

Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Simple, efficient and indestructible. The original Mercator knife has been a favourite for over 100 years. Although not originally designed as a military knife, it quickly became an integral part of Kaiser Wilhelm's army, earning it the nickname ‘Kaiser Wilhelm Knife’. Nowadays it is appreciated worldwide for its slim and robust design and its versatility in everyday situations. This version is equipped with an additional stainless steel clip for quick access on a belt, pocket or rucksack. To match, we recommend our leather cases in the colors: Leather Case 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


Average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars
The American GI's brought this Mercator knife to America after World War II. There it became famous under the name "Black Cat Knife" and is still cult there today. The designation K55K means "K" for Kaufmann (the original manufacturer), "55" for Hochstrasse 55 (the original company address) and "K" for the symbol cat. The embossing is stamped under the press and after powder coating it is painted by hand as in the past. To match, we recommend our leather cases in the colors: Leather Case 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


The classic Mercator Knife, now with an elegant cream-coloured handle in powder-coated steel, has always been a true all-rounder. Its slim design makes it extremely handy and practical, easily fitting into any pocket – the perfect companion for everyday use. The blade is available in either stainless steel or high-quality carbon steel, meticulously handcrafted in our Solingen manufactory. The distinctive OTTER logo, set against a black background, highlights the authenticity of this iconic knife. To match, we recommend our leather cases in the colors: Leather Case 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


cream-coloured handle · stonewashed blade The iconic Mercator Knife with its elegant cream-coloured, powder-coated steel handle is a true classic and a reliable all-rounder. Thanks to its slim profile, it fits comfortably into any pocket, making it an ideal companion for everyday carry and outdoor use. The stonewashed blade gives the knife a distinctive, matte finish that reduces glare and adds a rugged, time-tested character. It is available in stainless steel or carbon steel and is carefully handcrafted in our Solingen manufactory, where traditional knife-making meets modern precision. The unmistakable OTTER logo, highlighted with a black background, completes the design and emphasizes the authenticity of this timeless knife. We also recommend our leather sheaths in the colors: Leather Sheath 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer Information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


MERCATOR "Sahara" – Precision and Durability The MERCATOR "Sahara" knife impresses with its sober aesthetics and high functionality. The sand-colored, powder-coated case reliably protects against corrosion and wear, subtly reminiscent of the Sahara Desert. The hand-painted OTTER logos add individual accents. The blade made of C75 carbon steel, refined with a stonewash finish, is designed for durability and high cutting performance. The matte surface also effectively conceals signs of wear. This makes the knife ideal for demanding cutting tasks. We also recommend our leather sheaths in the colors: Leather Sheath 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer Information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829

Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
The Mercator and OTTER knife, these two expressions are tightly connected. Now there is also a knife that displays this connection. We have reissued the Mercator in its historical form. Instead of the classical black steel casing, the handle is now made of brass. The elegant look of the metal is completed by the embossed OTTER design. This Mercator knife possesses all the properties you have come to value, despite its elegant appearance. It is small, functional, and reliable. This model is the larger, lockable brass knife. The blade is available in a stainless or carbon steel option. The Mercator brass has been honoured with both the Design Plus and the FORM# Award 2015. Please note: Since brass is a very soft material, small tool marks from the knife manufacturing are hard to avoid. These are not defects, but rather witness to the individuality of the knife. To match, we recommend our leather cases in the colors: Leather Case 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


Simple, functional and robust — the Mercator knife has offered these benefits for over 100 years. Today, it is used worlwide and distinguishes itself with its narrow, rugged design in everyday life. Now, we added a stainless steel clip to our classic. Whether on belt, trouser pockets or backpack, thanks to the clip you quickly have your Mercator knife on your fingertips. A must, not only for outdoor enthusiasts. We recommend our matching leather cases in the following colors: Leather case 04 Dark brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


Mercator meets Buckels – Two Traditions Go for a Picnic! The Mercator with a folding Buckels blade is a practical addition for any knife enthusiast. This knife combines the versatility of a folding blade with the wide, rounded shape of a Buckels blade, making it ideal for easily spreading butter or jam on bread or rolls. The blade is made from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and excellent cutting performance. The sturdy folding mechanism ensures safe handling and allows the knife to be stored compactly and transported securely. With the backlock, the blade can be securely locked when not in use, minimizing the risk of injury. The sleek and compact design typical of the Mercator makes the knife a versatile companion for home or on the go. The durable metal casing ensures a long lifespan. The embossed and hand-painted Otter adds additional charm to the Mercator Buckels. Thanks to its compact format, the knife is ideal for camping trips, picnics, or travel, but it can also be used in the kitchen or at work. Despite the rounded blade tip, this knife is NOT a children's pocket knife! To match, we recommend our leather cases in the colors: Leather Case 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


