Picked this guy up from a garage sale today for a dollar, I sanded the handle a bit because they had painted it like it was an Indian artifact or something.

Blade is in obviously good condition, has a bit of red rust at the base and a decent over all patina, looks forced because I can see a finger print in it.

I don't have much knowledge about high carbon steel, could anyone help me out here? I hit it with a bit of steel wool and gave it a good scrub, anyone want to throw out pointers so I can take care of this one dollar gem?

Will dump a few pictures