This is a very strong bar pin. Yes it is expensive compared to most bar pins but it is not your average bar pin. It is not going to resemble those cheesy ones that you get at wal-mart. This is made in the USA, it is solid nickel, no plating and certainly the best made pin I have come across. It is not for every application. This has a very thick and somewhat blunt pin. Not great for silk or fine cloth. The pin also closes straight into the safety catch. If you are selling heavy pieces or expensive pieces you might want to buy one of these just to compare it to the other bar pins typically offered. This is new old stock. Limited quantity as far as I know these are no longer being manufactured.