the paint , assuming that that is paint, can be removed also from hot water alone. Maybe it is peech and hot water would work too.
There is also a chance that it won't come off and then other methods would be needed.
The hilt has to be removed before you do anything.
You say : " The wood hilt is lined with a very old brittle fabric, possibly used as a spacer..."
The majority of krises with the exception of Moro Krises , use hilts that are friction mounted and use all sorts of materials between the pesi or peksy ( the tang) and the hilt.
You MAY want to clean and stain the blade after removing whatever coats it. Staining is traditionally done by the use of Warangan.
There are many threads about staining a keris blade.
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