In this detailed review of the Mercury Luc, Tactical Reviews presents a close look at Mercury’s modern take on the slip joint folding knife. Join me in this Mercury Luc Review for all the details.
The Mercury Luc is inspired by the classic hunting pocket knives from the 1960s; a traditional design, but now fitted with an Elmax stainless steel clip point blade. The handle is made from 6061 aluminium with choices of black or green anodising, and optional micarta/G10 inlays.
Of course the slip joint knife dates back far earlier than the 1960s, generally considered to have emerged in the 17th Century with the introduction of a back spring that revolutionised the folding pocket knife to create a simple, reliable and practical tool; popularised as the ‘penknife’ for shaping quills. For good reason this traditional design of knife mechanism remains popular and useful today.
What’s in the box?:
For this section there is no box or packaging to include, as the specific knives featured were ‘show knives’ at IWA Outdoor Classics 2025 (and possibly other exhibitions). It also means that in the following galleries, any imperfections will be due to each knife being handled by a lot of people during the trade fair.
A good look round the folded Mercury Luc – Things to look out for here are:
Starting off with a lot of different views round the folded knife to see it from all directions. The lanyard hole is ingeniously incorporated into an exposed section of the backspring, making it very accessible and easy to tie into. One side of the pivot bolt has the Mercury logo engraved into it, the other side is a domed torx screw head with decorative fluting. Peeled G10 is used for the orange handle insert, held in place the two screws. In keeping with the simple reliable design we have phosphor-bronze pivot washers.
As another option, the insert can also be micarta, a much softer feeling material, but one which will take on a patina through use.
A good look round the open Mercury Luc – Things to look out for here are:
Swinging out the Luc’s clip-point blade shows the modern touches on this classic. Elmax as the blade steel, an angled milled slot as the nail nick, and high tolerance finishes with the H clearly displaying this precision. A flat grind, clip-point blade, with bevelled swedge and stonewashed finish showcase its modern construction.
The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.
The blade is made from Elmax steel.
With the Mercury Luc being a slip-joint folder, the resistance to closing (and related stiffness of opening) is an important factor, so for this I carry out Torque measurements for opening and closing.
And the torque measurements for the Mercury Luc (for further reference values check the Technical Testing link):
The Factory edge up close:
Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:
Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.
As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.
What is it like to use?
Mercury’s Luc reinforces why the slip joint folder pocket knife has been so popular and successful since its inception around 400 years ago. It is a daily tool for all the smaller every day cutting tasks that don’t need a larger, stronger and heavier cutting tool. A type of knife that allows quick, intuitive opening and closing without a lock, but with a spring to provide enough resistance to make it safe to carry and use. Just quickly unfold and fold as needed without having to unlock.
There are those who take the view that non-locking slip joint knives no longer have a place due to being ‘unsafe’ to use, and liable to close unexpectedly on your fingers. However this ‘problem’ with slip joint folding knives is due only to incorrect cutting technique, or inappropriate use of the tool for a cutting job it is not suitable for, and nothing to do with the design at all. Used correctly and appropriately, the slip joint is absolutely relevant and the ideal tool for most smaller cutting tasks. As long as you ensure the cutting force is applied in the direction that pushes the blade open, it cannot close on you, and is perfectly safe to use.
Shown here in my XL glove sized hands, the Mercury Luc is not an insignificant knife, but also not overly large. Easy to handle and comfortable to use for appropriate jobs (those not requiring heavy cuts), the Luc is extremely practical. When taking on slightly heavier cuts the spine is comfortable to press on with your thumb for that extra control and pressure.
Modern urban life, and those directing how we live, seem intent on diminishing the importance of every day tools, but even the tear-open packaging is much better when cleanly cut open. Let’s make the pocket knife an even more common every day tool, and use it how it should be used, to give us back control and provide choice for how we shape our experience in life.
The Mercury Luc gives us a simple, reliable, tool that just does what you need of it; no more, no less.
Carrying both the G10 and micarta versions on me constantly, despite this only being a difference in handle insert, the experience is quite distinct. The G10 has a crisper, brighter look, not just as it is orange, but the G10 has a sharpness. Peeled G10 is very grippy, but also abrasive and this can be fatiguing. With the canvas micarta, this material feels softer (despite also being resin based), warmer and much less harsh to hold. Though not really natural, the micarta has a more natural feel, and like a natural material is more likely to change in appearance through use. Personal preference will dictate your choice.
Mercury Luc Review Summary
The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.
Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.
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What doesn’t work so well for me
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The sharpening choil is too small to fully access the heel.
Peeled G10 can be a bit harsh and abrasive.
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Things I like
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Elmax steel provides excellent edge retention.
Firm backspring and open/close action.
Nail ‘nick’ slot gives really good grip.
Handle width is both comfortable and slim.
Reliable and strong phosphor-bronze washers.
Choice of G10, micarta, or plain handles.
Super accessible lanyard hole.
Clean, modern, clip-point blade design.
Mercury Luc Review Videos
Starting with a short format sixty second review:
Onto a full video review covering many more details:
Discussing the Review:
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