RPK 26cm Russian Prison Knife Folding guard extended blade switchblade knife

Vintage RPK Russian Prison Knife swing guard extended blade 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. They are all hand made and very unique and beautiful pieces of Russian cutlery Folk Art. This knife measures just 26 cm (10 3/16 inches) open with steel liners & button and non magnetic bolster plates & guards. The oversize hollow ground long straight back blade appears to be full with no markings and the folding guards are one piece and engraved on the front. The scales are checkered black plastic and in excellent condition. There is a spring loaded blade tip guard that folds into the knife when it opens and you need to pull it out before closing the knife. The knife works well with the blade tip seating in the guard, smooth strong snap and tight lockup when open. It is button open, button to close. Very cool vintage Russian RPK pig sticker swing guard switchblade. It does take a little practice and both hands to close, but not too bad with a little practice.