Mercator K55K | Ray Mears Bushcraft Knife | Review

The Mercator K55K is a traditional folding pocket-knife of historic origin, first produced in the iconic knife-making town of Solingen, Germany in 1867. Little has changed from the original design, yet despite being in production now for over 140 years, the K55K is surprisingly modern even by today's standards, exceeding the quality and design of many newer knives. Perfect as a working tool for stalkers and bushcrafters alike, it also makes an ideal gift for collectors of historic knives.

Here at Woodlore we are very excited to become a small part of the K55K's history, by way of being the only UK stockists of this legendary knife. In recognition of our belief in this product, we have added our own touch to the K55K by having an exclusive version produced just for us; this 'Woodlore model' features a custom handle in Reed Green, with the classic K55K logo engraved in black.

The K55K first gained popularity in the United States following World War II, when returning servicemen brought Mercator knives home from Germany. Since then, the K55K's reputation has grown and grown, with outdoorsmen all over the world discovering its compact size, light

[johnlea]

Bought one from Ray Mears a couple of years ago still like new after quite a lot of use, best pocket knife I've ever used and I'm 72.

[blueeyeswhitedragon]

This knife has been recommended by a couple of reviewers as a perfect pocket survival knife.
I have to agree. The old adage that " the best survival knife is the one in your pocket" rings true for the
Mercator.
(Added Sept 15, '21) l picked up the Mercator with the pocket clip, and this knife had seldom left my pocket since it's purchase. I'm not sure the pocket clip is necessary as this knife is so slim and lightweight that it rests very comfortably in the bottom of my pocket.
P.S. This is an excellent slicer for food prep, fruit slicing, etc.

[scenicdriveways]

I just ordered one today in color Black. Nice video, thanks for sharing.

[TheDavewatts]

Thanks for this review its helped me to decide that I want one. I have been humming and haring for a while now that I've actually been able to see it properly rather than just a picture. Thanks good honest review as always.

[terencekidd]

I have one bought some years ago from woodlore great knife

[zeelowsguys]

I've got one of these so unobtrusive handy it's an original carbon steel I absolutely love it for small tasks ie gutting trout etc

[tanosanti]

That's tiny pocket knife was it's my EDC since several months, the best I carried since the '70's

[squanto]

I've got one of those, fantastic knife!

[kramrentip]

Thanks for the heads up, I'll have to snag one.As always, great vid, brother!

[CanadaFree-cejn]

They are back on his website, in green and black. Too bad he didn't pay more to get Ray Mears stamped on the handle. $34 pounds but I can get the black ones for $27 loonies in Canada from a fishing store. I have one with William Kenyon on the handle, and they made them for other companies too. They were given out as gifts by some companies.

[TheMudwatcher]

loved the Mercator for half its lifetime damn near. Only complaint, the semi-hook you called a ricasso wears out your pocket lining.

[Embrabrummie]

I have just sent for one. Seeing the logo on the handle, I am sure my Mum had one with just the same markings, that she told me her Dad had brought home from the First World War. Shame I don't have it now, it disappeared somewhere over the years.

[ryacus]

I still need to pick up one of these and a douk douk.

[astondriver]

Great backup hunting knife. I've field processed two deer with mine on one trip with only a minimal tickle from a diamond hone

[DobermansRock]

I already have improvements. If I can get dedicated K55K guys with the tools to understand and follow through with the work.
We can create the knife. Without false hope on ideas.
For a hard day of work a common man should have the best in his pocket for a basic knife.
My improvements are well thought out.

[kodyschmautz]

I just wish there was a carbon blade option for the ray mears version i love that reed green not to mention the black cat actually... in black. Although, i do understand being targeted to more of the survivalist market i can understand ss for a lower-maintainence blade for Bugout, camping, etc. Matter of fact, i wish you could get any color/material handle with any blade steel as well as the ability to get one with a clip or not too. As in the actual knives with the black cat on them and a clip not just either the blank black one, or the Cu, Br, SS. I never did understand why out of the standard black steel handle ones why only the plain black one is offered with clip option? The only two reasons i could possibly come up with is A) By the time they finally started offering a pocket clip option they had a very large (over)stock of the blank black handle knives so figure thats the best/fastest/only way of selling them cuz face it who would pick the boring black over the OG black with gold cat (not that the cat doesn't just rub off in 2 days anyways but still) or B) being a 130+ year old knife yet only just offering a clip within the last ten years or so perhaps they felt it to be a bit of "blade blasphemy" to alter the original design in any way shape or form? Hmmm who knows?

[astondriver]

lives on my belt in the hills and have used it on heaps of deer. steel holds and edge, needs a little treatment of olive oil to keep it from rusting.

[TheDavewatts]

just placed my order will let you know what I think.

[grizzlycountry]

So an exposed Lockback where my hand would apply

[coldsteelrails]

Good, solid, simple piece of gear, I'm gonna have to track one down :)