RPK 24cm Russian Prison Knife Sliding button Lever release switchblade

Vintage RPK 24cm Russian Prison Knife Sliding button Lever release switchblade measures 24cm (9 7/16 inches) open with steel liners & bolsters. It is believed that these knives were made by inmates of prisons in Russia (USSR) between 1950s and 1970s to generate income for the prisons and to be used as gifts/bribes by guards and prison personnel. The long drop point hollow ground blade appears to be full and shiny with short saw on spine and no markings. The scales are black and appear to by some sort of synthetic material and in good condition. The knife works well with the blade tip held deep in the well by the release mechanism, STRONG snap and good lockup with just a hint of up and down at the tip. Does not rattle if shaken with blade open if you hold the release lever. Sliding button to open and pivot the lever to release the blade to be closed. EX condition.