Ss knife

[Chopperman]

1970s

[Larry C]

Yeah, Mercator as a brand is legit.
The brand has exsisted since the late 1800s.
Its believed, that these were for a large part private purchase knives in the hands of German troops.
Some of these Mercator knives were brought home by returning GIs

I dug into the identity of "Mercator"....who is also known as Gebr. Berns ( Otterswerk Solingen Hohscheid ) a link below to the present day company "Otter-Messer Gmbh "

World Knives: Mercator Knives For Sale Maker of the K55K German Folding Knife

This company was established in 1867 and produced cutlery,, pocket knives,, and also SA and NSKK daggers. The logo for the company is below used during the Third Reich period.

News paper clipping courtesy of AAPK forum

[Scout]

Interesting.
I wasnt aware of the Mercator/Gebr. Berns/Otter connection, but of course a knife company would jump on the wagon during the TR period like most other manufacturers.