RPK 25cm Russian Prison Knife All Metal Horse head Coil spring 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 1960s and 70s to be sold to raise capital for the prisons and given as gifts by prison staff. They are all hand made and very unique and beautiful pieces of Russian cutlery Folk Art. This knife measures 24.5cm (9.75 inches) open with a steel elaborately engraved frame with horse head at the back. The hollow ground straight saw back blade appears to be full and has all of the original finish with no markings and some light scratches. The knife works well with the blade tip seating deep in the well when closed, smooth strong snap and very good lockup when open with a little up and down at the tip that springs back when you let go. 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.