A Quick Guide to the Metals
| Material | Weight | How it ages | Pick it if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Lightest | Anodising wears at edges | You want it quick and light |
| Titanium | Light | Colour is heat-treated into the metal, not coated | You want light but tough |
| Stainless steel | Middle | Holds up; sandblasted hides marks | You want one you do not think about |
| Brass | Heavy | Darkens and goes uneven with handling | You like patina |
| Copper / purple copper | Heavy | Shifts tone fast | You like patina and do not mind it |
| Zirconium | Densest | Holds a polish; sandblasted hides wear | You want the most weight in the least space |
| PEEK / PEI | Lightest | Self-lubricating, does not need oil | You want quiet, or to see the mechanism |
Finishes
- Sandblasted / stonewashed - matte, grips the thumb, hides pocket marks. The practical choice.
- Polished - mirror finish. Shows every mark.
- Distressed - pre-aged, so wear does not show.
- Flame-blued / heat-treated - colour worked into titanium by heat. Not a coating, and not identical piece to piece.
A Note on Beads and Inserts
End-strike PEEK inserts are cut for 3mm beads. If you run a different bead size, take the standard or ultra-dense silent insert instead.