Have not been able to establish EXACT composition of resin, other than to say that it is hard rather than softish as one might expect if it was some sort of putty.
The blade DOES appear to be of GOOD quality. Certainly not a cheap forging in my opinion, compared with some of those seen on some dha.
Thanks guys for all the thoughts. Not sure we are any closer to a resolve, but certainly some very valid ideas have emerged.
Regards Stuart