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Just looked at your pictures again. The rust spots are in the same place, more or less, on opposite sides of the tang. That suggests the scales might be a little fritzy. Worst-case scenario:...

You sound a little despairing about the rust, but it didn't look that bad to me. If you've got a dog toenail grinder, try putting a dremel wire brush in it and brushing away that rust. DON'T use a...