Mercator: The Merchant

In 1867 a merchant named Heinrich Kauffmann made a basic locking knife of folded steel in the knife making town of Solingen Germany. The goal was a cheap, repeatable, mass produced knife that the designer could sell en masse to the general public. Born of the industrial revolution and a thoroughly “inexpensive” effort in every way, the knife gained fame in Germany when Kaiser Wilhelm reportedly carried one. Supremely simple, (and now with celebrity endorsement!) its popularity grew.

The Germans would go to war with this workhorse of a tool knife… American GI’s would bring them back as spoils from the war and use them for years on hunting expeditions or in their tackle boxes. Utterly reliable, they were passed down and the inexpensive lockback from Solingen became the favorite for teen street gangs in the Bronx in the 50’s and 60’s. Historic interest has reintroduced this icon to knife aficionados today. Since 1867 the design has been virtually unchanged, and remains virtually indestructible. 

Witnessing everything from the birth of the automobile to recreational space travel, this timeless knife is still available, and is still made in Solingen. Your F & Kewel special edition is true to the original design but has been improved with a statement quality Damascus blade and folded brass handle, and comes in an exclusive F.& Kewel leather slip sheath. 

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