Explore Mikulášovice and Mikov: Discover the Legendary Fish Knife

However, Mikulášovice has something unique that even larger cities like Solingen lack: for over a century, it has been making the famous little fish knife, which ranks among the most popular and highly recognized Czech products. Mikov, as the largest knife manufacturer in the Czech Republic, produces and sells around three hundred thousand of these knives every year. In addition to fish knives, the brand is renowned for its hunting, outdoor, and sport knives, as well as tools for rescue workers, many of which have earned various design awards. In the future, customers will have the option to choose their preferred inscription or image on these products.

From the Grinders to the Factory

Knife and scissor production from Mikulášovice was well-known in Central and Western Europe as early as the 18th century. During that time, various types of knives, fangs, cords, sabres, surgical razors, and other specialized tools were shipped around the globe from this town. Due to the shortage of knife makers, this trade thrived; in 1794, Ignaz Rösler, an enterprising local businessman, recognized this opportunity and teamed up with master blacksmith Anton Weber to establish the very first knife factory. Within two decades, the workforce grew from one hundred to two hundred, and the town saw the rise of additional businesses. It then became quite rare to find households in Mikulášovice and its vicinity that were not connected to the knife-making industry.

As the 19th century transitioned into the 20th, factories in both Solingen and Bohemia employed thousands of workers, with the industry continuing to flourish even after the First World War. However, the onset of the Second World War brought significant changes; Mikulášovice was absorbed into the Third Reich and its factories were diverted to military production. It wasn’t until 1946 that local factories resumed knife-making, expanding their range to produce office supplies as well.

Where Did the Name Mikov Come From?

Punches, scissors, and aluminum cutlery—these well-known products have all been manufactured in the Mikov factories found across various towns including Česká Lípa, Slaný, Most, and the nearby Linden. Following the changes of 1989, the individual plants gained independence and went through privatization, leaving the production of Mikov knives and office supplies to continue exclusively in Mikulášovice. The name ‘Mikov’ is derived from the acronym of MIKulášovický KOVoprůmysl.

The complete history of the local cutlery industry is captured in the Museum of Cutlery Tradition, which is located on the first floor of the Municipal Information Centre in Mikulášovice. Here, visitors can explore masterpieces from early knifemakers, historical catalogs from local knife makers, as well as knives and other products recently produced in the local factories. The museum also features historical knife-making equipment, photographs from different periods, and various documents. A documentary about the Mikov national enterprise, filmed in the mid-1970s, is also showcased. The museum is set to become the starting point for a planned hiking trail that will guide you past local attractions to the nearby Tanečnice lookout tower.

What Should You Know About Mikulášovice and Knives?

• • Though the identity of the inventor of the fish knife remains unknown, knives with its distinct shape were likely being made in Mikulášovice as far back as the late 18th century.

• • At the museum, you can see several unique fish knives, including the “whale fish”, which measures sixty centimeters and was custom-made for a collector, as well as the traveler fish that journeyed around the world with former Mikov sales director Ladislav Bezděk and his partner Kateřina Dvořáková from 2014 to 2016, covering five continents.

• • Every thousandth visitor to the knife museum will receive a fish as a souvenir celebrating the Mikulášovice knife-making tradition.

• • Mikov is planning to use laser technology to personalize items with their brand name, a personal name, or a specific image.

• • For collectors and affluent buyers, Mikulášovice creates luxury fish knives made from silver or gold, with blades crafted from Damascene steel, and one even features a ruby set in the handle. These knives can be purchased for CZK 100 to CZK 250,000.

• • The information centre also houses a company shop where custom-made knives can be purchased.

• • Did you know that many superstitions are associated with knives? In the Middle Ages, gifting a knife was thought to symbolize fatal intent. Today, it’s still said that giving a knife can “cut friendships,” making them unsuitable as wedding gifts.

Mikulášovice Cutlery Heritage

Location

Mikulášovice, Šluknov Foothills, Děčín District, Czech Republic

Overview

Step into the historic town renowned as the cradle of Czech cutlery. Learn about generations of craftsmanship at the Mikov Museum and see how a small Bohemian village became the heart of blade-making.

Highlights

• Fish Knife Tradition: Admire the iconic fish-shaped handle knives unique to Mikulášovice, including luxury silver and gold versions with Damascene-steel blades and ruby-set handles.

• Mikov Production: Discover how Mikov produces up to 300,000 knives annually and also crafts punches, scissors, and aluminum cutlery.

• Historical Origins: Explore exhibits tracing back to the first factory founded by Ignaz Rösler and Anton Weber in 1794.

• Museum Exhibits: Browse original catalogs, vintage cutting machines, period photographs, archival documents, and a documentary on the Mikov national enterprise.

• Tanečnice Lookout Tower: Just outside town, climb the northernmost lookout in the Czech Republic for panoramic views of the Šluknov region.

Historical Notes

While the exact origin of the fish knife design remains a mystery, it has been crafted here since the late 18th century. During World War II, the town’s cutlery workshops were repurposed for military manufacturing under the Third Reich, leaving a complex legacy beneath the craftsmanship.

Immerse yourself in the stories, steel, and artistry that have shaped Mikulášovice’s enduring reputation as the “Blade Town” of the Czech Republic.