hi nechesh,
i would bring this piece today in your neck of the woods, but i hate to be sorrounded by mason police when this thing triggers the metal detector while going in kings island, lol (btw, this is my third day in a row going to that place, kids been dragging me...
..)
the blackened area are actually pitted in the blade, giving it a rough texture, making me think otherwise. again, just my opinion...