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Money Clip Materials
By the Tycoon
There are numerous materials out there used to make money clips, each with its advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a material, there are two key considerations to take into account - practicality and looks. Each is important, and different people will value each more or less strongly according to their personal tastes. The practical sides of money clips comes down to shape retention, strength, and cost. The looks are more aesthetic, and is therefore less cut and dry. The following is a review of the major money clip materials, including stainless steel, sterling silver, gold, titanium, leather, and carbon fiber. Note that an image of each is above the bolded text - don’t get confused by image placement!
The Stainless Steel Money Clip
Stainless steel is a classic material used for money clips. This material is tough and durable, and isn’t likely to lose its shape under stress. Stainless steel money clips are great because of cost too - since they aren’t made from precious metals, they typically are good for budget conscious shoppers. With this material, the practical is all there - just make sure the aesthetic suits your individual style.
The Sterling Silver Money Clip
Silver money clips are a good choice for those who want a silver toned shine and elegance to their money clip. Silver is much more pleasing to look at than stainless steel, but has its downsides. Silver money clips will always be softer and less sturdy than steel money clips. In addition, you’ll need to perform somewhat regular maintenance and upkeep on the silver to keep any tarnish to a minimum. These minor considerations aside, silver money clips really look and work fantastically.
The Gold Money Clip
One of the most classic materials used in any aesthetic endeavor is gold. Gold is a great material for money clips because they reinforce the role of a money clip as a status symbol. There’s no reason not to show off, after all. When looking for gold money clips, take note of the gold quality. Anything under 14k is probably not what you want - it’s low quality gold. Anything over 14k may be too soft for everyday casual use. So be aware!
The Titanium Money Clip
Titanium is a newer metal used to fashion money clips. This material is great because it has excellent mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. In addition, you can really do some cool things to it for a more customized feel. Titanium can be anodized to control the exact color of the metal, meaning that with a skilled metalworker you can choose exactly what you want in a money clip. Titanium money clips are rarer than other varieties, but this is being rectified more and more as time passes by.
The Leather Money Clip
Leather is one of the original materials used to make money clips, and is a great choice for those who don’t want to give up the look and feel of the standard wallet. Leather money clips are flexible, meaning that you don’t have to worry about permanent deformations. That is, unless you continually stress them in the same way day after day, such as sitting on them at weird angles. This may wreck the leather given enough time. Luckily, leather money clips don’t come with a huge price tag, so you should be all right.
The Carbon Fiber Money Clip
Carbon fiber is an up and coming trend in money clip materials, and one that I personally enjoy greatly. The material is made by weaving together tons of small graphitic fibers into a solid and extremely durable solid material. This is great for money clips since carbon tends to be somewhat inexpensive, and the mechanical properties can’t be beat. They’re light and strong, and the glossy black finish has a great shine to it, too. Carbon fiber money clips are hard to find, but always worth it in the end.
Topics: Money Clip Materials |