Mercer knives are one of the trusted brands by professional chefs across the world. For over three decades, Mercer has managed to spoil their customers for choices by supplying the market with high-quality cutlery which surpasses the industry standards. Due to their expertise, the brand has stood out as one of the leading manufacturers of quality cutlery. So if you have been wondering if owning a Mercer knife is worth it, you should not waffle owning one.
However, all Mercer models in the market vary which makes it hard for one to identify the right knife. And if quality Mercer knife is what you are looking for, then you don't have to pull your hair hard. In this mercer knives review, we have everything for everyone. Keep reading to choose your preferred model.Best Pick
Mercer Culinary Genesis Paring Knife is a 3.5” forged model which is made from High carbon Germany steel for increased strength and durability. The blade is resistant to corrosion, rust, and discoloration which make it easy to maintain. Its taper ground edge gives it a long-lasting razor sharp edge, increased stability and efficiency. Its ergonomic Santoprene is comfy and heat resistant which makes the knife an excellent pick for chopping and peeling.
Budget Pick
Mercer Culinary M23210 Millennia Wavy Edge Bread Knife is our budget pick. The knife is affordable, durable, effective, easy to maintain and use. Featuring a superior quality Japanese steel, Mercer M23210 is professionally textured for increased user safety. The knife is NSF certified and has been rated as the best cook illustrated serrated knife which has made it stand out from its peers.
Quick Comparison: Top 7 Best Mercer Knives
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1. Mercer Culinary Genesis Paring Knife
Highlighted Features
Chopping your vegetables and peeling has never been easy especially with large blades. Thanks to Mercer Culinary for designing a quality paring knife which gives you versatility and maneuverability. The edge is made from High carbon Germany steel which resists stains, rust, and discoloration.
The steel is forged with high precision for increased durability, and strength. Its edge is taper ground which helps improve efficiency, maintain a sharp edge while making honing a breeze. Its Santoprene handle is slip and temperature resistant which enables you to perform precision cuts. The knife has a bolster for adding counterbalance, stability, efficiency and user safety. The model has managed to stand out in regards to performance, quality, and safety which make it a great addition to any kitchen.
2. Mercer Culinary M23210 Millennia Wavy Edge Bread Knife
Highlighted Features
Slicing your pastries and citrus fruits can be challenging especially if you do not have a quality bread knife. With this Mercer M23210 series, you can perform your precision cuts effortlessly like a pro. ItsIts blade is constructed with high carbon stain-free Japanese steel featuring a wavy cutting edge for increased efficiency.
Its ergonomic handle is designed by combining Santoprene and polypropylene for increased comfort, slip resistance and durability. The handle has a protective finger guard which helps enhance user safety. Mercer M2321i series is NSF certified and has been ranked as the best-serrated knife for its unmatched quality, safety, and performance.
3. Mercer Culinary M22608 Chef's Knife
Highlighted Features
Enjoy versatility with Mercer Culinary M22608 series. The knife features a one-piece High Carbon Japanese steel which gives it a long-lasting ultra-sharp edge. The blade has stain-free properties which make the knife easy to maintain.
Being an NSF certified knife, M22608 series boast of its ergonomic handle which features a protective finger guard for enhanced user safety. Its razor-sharp edge performs precision cuts effortlessly. Whether you are chopping, dicing, or slicing your vegetables, meat and other recipes, this Mercer Chef knife will offer you convenience needed to get the job done.4. Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Knife Block Set
Highlighted Features
Mercer Culinary Genesis is a six-piece set which comes in a tempered glass block which enables you to identify the right knife easily. Every piece is made from stain-free German X50 Cr Mo V15 High Carbon steel which is super strong, with corrosion and rust resistance properties.
For added strength and durability, the blade is forged with high precision. Featuring a full tang design, and a taper ground edge, this knife set will offer you high performance, stability, incredible honing experience, and unmatched edge retention.
