Old OLD knives...

[Anthony]

I took advantage of the 12% off Marc offered at EDCdepot.com and got two new "old" knives. 

A Douk Douk, made in France


And a Mercator K55K, made in Germany


I originally read about these in this article http://www.donrearic.com/lotechhitech.html  and always kept an eye out for any that would pop up in sale ot trade threads...but none ever appeared!  Either no one carries them, or they like them so much they never give them up..

I realize knives have come a long way, but these two knives are THIN.  They are relatively long blades, but they are light and indestructable.  That combo of thin, light, and tough won me over.  Both are carbon steel and have bails, which some people love...and if you don't want a bail, snip it off   And the Douk Douk especially has a really antique feel to it.  The design was first produced in 1927.  I'm not sure but I think the Mercator was designed in the 30's-40's.

I'm not surprised they don't see much use with the EDC/tactical/tool crowd, But I think they are fantastic.  The Douk flew through my prime rib sandwich today like...like a hot Douk Douk through warm butter.

[jzmtl]

Now go get an Opinel.  I would actually carry an opinel if the wood handle didn't swell from any sign of moisture and make the blade pain in the butt to open.

[Freudian Frog]

I still need a K55K and some Opinels. =|

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Nice line up mate

Never heard of a Mercator K55K before , so I'd be interested in your thoughts once you've had it a bit

and yes you need an Opinel

[Sea Monster]

Ooh, That Mercator looks nice.

I'd be willing to do terrible, disturbing, illegal things to very nice, friendly people for something like that.

More pics.

[Benner]

I was hugely disappointed with the Douk douk  .  Not sure exactly I was expecting, but for $30 (if I remember correctly) there are far better knives out there IMO.

That Mercator looks interesting.

[Freudian Frog]

I managed to get my two douk douks for around $15 each and... they sit in a box.

[Anthony]

Oh I've got an Opinel (also from EDCdepot.com) a while ago and use it for food.  A #7 I think...

I carry it it my work bag along with an army issue fork and spoon for those weird lunches where you need that stuff but don't have any handy (I do!).  Actually I just used it to cut a giant double angus beef burger and eat it with a fork.  It was the day I sliced my thumb and coulden't support the weight of that burger without that thumb!

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Oh I've got an Opinel (also from EDCdepot.com) a while ago and use it for food.  A #7 I think...

I carry it it my work bag along with an army issue fork and spoon for those weird lunches where you need that stuff but don't have any handy (I do!).  Actually I just used it to cut a giant double angus beef burger and eat it with a fork.  It was the day I sliced my thumb and coulden't support the weight of that burger without that thumb!

Sound's like you had an interesting day all round hen mate

[Anthony]

Making a Mercator knife...one of those could be mine!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgiCOg08F7s

[stressmaster5000]

Anyone ever see this same knife but made in Japan? Here is mine. It is a decently made knife very much the same as the Mercator. Tang stamped "VAL? #133-S" and on the back side "Stainless Steel Japan". There may be some letters missing from the main tang stamp as it looks like a faint "O" where I have the question mark placed. Maybe it is supposed to be Valor? Not sure really. It has nice stainless steel handles with design work on them.

[LatinoHeat]

Try a Case Sodbuster Jr. in CV steel.  The sodbuster design is hundreds of years old, and it's wide, thin blade cuts just a good as an Opinel, but with a better handle (it doesn't swell), and is incredibly comfortable in the hand.
I love mine.,