Otter-messer Brass Mercator

donutsrule said:
Thank you for making me aware of its existence!

Now to knock some of the shine off of this unpatinated beauty...
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No problem! I use mine for fruit peeling and the blade also takes crazy patina variation.
 
I just ordered one of these from a supporting vendor. I am excited to get it. The original version was always on my radar, but I never could force myself to pull the trigger. This review is what got me excited about the knife and finally put it over the top for me.
 
Thanks for the review. The lock on the back had been my one main concern if it would disengage with a firm grip. Glad to see this isn't the case. I may have to pick one up.
 
jstrange said:
I just ordered one of these from a supporting vendor. I am excited to get it. The original version was always on my radar, but I never could force myself to pull the trigger. This review is what got me excited about the knife and finally put it over the top for me.
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Good to hear! Happy to contribute to the forum.;)

Flickertail said:
Thanks for the review. The lock on the back had been my one main concern if it would disengage with a firm grip. Glad to see this isn't the case. I may have to pick one up.
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I see your point, but there is no way. It is quite safe.
 
Another knife I was not aware of. I have gained so much from all of you here on the porch. I also have spent the remainder of my retirement money in the 10 months I have been a member here. My wife would divorce me but not enough left to pay the lawyers but I do have some fine knives.:D
 
Mine arrived today from Sweden. After I ordered, they emailed to tell me they were out, but expected some around April 1. Looks like it was mailed on 3/30.

It is a handsome thing. My crashing laptop and Imageshack issues prevent photos, but you all know what it looks like. Viewed by itself, it looks bigger than the Black Cat, but putting them together dispels that impression. There is no blade wobble at all on this one. If it ever does loosen up, the pivot pin is right out in the open, and I have a hammer.

Unlike the Black Cat, the brass Mercator came in a box. Included was a small packet of Ballistol, which I take as an endorsement by either the vendor or the manufacturer. Either way, it's a nice touch.
 
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Resurrecting a rather old thread but I stumbled on this during a google search. Loved the look of the patina on brass encouraged me to order one yesterday. Now the wait until it arrives but the first thing I'll do is strip off the coating so it can start to develop a nice patina. I'll snap pictures once it arrives and as the patina develops.
 
That brass has some real character. I picked up a copper one with a carbon blade last month. I used Flitz to take the coating off, then soaked the blade in warm vinegar. I'm a sucker for aged copper and this one doesn't disappoint. The dark copper and dark blade look great together. This is my first Mercator and I've been very pleased with it.
 
I'm going to pick up a copper version also and see how it compares to the brass. Both should develop and great patina.
 
Brass version arrived today. Here's the 1st picture before I remove the protective coating and start the patina.
F41Bve1.jpg
 
More picture updates tomorrow but so far its gone though a reprofile and staring to show some nice natural patina. I also have a copper version here in stainless that I'll include. One thing I did notice in the design is the blade stop is the plastic that is at the end of the handles. Now I now not to snap the blade closed so it does not get dull :)
 
tomsch said:
Brass version arrived today. Here's the 1st picture before I remove the protective coating and start the patina.
F41Bve1.jpg
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tomsch said:
I'm going to pick up a copper version also and see how it compares to the brass. Both should develop and great patina.
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Well, guess that explains why my copper one hasn't developed any sort of patina. I always did think it seemed overly smooth and slick. Tomsh, what did you do to remove the coating?
 
I used my wife's finger nail polish remover. It removed most of the coating but not all so I'll have to give it another shot.
 
tomsch said:
I used my wife's finger nail polish remover. It removed most of the coating but not all so I'll have to give it another shot.
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That’s acetone. I hadn’t been too pleased with the result it gave the last time, so I had put the knife aside, then been diverted by other things. The resurgence of this zombie prompted me to revisit the knife.

Over my lunch break, I soaked a paper towel with acetone, wrapped the knife in it, and stuck it all into a sandwich bag to keep the solvent from evaporating. It will be a few hours before I know how that worked.
 
Yes the acetone does not do a great job. I suspect some light gauge steel wool would work better but at this point the knife is a pure user so eventually the coating is bound to wear off...... I hope :)
 
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