If Mikov had used the term “EDC” for a knife back at the end of the last century, that acronym probably wouldn’t have meant much to anyone. The term EDC (Everyday Carry) only began to gain popularity in the last two decades, and it didn’t become commonplace until the first decade of the 21st century.
The concept of EDC itself, however, is much older. It has its roots in the ancient custom of people carrying basic tools and everyday necessities with them. This custom dates back to antiquity, when such equipment was essential for survival in the wild. Although we live in a different society today, carrying certain tools—and especially small knives—remains advantageous.
From this perspective, Mikov has always manufactured EDC knives. The Stovka folding knives, the Fixir, Praktik, and Hiker knives, the Venado fixed-blade knife, and even the humble Rybička are all classic examples of EDC knives.
But how did this term become widely known? It’s thanks to online communities, which, with the rise of written discussions, began using all sorts of abbreviations. These abbreviations were created to shorten communication and avoid having to spell out words in full (a typical example is the abbreviation BTW, which stands for “by the way”). And so, “EDC” gradually caught on.
Knife makers naturally responded to these developments in online discussions and began labeling their products as such. This gave rise to a new category of knives, which, in reality, isn’t new at all. However, the acronym helps customers clearly identify knives intended for everyday carry and use. That’s why Mikov now refers to knives such as the List, the Patron, and the Elipt folding knife as EDC knives.
So what characteristics must a proper EDC knife have? The knife must be compact and lightweight so that it’s comfortable to carry. It’s designed for a wide range of tasks, from opening packages to minor repairs and self-defense. And, of course, it must be made of high-quality materials and have a sturdy construction to withstand daily use and demanding conditions.