

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


Brass and damascus – this knife will not only make collectors' hearts beat faster. We have reissued the Mercator in its historical form. Instead of the classic black steel case, the handle is now made of brass. The Damascus steel blade makes the pocket knife a real eye-catcher. The elegant look is completed by the embossed OTTER. Despite its elegant appearance, this Mercator knife also has the usual qualities: it is slim, functional and reliable. The Mercator knife with brass and damascus has the same size as the classic, large Mercator and can also be locked. The leather strap with brass eyelet 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. 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


Copper and Damascus – this knife will not only make collectors' hearts beat faster. The matt copper and the expressive damascus turn what was once a simple working knife into something very special. The structure of the hand-forged carbon damascus is shown to its best advantage. Our damascus is made in Germany. The Mercator knife with copper and damascus is the same size as the classic, large Mercator and can also be locked in place. The leather strap with copper eyelet 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. 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


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 Knife: The Pocket Knife Classic
The Mercator knife is a legend among pocket knives and a true classic of Solingen knife design. It was designed in Solingen in 1867 at the knife and blade smithy Indiawerk Heinrich Kaufmann & Söhne, where it was hand-produced in large numbers for many years.
Handcrafted from High-Quality Materials
For over 150 years, the Mercator knife has been produced almost unchanged in Solingen, Germany. Since 1995, the Mercator brand has been part of OTTER-Messer, and the knives are still meticulously handcrafted in our factory today, maintaining the highest standards of quality. Thus, Mercator and OTTER-Messer are closely connected—not only through the Otter logo embossed on the knife handle.
Mercator or Kaiser Wilhelm Knife?
The Mercator knife is also known as the Kaiser Wilhelm knife. Although it was not originally designed as a military knife, Kaiser Wilhelm's soldiers quickly appreciated the qualities of the Mercator knife. It became an essential tool at the front. This is where the colloquial name "Kaiser Wilhelm Knife" originates. Many soldiers from both World Wars relied on this versatile pocket knife. However, it was never an official army equipment item.
From Germany to the World
After World War II, American soldiers brought the Kaiser Wilhelm knife to the USA. There, too, the pocket knife quickly gained popularity. However, it gained a rather notorious reputation: from a practical lifesaver and all-round knife in the 1960s and 1970s, the Mercator knife became the most commonly used weapon in the infamous Bronx neighborhood of New York City. Today, the Mercator knife is a reliable companion for travel and outdoor activities worldwide. It is also a favored tool in the household, DIY, and crafts, thanks to its robustness.
Functional, Reliable, Robust, and Indestructible
Then as now, the Mercator knife impresses with its characteristics. It is:
- functional,
- compactly slim,
- reliable,
- extremely robust, and
- nearly indestructible.
The Classic Reimagined
Functional, robust pocket knives don’t have to sacrifice elegant, modern appeal. In addition to the traditional designs of the Mercator knife, our online shop offers new models that, for example, vary in color from the well-known classic while preserving the classic Mercator silhouette. With its tried-and-true slim handle and classic blade shape, the outdoor knife remains true to its historical line even in modern design.
Materials like brass, copper, and Damascus give the new Mercator knives a special charm. Now equipped with a stainless steel clip, the new Mercator from OTTER-Messer is even more functional and practical: whether on a belt, pocket, or backpack—thanks to the clip, your knife is always within reach. A must-have not just for outdoor enthusiasts!
The Mercator Multi
Based on old patterns and yellowed drawings, we have reissued the multifunctional pocket knife Mercator Multi. The handy multi-tool for your pocket is equipped with four tools:
- locking knife blade for cutting and carving,
- awl for loosening knots and piercing holes in leather and fabrics,
- can opener, and
- corkscrew.
Custom Laser Engraving
We can engrave your pocket knife with your name on request.
Sharpening Service
Our sharpeners will restore your knife with professional craftsmanship, including knives from other manufacturers and brands.
Pocket Knife Workshop
Do you want a truly individual pocket knife? In our pocket knife workshop, you can build your own knife. Sign up now!
Buy Pocket Knives
In our online shop, you will find numerous handcrafted pocket knives.



