Knife UTON model 74 reconnaissance with cutting mechanism

Knife UTON model 74 reconnaissance with cutting mechanism

UTON dagger vz. 74

This is a limited numbered edition of 500 pieces of the replica prototype of the popular UTON. The number 74 indicates that it is the predecessor of the well-known UTON, correctly using the military abbreviation UN vz. 75.

Key knife features:

• The blade is made of stainless steel 420 with a hardness of 54-56 HRc, designed to withstand demanding conditions and resist wear.
• It measures 134.5 mm in length and is double-edged, with a drop shape, almost symmetrical, featuring a central tip.
• The blade is sharpened only on one lower edge.
• The upper edge, ground only on one side, has serrations under the bevel along two-thirds of the blade length, used for sawing through thick wires before cutting.
• At a distance of 35 mm from the tip, there is a cut-out hole for fitting the sheath peg, which helps in overcoming wire and wire mesh obstacles.
• The blade width is 29 mm.
• The handle is made of rubber for comfortable and secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions; the same handle was later used on the classic UTON.
• The rear of the sheath features two plastic loops: the upper for attaching a leather belt and the lower for securing the sheath to the thigh.
• At the sheath’s end, there is a riveted steel component serving as a wire cutter similar in shape to the bayonets of AK 74 rifles.
• When hung on the belt, the leather strap has a loop approximately 63 mm wide, allowing a military belt 40 mm wide to easily pass through; the loop is detachable.
• The blade bears a serial number, with the designation vz. 74 on the other side, and is traditionally stamped with the Mikov logo.

History and production:

The community of knife collectors and enthusiasts has long been interested in the development prototype of the popular UTON. Therefore, it was decided to produce a limited series of 500 pieces to commemorate the 230th anniversary of knifemaking in Mikulášovice under the commercial name UTON vz. 74.

Its manufacture was challenging – based on only a few preserved prototypes and fragments of drawings, it was necessary to prepare technical documentation, design production jigs, develop technological procedures, and design and test molds for plastic sheaths and handles. Substituting original materials no longer manufactured also posed difficulties.

UTON is supplied without accessories. The saw, file, and cord can be purchased separately.

What can the reconnaissance UTON do in practice? A practical demonstration of its use can be found in this video:

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