RPK 24cm Russian Prison Knife Saw blade Vintage automatic knife

RPK Russian Prison Knife Vintage switchblade knife with saw cut into the blade spine. It is believed that these knives were made by inmates of Russian prisons back in the 1950s through 70s to be sold to raise capital for the prisons and used as bribes and gifts by prison personnel. They are all hand made and very unique and beautiful pieces of Russian cutlery Folk Art. This knife measures 23.9cm (9 3/8 inches) open and 5 inches closed with steel liners & button. The drop point saber hollow ground blade appears to be mostly full and shiny with no markings and a few light scratches and is extremely sharp. The scales (handles) appear to be black plastic and are in good condition and the backspring has grooves filed into it. The knife works well with the blade tip seating deep when closed, smooth strong snap and locks open with about 1/8" up and down movement at the tip. It is button open, button close. Very cool vintage Russian RPK switchblade. EX condition.