Hello Michael,
the blade is nearly 9 mm thick and laminated but badly over polished maybe to polish out corrosion!
But you are correct, the blade detract the overall impression. it will be some work to make the lamination visible again.
The seller is very serious and the source from where he get it and so the age believable. But don't worry, your comment is very welcome and a critical comment is better as no comment!
What bother you by the handle?
I will try to get further informations from the seller.
Best regards,
Detlef