Strange dagger ... can someone ID?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

I'd say you've got it in the right place buddy!
Southern European, Late 18thC 'peasant' knife.
I particularly like the 'ring' can you get a fingertip into it?
Very nice! Whittle a litle bit of bone to repair the chip ;-)

Regards
Gene

P.S. After my recent research onlin for my own knife, if I had to guess, the single edge and brass inserts would make me plump for it being Spanish.
Although its not the standard 'punal B' I think its a variation possibly with a more Italian influence?
As I say, thats a Guess.

Gene's radar is right on!! That would be my take on this piece also, that this is likely Spanish. Interesting note are those mysterious brass filled dots. On the Ethnographic Forum is a post by Dralin23, which is a khanda having this as yet unexplained feature. The suggestion of plugs placed to correct flaws in the forged steel seemed plausible, but those would seem less orderly in placement...these are clearly strategically in line. To me that suggests symbolism of some kind.
The so called Albacete plug bayonet/knives with the 'dumbbell' shape cutout in the blade often appears left open, while many are brass filled. It is suggested that this opening is for placement for a toggle bar which is often seen on Spanish lances, pikes etc. to prevent over penetration or in the case of hunting the animal could sometimes ride up the weapon to the hunter.