To mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia, Mikov released a limited, numbered edition of 100 UTON military knives on October 28, 2018. All knives intended for sale through Mikov’s online store sold out within 45 minutes of being listed. The exception was knife number 001. Mikov is offering this knife for auction in collaboration with the Auktiva portal, with all proceeds going to the Police and Firefighters Foundation.
“We wanted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Czechoslovakia with a knife that also embodies the symbolism of what is important to our nation,” said Mikov Director Karel Ježek. “And the UTON knife, which is a quintessentially Czech product and is still used by soldiers and police officers today, is an expression of how much we value the heroes who do not hesitate to risk their lives for our safety and freedom.”
Unlike the standard UTON, the numbered blade of this special edition knife is made of highly durable N690 steel. The knife’s dark green handle features a symbolic silver inlay of the Czech lion. The knife comes in a special gift box with a luxurious leather sheath, and each piece is accompanied by a certificate.
The auction for knife number 001 is open on the Auktiva portal (www.auktiva.cz/uton) starting November 1, 2018, with a starting price of 3,400 CZK. The auction will conclude with a ceremony on November 21 at 11:00 a.m. at the Museum of the Police of the Czech Republic, attended by company representatives, the Police and Firefighters Foundation, and guests of honor from the Police of the Czech Republic and the armed forces.
Mikov is the largest Czech manufacturer of a complete range of cutlery products, continuing the tradition of industrial cutlery production in Bohemian Switzerland that dates back well before 1794. It was then, in the town of Mikulášovice, that the first cutlery company was founded, and Mikov is its direct successor.
The Police and Firefighters Foundation aims to improve the living conditions of the children of police officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty or as a direct result of their service. It also assists police officers and firefighters who have suffered injuries resulting in physical disabilities directly related to their service.
Auktiva is a Czech online auction house that has been operating since 2009.