flea market find

[Sharon of the Dell]

I picked this up at the flea market yesterday. One side says Kaufmann, Germany and the other side says Solligen, I think. It's really dull, but I can put a good edge on it with the wet grinder. It has one of the metal things on it gone. The blade seems to be tight, not loose. I paid the 5 bucks for it because the man is a long time friend of my husband. Did I get a good deal?

[Sharon of the Dell]

Forgot to mention the handle looks to be bone or horn.

[tonyr]

I found this info on the internet. Hope it helps. "According to Goins' Heinrich Kaufmann 7 Soehne. Indiawerk, Solingen, Germany was founded in 1856 and in business until 1995.
They owned the Mercator and K55K (black cat) trademarks."

TonyR

[tonyr]

Sharon,
Here is some info on your find.

Some history behind this knife.

Round about 1867 a company called Heinrich Kaufmann & Shne Indiawerk, Solingen developed the MERCATOR pocketknife and started its production. The name MERCATOR was entered as a registered trademark. Since the following years, many forms and types of MERCATOR knife were copied by many other companies, but only Heinrich Kaufmann, Indiawerk manufactured the genuine MERCATOR knife with stamp on the back. Heinrich Kaufmann delivered those knives to the soldiers of the German Emperor Wilhelm II. During WWI. This was where the Mercator knife became famous and civilians of all ages and worldwide took a liking to this knife, because of its sharpness, flatness and easy handling.
Between WWI and WWII the MERCATOR knife was standard issue for Germany soldiers.
Heinrich Kaufmann & Shne, closed the company in 1995.
Since then Rainer Morsbach is the new owner of trademark brand MERCATOR knives and are still being handmade in Solingen/Germany.

The knives havent changed much, only little modifications were necessary, caused by new production processes. Even today the knife is fitted with a traditional hand stropped carbon steel blade (mat .no. 2003/C75)and strong iron case, black furnished. The Mercator-knives are manufactured in a simple but functional stable version, flat and light, it fits easily in every pocket. A universal and practically indestructible knife to carry for a long, long time.

TonyR

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Seems like you got a good deal Sharon, sharpen it up and enjoy!

Dave

[Merle Rice]

I think when you get it Sharp you will know you did good or not. I feel it should hold an edge so I think you did good. Merle

[SeaLeveler]

Ought to be some good metal in it.You done good.Tony