RPK 24cm Russian Prison Knife Swing guard automatic knife

RPK Russian Prison Knife Vintage swing guard switchblade knife. 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 24.2cm (9.5 inches) open and 5 1/8 inches closed with steel liners & button and polished aluminum bolster plates & guards. The straight back hollow ground blade appears to be mostly full and shiny with no markings and a few light scratches and is extremely sharp. The knife works well with the blade tip seating deep into the well closed, smooth strong snap and tight lockup when open. It is button open, backspring release to close. Very cool vintage Russian RPK swing guard switchblade. EX condition.