Metal, predominately steel and iron, is one of the most forgiving mediums to work with. It can be morphed, cast, carved, twisted, waxed, buffed, seal, painted, cut, bent, repaired with a great deal of ease. I should know, it's been my passion for almost two decades. I absolutely love it!! I began teaching it nine years ago. Like precious metals, gold, silver, copper, it takes skill but so much less expensive and still as beautiful! The natural patina of steel can be enhanced unlimited times. And we all know we've been sans steel for most consumables...plastic doesn't last, period. And don't forget the greater demands of all the wars we cant seem to get out of. ( I digress) You don't see them using much more than that. Think of the durability. Steel has it, and the thickness is equally unlimited!!