store in dry location.
Made in Germany

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