An iron-chromium alloy — commonly 304 or 316 grade — hard, corrosion-resistant, durable, and dense. The workhorse metal.

Density / weight impression

Around 7.9–8.0 g/cm³ — heavy and solid, between titanium and brass in character.

Machining behaviour

Tough and durable; machines to crisp edges and holds them.

Surface behaviour

Takes a high polish, blast, and stonewash; resists wear and scratching better than softer metals.

Feel in hand

Cool, hard, and slow to warm — a dense, durable feel.

Sound influence

Bright and ringing, hard-edged.

Finish compatibility

Polished, stonewashed, bead-blasted.

Collector appeal

The durable, no-fuss option — crisp and hard-wearing, often the everyday-carry choice.

Common object types

Sliders, coins, hardware.