I'd etch the blade. if done properly, it would not damage anything. but could reveal wootz pattern the way it was intended. Gold can be protected with light coat of nail polish and removed with acetone after the etch, but this is not even necessary if light etchant is used, just make sure to clean it carefully, and neutralize the acid with baking soda solution right after. Cleaning and etching gold-inlaid wootz blades was/is a common practice, when necessary, it just has to be done properly. I think this one would benefit from it.
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