British ribbed iron grip brass sword anomaly

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by werecow

It seems somewhat odd that maritime users in particular would choose a rust-prone steel grip as opposed to brass, particularly since the guard is brass. Was that a matter of cost, taste, or something else?

It was easy to make, cheap and heavily japanned (painted black). Brass was of course also easy to cast and even more durable as far as rusting issues.