Wow, you guys are observant. I looked at the material under the bands on the hilt and while it could be some type of cloth or a fish skin, I think it may be a very, very thin leather, with spots darkened by corrosion from previous older or missing bands from the handle.
I thought that the blade might have some type of patterning, but many times that is wishful thinking ;however after holding it under strong natural light, I can say that the center panel is indeed twist core.
I will not etch the blade, as I do not know what I am doing and would not risk harming it.
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