This version of the Baladay scimitar has a guard and pommel which have a hilt of brass which is nickel plated to give it a bright silver appearance. The blade is of stainless steel and the grip is darkened wood. The sword will balance edge up for belly dancing and we test each one before shipping. The sword comes with a buttoned scabbard of stitched leather. It is common for the item to have scratches on the mirror-polished hilt components. A moderate effort with a scuffing pad will remove them and will also give these components a brushed finish. Excessive use of a scuff pad may remove the plating, exposing the base metal beneath. A larger amount of effort with progressively fine pads and fine grit sandpapers can bring these components back into a mirror-polish.