The history of industrial knife production in Mikulášovice spans more than 300 years. As a result, Mikulášovice is a member of an international association of cities with a tradition of knife-making, whose representatives meet every two years. This June, they will meet for the third time in Albacete, Spain—where Mikulášovice will, of course, be present—and so will Mikov.
In Albacete, located roughly halfway between Madrid and Valencia, knives have been manufactured longer than in Bohemian Switzerland—sources indicate six centuries. Currently, more than 90 percent of Spain’s knives and cutlery are produced here, with annual output valued at around 30 million EUR.
Most of the local revenue is generated by small and medium-sized enterprises, of which there are about a hundred—ranging from cutlery factories to small artisans, shops, and service providers. Three main categories of cutlery products are exported from Albacete: for household use, for professional use, and for sports.
The gathering of cutlery towns also includes a conference of cutlery museums. Ours, known as the Museum of Cutlery Tradition, has made great strides over the past two years. That is why we are looking forward to showcasing it as well, thereby drawing the attention of all of Europe to Mikulášovice.