I bought one of the brass ones over 30 years ago. It came in a set with a brass stiletto. I used it to rip out heavy threads on jeans, leather motorcycle coats, upholstery, on fine fabrics, knit fabrics, pick out embroidery threads, you name it. it has been my go to ripper all those years. It just recently started to go a little dull, so I bought a new one. I really like the brass ones, as they have a thin fine point, making it much easier to get under the threads. They are very sharp too.