Mikov, a traditional Czech knife manufacturer, has publicly committed to no longer using ivory in its products, even if it is accompanied by a certificate of legality. At the same time, it calls on other Czech companies that use legal ivory to stop processing and trading it.
With this decision, the company aims to support the efforts of Czech elephant conservationist Arhur F. Sniegona and draw attention to the senseless slaughter of elephant herds by poachers, which occurs primarily in Africa. Although the legal trade in ivory is subject to CITES protection (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), according to Sniegón, in some markets, tusks from poaching are legalized precisely through this certification.
Sniegoň called on the company to support the fight against ivory poachers through the traveler Ladislav Bezděk, whom he met during his “Rybička Around the World” expedition, which Mikov supports.
Although ivory is a sought-after material for knife handles, particularly among Asian customers, the company has decided to reject such requests going forward and remove ivory knives from its product lineup.
The decision to stop using ivory is part of Mikov’s long-term strategy to support environmental protection. In addition to the company’s concern for nature, information about the financing of terrorist activities through profits from the sale of illegal ivory also influenced this decision.
Mikov is a traditional manufacturer of knives for outdoor gear, hunting, and leisure. The company, which is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Mikov brand this year, is also developing new, modern knives. It recently launched its latest product in the so-called EDC knife category—the LIST.