Mercer Renaissance 8" Chef Knife Mini Review

The Mercer Renaissance line represents extremely high value for those looking to get their first good knife. It's fully forged in Taiwan with very good fit and finish. The rounded spine and nicely finished bolster make for a very comfortable griping area. However, the slightly blocky handle is not uncomfortable, being very similar to a Wusthof Classic but leaves a lot to be desired when compared to the Wusthof Ikon and Messermeister Meridian line.

It has slightly better than average cutting geometry for a German style knife making for a good performer that feels better than my Ikon cutting through dense veges. Balance is directly on the bolster allowing comfortable use with either a pinch grip or on bolster grip. The cutting profile promotes rock chopping strongly with a very soft heel that is notably softer than the Ikon.

The steel is the same as what's found in high end German knives and is hardened to 56HRc. This is on the slightly lower end of the scale for German knives but in use it holds an edge closer to a Wusthof vs. a Victorinox. Sharpening was typical for the steel and hardness developing a slightly stubborn burr that is best removed with a chrome oxide strop after several reducing strokes on a finer grit stone.

Overall it is an ideal first, good quality blade that can either last a lifetime or teach a new user how to take care of a knife and develop preferences that lead to higher end purchases down the road.

Price: $53 (April 2021)
Blade: 8" long
Steel: X50CrMoV15 at 56HRc
Geometry: 0.012" BTE at 16dps from factory
Balance: directly on bolster
Spine: 2.7mm at the heel
Height: 48.5mm at heel
Weight: 226g, 8.0oz
Sharpening: Steel daily, strop weekly, 1K waterstone every 3 weeks.

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