original: Handles may be wood or plastic; ferrules are metal (usually nickel-plated steel).
simplifications: Handles may be wood or plastic; ferrules are metal. Handles may be wood or plastic and protective rings are metal. Handles may be wood or plastic but ferrules are metal. Handles are either wood or plastic. Ferrules are metal (usually nickel-plated steel). Handles may be wood or plastic. Ferrules are metal (usually nickel-plated steel). Handles can be wood or plastic while the ring or cap are metal. Handles may be wood/plastic; metal rings are usually a plated steel. Handles are wood or plastic. Ferrules are nickel-plated steel. Handles may be made of wood or plastic; ferrules are made of metal (usually nickel-plated steel). Handles may be wood or plastic; ferrules are metal