[Elle Bee]

Since you're in the sub-tropics, I'd recommend a stainless steel model. That doesn't mean it will never rust, just that it won't rust as badly as quickly as blued steel will.

cost wasn't a first issue ... what do you think of plating over Stainless?

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[Lurker]

Plating will flake off over time and can be damaged by repeated knocking about leaving unprotected bare steel exposed to the elements.

Stainless doesn't have any of those shortcomings IMO.

L