Whether you are handling these knife set with wet or dry hands, you will experience increased efficiency. Thanks to its superior Santoprene handle which is slip and heat resistant. Every piece has a bolster for stability and for protecting your fingers from accidental slips.
Adding this block set to your kitchen will offer you quality, efficiency, safety, and elegance.5. Mercer Culinary M23510 Renaissance Forged Chef's Knife
Highlighted Features
Mercer M23510 is a one-piece forged High carbon, Stain free Germany steel with discoloration, rust, and corrosion resistance properties. The blade features a full tang design which runs the entire handle with a triple-riveted handle for increased strength and durability.
Its taper ground edge offers you stability, convenience, long-lasting edge retention, easy honing, and enhanced efficiency when cutting and chopping your ingredients. A shortened bolster exposes the entire blade edge which makes sharpening a breeze.
Its Delrin handle is ergonomically designed to offer a superior grip adding fun to your cooking. At 8", this Mercer Chef knife will provide you with versatility in the kitchen and the confidence to present your meal professionally.6. Mercer Culinary Millennia Knife Roll Set
Highlighted Features
Every knife in the market is designed to help you carry out different tasks. Using a wrong knife will always give you unprofessional results. However, investing in a knife set gives you the confidence to showcase your culinary skills. And that’s what you get with Mercer Millennia knife roll set.
The 8-piece knife set features high-quality Japanese steel blades which are easy to maintain, hone, sharpen and use. Better still; the Japanese cutlery steel is known for its incredible edge retention which enables you to enjoy an ultra-sharp edge for longer.
Each handle is ergonomically designed to widen at the point where it meets the blade preventing any chances of injuring your fingers. Designed using Santoprene and polypropylene materials each knife handle is well textured with finger points for a secure grip and slip resistance.
Included are 8 pocket bag and honing steel for maintenance of your blades and easy transportation.7. Mercer Culinary Millennia Culinary School Kit
Highlighted Features
Adding this 12-piece knife set into your kitchen will up your cooking game. The knife set is constructed with superior quality Japanese steel for long-lasting edge retention, easy maintenance, and increased efficiency. Its ergonomic handle combines both Santoprene and polypropylene for increased comfort and durability. Every piece has been crafted to ensure great performance making this set a quality treasure which can be passed from generation to generation.
Factors to Consider When Buying Mercer knives
Every professional chef knows how having a quality knife can transform your cooking and make it even more enjoyable. While the market will always spoil you for choices, the best knife should offer you efficiency needed to get your meal on the table. This guide covers all that you need to know before purchasing your Mercer knife.
Construction
Mercer knives can either be stamped or forged. Stamped blades are flexible due to their thinness which forged are heavy and thick. In regards to durability and strength, forged knives are sharp and more durable a great reason why you will be required to pay more to own one.
However, stamped knives are a good pick only that they tend to bend and cannot cut through firm materials. But with great care, they can last you generations after generation.
Blade materials
Mercer Culinary uses High carbon Japanese or Germany cutlery steel. Both Germany and Japanese steel have been known for their ability to withstand the test of time and retain a razor-sharp edge for long. However, the steel quality is not the same. Germany cutlery steel is heavy, durable and can withstand misuse without chipping. Japanese steel, on the other hand, is quality cutlery steel which requires careful handling.
Blade length
The knife blade length plays a significant role in its performance, but this should be determined by the type of culinary tasks you wish to complete. For an all-purpose chef knife, an 8" model will offer you efficiency and versatility to prepare different meals with ease.
In case you are planning to work on smaller sized recipes, then shorter blades will work best. Having a collection of different sized knives can help ease your cooking.
Comfort
Weight distribution and knife design will determine your experience and comfort levels. A poorly designed knife will strain you making it hard to work for long hours. One sure sign of a comfy knife is the presence of a bolster. Also, a bolster is a sign of better weight distribution and a safety feature which helps prevent fingers from sliding towards the edge minimizing any chances of injury.
