Hello Rick, I'm quite undecided to etch the blade. I can see some lamination in the sunlight, so the blade is not monosteel, but I really like also this shiny finish, so I don't know

Bill I think that the handle is original to the blade: the ferrule is casting brass and at some point of its life was broken and not cut to re-fit, at least it's wat I can see. Also the dimension of the handle is good for the huge blade, thank you