New African (?) sickle knife

[David]

Originally Posted by Freddy

Could be a tool, but could also be a weapon. Why would anyone bother to embellish the handle of his tool with nails ?

I would think that the nails increase the grip on the handle. I also wouldn't bank on the "cross" at the end having anything to do with Christianity. Sometimes a cross pattern is just a cross pattern. Even if it were meant to be symbolic the design is one of the oldest in existence and could pertain to many things.
The blade does look S.E. Asian to me.