Hey,

I would redo the blade, and leave those gorgeous scales alone. Give the apparent age, I think they are probably pot metal of some kind - maybe like a tin or something. Are they really light, like aluminum or so they have some heft? Is that patina on the metal scales or paint? Can you scratch them easily?

I think the old look to the scales is brilliant, I would leave those alone and go after that blade - the rustiness needs to be got after right away before it gets any worse.


Just my 2c.

K