The community of knife collectors and enthusiasts has long been interested in the development prototype of the popular UTON. This knife was originally designed for explorers. Therefore, when we were considering which knife to produce in a limited series of 500 pieces to commemorate the 230th anniversary of knife-making in Mikulášovice, we decided on this one. Mikov gave it the trade name UTON vz. 74.
Producing it was no easy task. Based on just a few surviving prototypes and fragmentary drawings, we had to prepare technical documentation, design manufacturing jigs, develop production processes, and draw and test the molds for the plastic sheaths and handles. It was also challenging to find replacements for certain materials that had gone out of production over the past decades. The result, however, is well worth the effort.
The blade of the new Mikova knife is made of 420 steel to withstand demanding conditions and resist wear and tear. Its spine is asymmetrically ground on one side only and features a hole for inserting the sheath pin. Together with the blade, the sheath forms a pair of shears for cutting wire and wire mesh. The blade is equipped with a rubber grip for a comfortable and secure hold, even in wet or slippery conditions. There are two plastic loops on the back of the sheath: the upper one for attaching a leather strap and the lower one for securing the sheath to the thigh. Inside the sheath is a steel spring that secures the blade in place and prevents it from sliding out.
The knife is marked with a serial number at the base of the blade. On the opposite side of the blade, at its base, is the designation “vz. 74,” and the blade is traditionally engraved with the Mikov logo. Those interested in securing a specific serial number and pre-ordering the knife can do so on our website here.