I originally posted this as a reply in another thread, but it may deserve its own thread for those of us who like the classic Mercator Black Cat. As well as Japanese copies from the past, there have been some recent copies floating around and it would be nice to have recognition features to help avoid these:
The current knockoff version of the Mercator is not marked Solingen Germany on the blade nor on the back of the handle. When imported in the USA it is etched (not stamped) on the blade "Mercator" on one side, "400252" on the other side. The same knife has appeared etched with just the word "Sheffield" on the blade in Australia.
The current copy is made either in China or India with no markings indicating country of origin. The US importer distributes from Atlanta, and does not represent it to be of German origin, but as a "Solingen style historical replica." The company generally specializes on historical edged replicas made in India (which is the basis for my speculation that India may be its current point of origin).
Here are some more identifying characteristics of the copy: The cat K55K logo is larger and more angular than on the German made version. The handle on the copy is slightly higher behind the lock button, and there is a painted metal spacer (instead of plastic as on the original) on the bail end of the handle. The blade does not contact this spacer when closed. The copy uses a small brass washer on one side of the blade, to compensate for curving of the blade when it is stamped out.
Of course it is not the first time the Mercator has been copied. Back in the 70's and 80's Valor made a similar knock off in Japan that had a tiger and the number "505" on the handle, much easier to detect. These were sold in many local flea markets in the 70's. Well worn examples are often passed off to the unwary as WWII Japanese military issue!
If anyone has any photos of the "400252" or the "Sheffield" or the Valor versions, please post them as examples, thanks!
The current knockoff version of the Mercator is not marked Solingen Germany on the blade nor on the back of the handle. When imported in the USA it is etched (not stamped) on the blade "Mercator" on one side, "400252" on the other side. The same knife has appeared etched with just the word "Sheffield" on the blade in Australia.
The current copy is made either in China or India with no markings indicating country of origin. The US importer distributes from Atlanta, and does not represent it to be of German origin, but as a "Solingen style historical replica." The company generally specializes on historical edged replicas made in India (which is the basis for my speculation that India may be its current point of origin).
Here are some more identifying characteristics of the copy: The cat K55K logo is larger and more angular than on the German made version. The handle on the copy is slightly higher behind the lock button, and there is a painted metal spacer (instead of plastic as on the original) on the bail end of the handle. The blade does not contact this spacer when closed. The copy uses a small brass washer on one side of the blade, to compensate for curving of the blade when it is stamped out.
Of course it is not the first time the Mercator has been copied. Back in the 70's and 80's Valor made a similar knock off in Japan that had a tiger and the number "505" on the handle, much easier to detect. These were sold in many local flea markets in the 70's. Well worn examples are often passed off to the unwary as WWII Japanese military issue!
If anyone has any photos of the "400252" or the "Sheffield" or the Valor versions, please post them as examples, thanks!
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