The Mercator is a traditional German pocket knife. With this new copper handle we gave it a new and exclusive look. Although the slim handle and classic blade were not changed. The embossed OTTER logo completes the extraordinary appearance of this knife. The Mercator copper is available with either a carbon or a stainless steel blade. The knife is also equipped with a leather strap to secure it against loss. This is the larger, lockable model. Please note: Since copper is a very soft material, small toolmarks from the manufacturing are hard to avoid. These are not defects, but rather witness to the individuality of the knife To match, we recommend our leather cases in the colors: Leather Case 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


Simple, functional and robust — the Mercator knife has offered these benefits for over 100 years. Today, it is used worlwide and distinguishes itself with its narrow, rugged design in everyday life. Now, we added a stainless steel clip to our classic. Whether on belt, trouser pockets or backpack, thanks to the clip you quickly have your Mercator knife on your fingertips. A must, not only for outdoor enthusiasts. We recommend our matching leather cases in the following colors: Leather case 04 Dark brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


The full damascus Mercator knife is a true masterpiece of the blacksmith's art. Made from high-quality Damascus steel from a small, family-run forge in Germany, each knife is precisely handcrafted here in our manufactory in Solingen, the heart of the German knife-making tradition. The unique grain makes each knife a true work of art. Material: The robust full Damascus steel from the German forge guarantees maximum sharpness and a long service life - a knife that will reliably accompany you in every situation Design: The iconic Mercator design is both practical and elegant - ideal for everyday use Exclusivity: As this knife is produced in a limited edition, it is a real collector's item that you won't find again once it is out of stockThe leather strap is included. We use Damascus blades forged from low-alloy cold work steels (1.2842/1.5634, 75Ni8). The hardness is around 61 Rockwell. Please note that the damascus we use is not stainless.We recommend our matching leather cases in the following colours: Natural Black Dark brown


Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Known as the "Black Cat" knife by American GIs after World War II, the Mercator still enjoys an excellent reputation among knife enthusiasts worldwide. The black box with the golden cat is a must-have in every enthusiast's collection. In cooperation with Woodlore, an exclusive Mercator model featuring a unique handle box in reed green with the cat painted in black was created a few years ago. This represents a new chapter in the more than 140-year history of the Mercator knife, to which OTTER knives could add another highlight. The Mercator K55K "Cat Reed Green" won 1st place in the "Classic" category at the IWA Knife Award 2023. The blade is available from us in either 1.4034 stainless steel or C75 carbon steel. The perfect gift for any collector of historical knives. To match, we recommend our leather cases in the colors: Leather Case 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


A "legend" has returned. The 4-part Mercator pocket knife was produced more than 60 years ago by the Kaufmann und Söhne Company in Solingen. We have brought the knife back to life based on faded yellowing drawings. It is built to include 4 tools, just like in the olden days. A lockable knife blade, the awl for loosening knots and punching holes into leather and fabrics, the can opener, and a corkscrew. It takes more than 120 work processes for its manufacturing. Everything is crafted by hand. The awl and the can opener are forged on belt drop hammers, rough-ground and then finally fine-ground. The core in the corkscrew helix prevents the "crumbling" of the cork. The blade is made of carbon steel which holds its edge well, is sharpened and then receives another dry-fine grind. The handle, made of blued steel, doesn't have the non-rust properties of modern coatings, but it gives the knife a high-quality appearance. All these are properties that can hardly ever be found in the knives of today. The blade steel is C75 carbon steel. We recommend our matching knife holster in the following colours: Natural Black Dark brown


The small knife from the Mercator series has the same properties as its big brother, but it is not lockable. The blade is optionally available in stainless steel or in carbon steel. The robust powder-coated metal handle is available in two colour variations, in the classic black or in blue. Thanks to its flat design, the small Mercator is a handy knife that could fit into pretty much any trouser pocket. To match, we recommend our leather cases in the colors: Leather Case 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Simple, robust, and functional – these properties have characterized the Mercator knife for over 100 years. We have wrapped all these qualities in a modern guise, resulting in our stainless steel Mercator. The handle is rust-proof with a matte finish, engraved with our OTTER logo. The blade is made of rust-resistant steel. To match, we recommend our leather cases in the colors: Leather Case 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829

Simple, robust and functional - these have been the characteristics of the Mercator knife for over 100 years. We have put all these characteristics into a modern guise and the result is our stainless steel Mercator. The handle is stainless with a matt finish engraved with our OTTER logo. The blade is made of stainless steel. This model is the small, non-locking stainless steel knife. To match, we recommend our leather cases in the colors: Leather Case 03 Dark Brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark Brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829


