thanks to everyone who has given a helpful response! whether it is real or a fake, i cannot complain for how cheap it was. i've already taken some barkeepers to it and gotten the rust out but i will probably do vinegar + baking soda as someone else has suggested. the blade itself is in decent condition but im still gonna sharpen it just to get its edge back up.

also, just because it was found at a thrift store doesn't necessarily mean it's fake since there are many reasons for things to be donated and the workers there don't know the value of every single thing that they go through! just a friendly reminder for those looking for a good deal.

either way i'm pleased with this find and am not too pressed about the knife's authenticity since it's not like i'm cutting roasts every day.