Ok, so just polished it up and you guys are right its not blued steel. I didn't know what patina was, I thought it was the technical scientific term for pitting! Anyway, like you said it is a shiny mirror finish.
As much as I polished though there is still some very faint staining. The stain looks like the blade was wet and wiped off but water was still left on the blade. Is there any other way to get this off with out sanding? I am but a lowly student of humble means and so confined to the very basics of equipment, any suggestions?
Thanks!
Michael