MIKOV UTON knife model 74 retro limited edition
This is a limited numbered edition of 500 replicas of the popular UTON prototype. The number 74 indicates that this is the predecessor of the well-known UTON, i.e. the correct military abbreviation UN vz. 75.
The community of knife collectors and enthusiasts has long been interested in the development prototype of the popular UTON. Therefore, when considering which knife to produce in a limited series of 500 pieces to commemorate the 230th anniversary of knife making in Mikulášovice, it was decided to choose this one. Mikov gave it the trade name UTON vz. 74.
It was not easy to produce. Based on a few preserved prototypes and fragments of drawings, it was necessary to prepare technical documentation, design production tools, develop technological processes, and draw and test moulds for plastic cases and handles. It was also difficult to replace some materials that had ceased to be produced over the past decades.
The knife blade is made of 420 steel with a hardness of 54-56 HRc to withstand demanding conditions and resist wear. It is 134.5 mm long and double-edged, teardrop-shaped, almost symmetrical with a central point. The blade is sharpened on one lower edge only. The upper, single-sided ground edge has serrations at an angle to the grind, covering two-thirds of the blade length. This is designed for sawing through thick wire before cutting.
At a distance of 35 mm from the tip, there is a hole for attaching the sheath pin. Similar to the bayonets for the AK 74, this is used for cutting wire and wire mesh, i.e. for overcoming obstacles made of these materials.
The blade is 29 mm wide. It is then fitted with a rubber handle for comfortable and safe grip even in wet or slippery conditions. As mentioned above, the same handle was later used on the classic UTON.
There are two plastic loops on the back of the sheath: the upper one for attaching a leather strap and the lower one for attaching the sheath to the thigh. At the end of the case, there is a riveted steel component - a cutter similar in shape to that found on the AK 74 bayonet. When the case is hung on a belt, there is a strap approximately 63 mm wide on the leather strap (so that a 40 mm wide military belt can easily be threaded through it). The strap is also detachable.
The blade of the knife is marked with a serial number. On the other side of the blade is the designation vz. 74 and the blade is traditionally stamped with the Mikov logo.
The UTON is supplied without accessories. A saw, file and cord can be purchased separately.
