Leafshadow
Julian has given a very good explanation on how we pin handles. Some guys do like to peen them, I for one just epoxy them. I would have a fit if I cracked a piece of expensive stag. the best place to get pin stock is a welding supply shop. You can get all kinds of brazing and tig rods for pin stock like nickel silver, brass, stainless steel, mild steel, and others.