Venetian knife, tourist junk?
 

I came across this today at a market, all I know is the handle is a representation of the pillar of St Mark. Is it tourist junk from Venice? It is very much a dagger with fine edges which struck me as not very touristy, or is there a thing with St Mark and daggers? What role, if any do daggers play in Christianity? The dagger is 28cm long the blade being 14.5cm of that. It is possible that it may have conections with other Orthodox Christian churches like Ethiopia. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I do hope it is not tourist as I paid with the second highest UK bank note, bit of a gamble :o .

I think it is touristy but not new. Travelers flocked to Italy for many years and needed to buy something to remember the "Grand Tour". 19th century? Won't be surprised.

Alas I think you are right. The St Mark winged lion is seen on Ethiopian things but this does not look like Ethiopian work. That's what happens when you step out of line :( .