RPK 22cm Russian Prison Knife Vintage Leaf spring automatic AK47 style lockback

RPK Russian Prison Knife Vintage swing guard lockback switchblade knife with an AK47 switchblade "feel". It is believed that these knives were made by inmates of Russian prisons back in the 1950s through the 1970s to be sold to raise capital for the prisons and given by prison personnel as bribes and gifts. They are all hand made and very unique and beautiful pieces of Russian cutlery Folk Art. This knife measures 21.4cm (8 7/16 inches) open with a steel frame & guards, bolsters and button. The straight back saber swedge grind blade appears to be mostly full and has no markings and a few light scratches. The knife works well with the blade tip seating well below liners closed, strong snap and tight lockup when open with NO rattle if shaken with blade open. VG+ condition.