Handle material
When preparing your recipes, your hands may get wet or greasy. This can increase chances of injuring yourself or dropping your knife causing the blade to chip. Professionally designed knives will help you overcome all these challenges and offer you a secure grip even when your hands are not at their best. Handles with slip resistance properties help you prepare your meals quickly.
Besides, your knife handle should also be well contoured to fit your hand perfectly. Triple-riveted handle adds strength and stability to your knife, a great feature which enables you to perform precision cuts effortlessly.
Purpose
Different knives are designed for specific use. The type you select will depend on your preferences. For instance, choosing a chef’s knife for educational purposes will not give you the desired results. Using your knife for a task it wasn’t designed for can risk damage.
Ease of maintenance
Though Mercer Culinary knives have stain and rust resistance properties, to keep them well maintained, you will be required to do a proper cleaning. Besides, honing, sharpening and right storage measures are part of the maintenance procedures. For natural honing and sharpening, ensure the cutting edge is fully exposed for great maneuverability.
A poorly maintained knife will be susceptible to rust and will eventually affect its performance. Before investing in your preferred knife, make sure you are in a position to carry out routine maintenance.
Cost
The cost of a knife will be dictated by a lot of factors among them the quality of materials used, the number of knives, and other included accessories like knife block and honing steel among others. The amount you are going to spend will vary depending on your budget and what you are looking for in a knife.
Tips for maintaining Mercer Culinary Knives
Using your knife
Mercer knives are popularly known for their great performance and ability to retain a razor-sharp edge. However, to keep enjoying an unmatched performance, you ought to use your blade properly. When cutting fruits like lemon, you should not let your knife sit for long as this may form a thin layer which will slowly deteriorate your blade.
Sticky foods can also ruin the quality of your blade if not adequately cleaned. If you do not have time to clean your knife, always ensure you wipe it. Do not let it sit for long as micro-corrosion may occur causing your blade to chip.
When using your knife, always use a wooden or synthetic chopping board to protect the edge from becoming dull faster.
Cleaning
Salt is not good for your blade and may stain your knife. To avoid this, always ensure you wash your knife with fresh water and a mild dish cleaner. Always avoid using the dishwasher as this will cause your blade to hit with other metals causing chipping.
Avoid soaking your knives in soapy water as this may cause accidents.
Sharpening
Though some manufacturers may recommend sharpening your knife after some time this will vary depending on the frequency and its ability to retain a sharp edge.
Sharpening your knife removes the outer part of the blade revealing a new layer. Regular sharpening will reduce the cutting edge with time. Instead of sharpening your knife regularly, it is always recommended to hone it. Honing re-aligns your blade and reduces the need for sharpening.
Storage
Before storing your knives, ensure they are thoroughly clean and dry. Do not air drying but rather wipe it with a dry clean cloth. Once dry, store it in a block, knife rack, or sheath.
Mercer Knives Frequent asked questions
Where are Mercer Culinary knives made?
Mercer knives are designed in Taiwan using a high quality German or Japanese cutlery steel for exceptional performance, durability and easy maintenance.
How do I remove stains or rust?
Rust or stains may take toll of your blade due to poor maintenance practices. Though most models are stain and rust resistance, this does not mean the knife does not require proper care. Rust or stain in High carbon steel cutleries can be triggered by moisture.
In case you spot any signs of stain or rust on your knife, do not panic. Just soak it in white vinegar for about 5 minutes and scrub it. Rinse it and dry it properly to prevent moisture from causing more damage.
Do Santoprene handles retain odor?
Mercer Santoprene handles are heat resistant and do not retain any odors.
What makes a good mercer knife?
- A good Mercer knife should be efficient
- An excellent Mercer knife should be of good quality
- A quality Mercer knife should perform precision cuts effortlessly
- A quality Mercer knife should be handy and easy to maintain