RPK 26cm Vintage Russian Prison Knife All metal engraved switchblade knife

RPK Russian Prison Knife Vintage switchblade knife that is believed to have been made by inmates of Russian prisons back in the 1960s or 70s to be sold to raise capital for the prisons. These knives are all hand made and very unique and beautiful pieces of Russian cutlery Folk Art. This knife measures 26.1cm (10 5/16 inches) open and 5 5/8 inches closed with a steel elaborately engraved frame. The swayback hollow ground blade appears to be full and has all of the original finish with no markings and some light scratches. The all metal frame is well formed to fit a large hand with some engraving, especially on the access plates that are held on with screws so you can remove them to access the mechanism. The knife works well with the blade tip seating deep in the well when closed, smooth strong snap and tight lockup when open. It is button open, button close with a sliding button. Very cool vintage Russian RPK switchblade in EX+ condition.