Valjhun,
Etch with hot vinegar. I also would clean the blade with vinegar to get rid of the rust. As far as I can judge from the pictures it is surface rust that should disappear very easily. Leave the grip and painting as it is.
Vinegar for cleaning and etching is not very agressive, but Atlantia has a point. Be careful with the koftgari. Although I never had problems with cleaning a blade with gold inlay in this way. Just rub gently and with soft materials. You could use the peel of an orange.
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