Merkur

Merkur is a German maker of double edge safety razors from Solingen. The company was founded in 1896 by Emil Hermes. He registered the Roman name Merkur for the messenger god Hermes as the trademark, because other steel companies in Solingen already used the name Hermes. The legal entity is MERKUR Stahlwaren GmbH & Co. KG, based at Nordstraße 10 in Solingen.

Products

• Safety razors with double edge blades, made in Solingen.
• A range of handles and razor heads for classic wet shaving.

History and ownership

The Kirschbaum family took over the majority of the shares in 1996. Since 2021, managing director Ulrich Wiethoff has been the sole owner of the company. In September 2022 the company moved to its current site in Solingen.

The company points out that the razors are handcrafted in Solingen by skilled workers who follow the standards of the Solingen ordinance for cutlery and steel goods. The Solingen origin is a protected indication for cutlery.