Compact, practical, and durable. The original Mercator knife has enjoyed over a century of popularity. Although it was never intended as a military tool, it soon found favor within Emperor William's forces, earning it the nickname "Emperor William Knife." Today, the knife is utilized globally, recognized for its sleek and sturdy design in daily use. This particular model includes a stainless steel clip, allowing quick and easy access by attaching it to a belt, pocket, or backpack. We recommend our matching leather cases in the following colors: Leather case 04 Dark brown Black as well as the knife holster in the color: Dark brown Manufacturer information: OTTER-Messer GmbH Schwertstraße 35, 42651 Solingen, Germany Web: https://www.otter-messer.de/ E-Mail: info@otter-messer.de Phone: +49 212 337829
Mercator Messer: Der Taschenmesser-Klassiker
Das Mercator Messer ist eine Legende unter den Taschenmessern und ein echter Klassiker des Solinger Messerdesigns. Entworfen wurde das Taschenmesser in Solingen 1867 in der Messer- und Klingenschmiede Indiawerk Heinrich Kaufmann & Söhne, wo es lange Jahre in großen Auflagen per Hand produziert wurde.
Handgefertigt aus hochwertigen Materialien
Seit mehr als 150 Jahren wird das Mercator Messer in Solingen, Deutschland, nahezu unverändert hergestellt. Seit 1995 gehört die Marke Mercator zu OTTER-Messer und wird auch heute noch in unserer Manufaktur mit größter Sorgfalt und hohen Qualitätsansprüchen in Handarbeit gefertigt. So sind Mercator und OTTER-Messer eng miteinander verbunden – und das nicht nur durch die Prägung des Otter-Logos auf dem Messergriff.
Mercator oder Kaiser Wilhelm Messer?
Das Mercator Messer ist auch als Kaiser Wilhelm Messer bekannt. Obwohl es ursprünglich nicht als Armeemesser konzipiert war, lernten die Soldaten Kaiser Wilhelms die Qualitäten des Mercator Messers schnell zu schätzen. Das Messer wurde zu einem wichtigen Werkzeug an der Front. Daher stammt auch heute noch der umgangssprachliche Name „Kaiser Wilhelm Messer“. Sowohl im Ersten als auch im Zweiten Weltkrieg schworen zahlreiche Soldaten auf dieses universell einsetzbare Taschenmesser, obwohl es nie offizieller Ausrüstungsgegenstand der Armee war.
Von Deutschland in die Welt
Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg brachten amerikanische Soldaten das Kaiser Wilhelm Messer in die USA, wo es schnell großen Absatz fand. Doch in den 1960er und 1970er Jahren erhielt das Messer in der Bronx, New York, einen zweifelhaften Ruf. Heute ist das Mercator Messer weltweit ein zuverlässiger Begleiter auf Reisen und bei Outdooraktivitäten und ein beliebtes Werkzeug im Haushalt sowie beim Heimwerken.
Funktional, zuverlässig, robust und unverwüstlich
Heute wie damals überzeugt das Mercator Messer durch folgende Eigenschaften:
- funktional
- handlich schmal
- zuverlässig
- äußerst robust
- nahezu unverwüstlich
Der Klassiker neu aufgelegt
Funktionale, robuste Taschenmesser müssen eine edle, moderne Optik nicht ausschließen. Neben den traditionellen Formen des Mercator Messers finden Sie in unserem Online-Shop neue Modelle, die sich farblich vom Klassiker unterscheiden, aber die klassische Silhouette bewahren. Materialien wie Messing, Kupfer und Damast geben den neuen Messern besonderen Charme. Mit Edelstahlclip versehen, ist das neue Mercator jetzt noch funktionaler und praktischer.
Das Mercator Multi
Das Multifunktionstaschenmesser Mercator Multi wurde nach alten Mustern neu aufgelegt. Es enthält:
- arretierbare Messerklinge
- Ahle
- Dosenöffner
- Korkenzieher
Individuelle Lasergravur
Auf Wunsch gravieren wir Ihr Taschenmesser mit Ihrem Namen.
Schleifservice
Unsere Schleifer bringen Ihr Messer in professioneller Handarbeit wieder in Form; dies gilt auch für Messer anderer Hersteller.
Taschenmesser-Workshop
In unserem Taschenmesser-Workshop können Sie Ihr eigenes Taschenmesser selber bauen. Melden Sie sich gleich an!
Taschenmesser kaufen
In unserem Online-Shop finden Sie zahlreiche verschiedene handgefertigte Taschenmesser.



