RPK 24cm Russian Prison Knife Vintage All metal engraved automatic knife

RPK Russian Prison Knife Vintage switchblade knife. 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 used as gifts and bribes by prison guards & personnel. They are all hand made and very unique and beautiful pieces of Russian cutlery Folk Art. This knife measures 23.6cm (9 3/8 inches) open with a steel elaborately engraved frame. The long drop point hollow ground blade appears to be full and has all of the original finish with no markings and some light scratches. The metal one-piece frame is nicely engraved with designs. The knife works well with the blade tip even with the edge of the well when closed, smooth strong snap and tight lockup when open. Does not rattle if shaken with the blade open. It is button open, button close with a sliding button. Very cool vintage Russian RPK switchblade. EX condition.