US
Mercer Culinary

Mercer Culinary Genesis M20405 Utility Knife 5 in

  • 5 inch blade, plain edge
  • Forged high-carbon German steel, no-stain
  • Taper-ground edge, hand polished
  • Santoprene handle, non-slip when wet
  • Substantial bolster for balance
  • 0.1 kg

Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A forged in-between knife for sandwiches, cheese, pickles and apples, with a grippy Santoprene handle. It must be hand washed, and the warranty term is stated two ways.

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ASIN: B000IBSNM8Category: Kitchen Utility Knives

Styles Available

Tourne Knife 3-inchParing Knife 3.5-inchUtility Knife 5-inchSerrated Steak Knife 5-inchNon-Serrated Steak Knife 5-inchBoning Knife 6-inchChef's Knife 6-inchCarving Fork 6-inchFlexible Boning Knife 6-inchShort Bolster Chef's Knife 6-inchSantoku Knife 7-inchNakiri Vegetable Knife 7-inchFillet Knife 7-inchGranton Edge Nakiri Vegatable Knife 7-inchStraight Fork 7-inchBread Knife 8-inchCarving Knife 8-inchChef's Knife 8-inchShort Bolster Chef's Knife 8-inchGraton Edge Chef's Knife 8-inchChef's Knife 9-inchShort Bolster Chef's Knife 9-inchChef's Knife 10-inchCarving Knife 10-inchGraton Edge Carving Knife 10-inchShort Bolster Chef's Knife 10-inch

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Overview

Lunch prep and snack boards suit this forged utility knife, sized between a paring knife and a chef's knife for sandwiches, cheese and fruit. A hand-polished taper-ground edge cuts cleanly, and a Santoprene handle grips even with wet hands.

Daily small jobs go faster with a blade long enough for sandwiches yet nimble for peeling an apple. The bolster adds balance and finger protection. Hand washing is required, and the listing gives both a lifetime and a one-year warranty.

Who it's for

Home kitchens and culinary students get a durable mid-size blade for frequent small tasks. Bread lovers who slice crusty loaves should add a serrated knife.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Forged German steel blade
  • Grippy handle when wet
  • Bolster aids balance
  • Versatile mid-size length
Cons
  • Hand wash only
  • Warranty stated two ways
  • Plain edge struggles on crusty bread

Performance notes

Clean cuts come from the taper-ground edge, which narrows evenly so the blade passes through food with little drag. The bolster shifts weight toward the hand for control. Edge life depends on hand washing and drying after each use.

Specifications

BrandMercer Culinary
Dimensions & fit
BladeLength5 inches
Item weight0.1 kg
Construction & materials
Blade Material TypeHigh-carbon German steel
Construction TypeForged
Handle MaterialSantoprene
ColorBlack
Warranty & support
Manufacturer warranty descriptionLifetime limited (specs); one-year (description)
Other details
Blade EdgePlain, taper-ground

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mercer Genesis utility knife serrated?

No. It has a plain, taper-ground edge.

Can the Mercer Genesis utility knife go in the dishwasher?

No. Mercer says to wash it by hand with warm water and mild soap, then dry completely.

What is the Mercer Genesis utility knife good for?

Slicing pickles, fruit, cheese and sandwiches, and peeling apples.

Where is the Mercer Genesis utility knife made?

The description says it is made in Taiwan using European components and technology.