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Monday, 13 January 2025 13:06

Pepperwool Merino MM Featured

Written by

The Pepperwool Merino MM is a compact everyday carry (EDC) knife that blends thoughtful design with practical functionality. Designed by Beren McKay, a veteran knife designer with over 15 years of experience, the Merino MM embodies his knack for crafting tools that are both innovative and dependable.

Background on Beren McKay and Pepperwool

Beren McKay spent over a decade designing knives, multitools, and other gear at SOG, where he became known as a creative force behind many of their standout products. In 2017, he spearheaded SOG’s move toward higher-quality offerings, a shift that resonated deeply with the knife community. When SOG was sold to GSM, McKay saw an opportunity to build something truly his own. Thus, Pepperwool was born—a brand that combines "pepper" (representing innovation) and "wool" (symbolizing reliability).

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When I saw his post about Pepperwool on LinkedIn, I had to reach out. I’d been wondering where he went, and it was exciting to see him chasing something he’s clearly passionate about.

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The Merino MM

The Merino MM is everything you want in a fifth-pocket knife: lightweight, compact, and purposeful. It’s small enough to tuck into that tiny pocket in your jeans that usually goes unused but still versatile enough for everyday tasks.

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Key Specifications

Blade Material: Cryo S35VN USA Powdered Stainless Steel

Blade Finish: Titanium Nitride (Blue)

Lock Mechanism: Ambidextrous Bar Lock

Deployment: Blade Kick Deploy

Pocket Clip: Ambidextrous Carry

Blade Length: 2.125 inches (54 mm)

Weight: 1.6 ounces (46 g)

Thickness: 0.35 inches (9 mm)

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In-Hand Impressions

At just over 3 inches in handle length, the Merino MM is small but intentional. I can get two fingers comfortably on the handle with my ring finger hanging on, which is exactly what you’d expect from a knife this size. It’s perfect for those odd little tasks that pop up daily. Breaking down cardboard? Absolutely—this knife can handle it without issue, though you might want something larger for heavy-duty jobs. This knife is built for convenience with just enough power to tackle the mundane.

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Despite its size, the handle feels solid in hand. The smooth G10 scales are high-end and have a texture that reminds me of 3D-printed materials. Interestingly, the G10 isn’t working alone—it’s paired with full steel liners that provide a structural backbone to the handle. Beren uses the combination of the G10 with the steel liners to create a handle that feels solid and durable in hand, and it truly holds up. His stress tests showed just how resilient this little handle is. It’s also incredibly minimalist, with only two contact points: the pivot screw and a clip screw that doubles as a handle fastener.

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The pocket clip deserves a special mention. It looks like the titanium clips everyone’s raving about, but it’s made of steel. It’s deep carry, with just the right tension for easy in-and-out pocket access. Best of all, it doesn’t interfere with the grip.

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Blade and Deployment

The 2.125-inch blade has a drop point profile with a subtle tanto edge—trendy, functional, and stylish. The tip offers great control for detailed work, while the belly excels at everyday slicing tasks. The high flat grind makes it a capable slicer, and the S35VN steel ensures it’ll hold an edge through repeated use. The blue Ti Nitride finish? A standout. It’s not something you see every day, and it pairs beautifully with the white G10 scales for a clean, modern look.

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Opening the blade is where the Merino MM gets clever. The flipper tab is tucked into a hollow in the handle, keeping it from protruding and disrupting the design. One of the reasons Beren dropped it down was to make it more comfortable in the pocket. It’s even shaped so that when you put your hand in the pocket, you won’t accidentally catch your finger on it. Despite its low profile, there’s enough tab to get a clean push for smooth deployment. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about Beren’s attention to design.

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The Lock

The lock mechanism is a cross-bar style, reminiscent of Benchmade’s Axis lock, but scaled down to fit the Merino’s petite frame. The bar caps pop with a neon accent, adding a fun touch to the otherwise minimalist aesthetic. Manipulating the lock one-handed takes a bit of finesse given the knife’s size, but it works smoothly. You can even use the lock to flick the blade open if that’s your style.

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My Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely impressed with this little knife. First products from new companies can sometimes feel like a first draft, but that’s not the case here. The Merino MM feels refined and intentional, a testament to Beren’s experience and passion for knife design.

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If you’re looking for something lightweight and compact, the Merino MM is an excellent choice. It’s beautiful, functional, and packs features you’d expect in a much larger knife. Whether it’s riding in your fifth pocket or serving as your main EDC, this knife punches well above its weight.

David Bowen

As Co Founder of Multitool.org David has been a multitool enthusaist since the 90's.  David has always been fascinated with the design inginuity and uselfulness of multitools.

David is always looking forward to what's new in the industry and how the humble multitool continues to evolve as it radically changes and improves the lives of users.

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