Prototype for Pilots

This UTON prototype represents the second variant of the assault knife, intended for pilots and aviation personnel. The first variant for scouts is described here. Both versions were developed and produced at Mikov in 1972 and tested simultaneously.

Constructional Paradox

The UTON for pilots suffered from the same flaw as the scout variant — low blade strength at the central hole. In the pilot knife this hole was essentially superfluous, since wire cutting was not planned for it. The pilot version was supplied with a simple leather sheath lacking the cutting mechanism.

Blade and Handle Specifics

• Markings and handle — the knife has no markings of any kind. The rubber handle is identical to the later adopted serial UTON model.
• Blade — double-edged, teardrop-shaped with a central tip. Unlike the scout variant, this blade is ground on both sides.
• Risk of damage — the double grind made safe wire cutting impossible. If a soldier were to use this knife in combination with a scout sheath, the edge would break during cutting, creating a pronounced "tooth" on the blade.
• Retention in sheath — this prototype can be found with a specific modification — a hole in the centre of the handle. The clasp of the leather sheath (see photo) fastens into it, securely fixing the knife.

Collector Significance

This variant was produced in a limited series similarly to the scout version. Judging by the number of pieces found among collectors today, however, somewhat more have survived, so it is not considered as extremely rare as the scout version. In this series too, specimens can be found that have numbers spark-engraved during army trials.