This is not fake in any way shape or form. I have over 200 pics before restoration to proove it. Also it had an annodised scabbard originally, the links on this one are the x type discussed here. The centre ramp was either a very rich Nickle with a lot of brass in, or brass but it showed no signs of plating. It is without question the early type though.

http://daggers.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/131092573/m/4840008965/p/1

I have seen 36s in a variety of configurations. Early bits with late bits Nickle with Steel, field upgrades. I dont think we can say that certain things just did not happen.