The metals listed below are ranked from easiest to hardest to stamp. Metal blanks rated as soft (pewter, alkeme, and aluminum) are all relatively easy to stamp. These metals can be stamped with an 8 oz. or 16 oz. hammer and should require no more than one strike with medium force to make a full impression. Soft rated blanks are ideal when working with larger stamps (9.5mm) and stamps with lots of detail where it can be difficult to stamp a full impression. Medium rated stamping blanks (brass, copper, and nickel silver) require at least a 16 oz. hammer and a more forceful strike. In general, these blanks are less malleable and more scratch resistant than softer blanks.