Otter-messer Brass Mercator

I've got a black one with a carbon blade, and I like it a lot. However, that brass is stunning. I might have to see if I can acquire a brass one now.
 
I have a brass one coming (thanks for the tip, donuts). Yeah, it costs too much; even the Black Cat costs too much for what it is. But compared to what the unmentionables want, it's not too bad, and I'll still be able to pay my mortgage.
 
I luckily got mine for 25eur from knife salesman who owed "favor" for me. But even for 50eur, I still think it is very affordable. I guess it's all subjective and the exchange rate has something to do with it. I mean, we have to pay easily 100+ bucks for most Cases and Bucks and I find that ridiculous.
 
Henry Beige said:
I have a brass one coming (thanks for the tip, donuts). Yeah, it costs too much; even the Black Cat costs too much for what it is. But compared to what the unmentionables want, it's not too bad, and I'll still be able to pay my mortgage.
Click to expand...

Well crud. I just got an email cancelling the order, saying they were listed on the site by mistake and that there weren't any with the "Otter" markings in the US until this Summer due to that exclusivity agreement. :(
Sorry to give out bad info. The search continues.
 
Henry Beige said:
The black version didn't really grab me either, but I bought it as part of a personal survey of ethnic blue-collar knives. Once I got my hands on it, I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. The brass one reminds me a little of the brass Higo No Kami, another knife that surprised me pleasantly when I got it in hand.

I wouldn't want one from the unmentionable US vendor, in part because they substitute their own logo for the Otter logo, but more because I don't like their style of business, and mostly because their price is almost 60% higher than the manufacturer. The manufacturer's site says they won't ship to the USA in 2015, which begs the question as to 2016 and beyond.
Click to expand...

Totally agree.

In a perfect world, we could commission a run of these as the next Forum knife with the Otter on one side and the Forum's mark on the other, and get them through a Forum dealer at a non-gouging price, to boot. :D
 
Hmmm. No similar email from the vendor as of yet, and my bank authorized the charge, although they haven't actually paid yet. I placed the order on Sunday night. I wonder if an actual human being has had a look at it yet. When did you place your order, and how long did it take the vendor to respond?
 
Discuss the knives guys not the sales process! If you want to chat about orders do it via VM, PM or email, not in the thread.
 
Thanks for the review, A.L.! As I mentioned in another thread, the brass Mercator has piqued my interest for some time now, and I'm glad that this summer we may have some options for picking them up stateside. Given all the money I plan to save for the BF16 knife and a #77 or three, I could probably use the wait for this one. I'm still excited about it, though. Step one: Get rid of the lamination and let that beautiful brass breathe (and patina :D)!
 
To be honest, I have no idea. Be aware though, you will find the shiny brass extremely appealing. :D
I used steel wool to brush it off and it didn't leave any scratch patterns. The negative side on that is that you are going to have lot of loose wool in the joints. I cleaned that with WD40.
 
Thanks! I was hoping mineral spirits because I've already got some.

I'm still amazed at how the brass handle changes how the knife looks. I've seen ads for "Black Cat" knives for decades, but never knew their history. I always thought the black handles were plastic or something.
 
donutsrule said:
Thanks! I was hoping mineral spirits because I've already got some.

I'm still amazed at how the brass handle changes how the knife looks. I've seen ads for "Black Cat" knives for decades, but never knew their history. I always thought the black handles were plastic or something.
Click to expand...

It does indeed! I found a pic of mint brass one with regular K55K.

P6dLTEU.jpg


I took the coating off, left the scratches and put patina on the whole thing. Kinda like antique style merc. Sacriligious maybe but I don't care. :D
 
Well, where there's a will, there's a way. I found a Swedish place that was willing to ship here and had a fair price.

Here it is, with some of its new family, in all its pre-patinated glory.

WXZs9VB.jpg


Pivot is a little stiff, but good. Lockup is excellent, and it's got a pretty decent edge on it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top