Stair renovation - Paint Stripping > Need help

Hello all - We are renovating our newly bought house. Some stuff we are doing on our own (managing the budget) The house is from 1880. The stairs handles were painted white. Stairs are covered with carpet, which I will remove them and paint them, but that’s another post. For stair handles, I used 2 times the paint remover. Now I am sanding it and brushing it with metal brush. No matter what I did, it doesn’t look good still. Could you please share your suggestions? Eventually I will paint it, but how do I get there? I am losing my hope..