The black M20608 is the precision-forged Genesis chef knife with a Santoprene handle. The separate short-bolster variant is excluded.
Reference diagram; no photograph of this model. Schematic; not product dimensions.
IN / MM · Maker figures: Blade: 8 in (20.3 cm) · Cutting edge: not published in this catalog record. Maker source · 2026-11-04. Scaled on screen; do not use as a physical ruler.
Mercer Genesis 8-inch chef knife — M20608
MAKER SPECIFICATIONS · 2026-11-04
TYPE
Chef knife
BLADE
8 in (20.3 cm)
EDGE
Not published in this record
STEEL
High-carbon German steel; grade not named
WEIGHT
Not published in opened maker specification
LOCK
Fixed blade
LENGTH
Not published in opened maker specification
Maker care. Rinse and dry thoroughly after washing. Store in a block or sheath. Maker care source · 2026-11-04
Sharpening. No model-matched sharpening angle recorded. Check maker instructions.
KnifeCritic · Manufacturer reference. No hands-on test.
Manufacturer specification profile. No hands-on test. Source checked November 4, 2026. Scope and standards
Which exact version is this?
M20608, 8-inch Genesis, black, standard bolster
What construction does Mercer specify for Genesis?
Mercer describes M20608 as precision forged from high-carbon German cutlery steel for food cutting and chopping. Its feature list names the bolster, tang and taper-ground edge. The black handle is Santoprene rather than the Santoprene/polypropylene combination listed for Millennia.
Which bolster is on the recorded knife?
The M20608 record is the standard-bolster version; Mercer links M21078 as a separate short-bolster 8-inch model. Keep those codes separate when checking the heel area and your grip. The German-steel description identifies the material wording, while the maker page leaves the specific alloy grade unnamed.
What should I check before choosing?
The source distinguishes M20608 from the M21078 short-bolster 8-inch model. A German-steel material label does not establish this knife’s country of manufacture or cutting performance.