Tim, no need to apologise - the pictures may be very deceiving. The blade was polished and etched, and the handled was only cleaned with sharp tools and Flitz. There is still dirt and patina hiding in the decoration. That's why it look different on the pictures, but if you would hold it in your hand, you will see immediately that it is steel. And yes, I have made the magnet test (POSITIVE!), as I have already mentioned
