I'm on the bandwagon.
I've had a a few of these pass through my hands as well. They look deceptively good in eBay photos.
No silver in the handle: white or pot-metal as Mark indicated. The blades are not hardened.
Wallhangers only, in my opinion. For decorative purposes, they are nice when cleaned up. That substance they are smeared with is annoying because it never seems to dry completely, and always comes off on your hands or clothing.