Fake vs genuine...

[Richard W]

A big question and my first one posted here.
Recently got a small, supposedly Bali kris, on e-bay (sorry no photo to attached).
The blade looks fake to me. Not shiny at all, more of a matt texture.I thought the Balanise kept their blades smooth and shiny while Javanese blades are often dry and flaky looking. Am I wrong? If I am right is this due to the ritual cleaning practices in Java which seem to strip the blades down?
In a modern fake I would expect to see a rough aced-etched surface, used to expose the pattern. what texture/finish would result from an overly aggressive acid bath?
Okay, I know without an image this is nearly impossible, but any help on the above points would be appriciated.
Thanks, Richard.