Kubar,
Good question. I don't know anything about Tulwars or have examples for my argument, but can trot out some First Principles.
How were the handles made?
The handles are likely cast (although a Forged in Fire contestant has a great video where he forged a tulwar grip from steel.) Bronze casts a much lower temp and less production tech than does steel. Bronze can't readily be forged. Cast steel can be subsequently forged allowing for more shape processing. Iron can be hardened more than bronze.
Thus my guess is that lesser tulwars were made from bronze handles due to limited applied tech and cheaper overall production processes. Better ones from iron/steel due to more options for superior quality from that media.
Regards,
Ed
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