why use copper?

I was wondering is copper used for knapping tools as its a soft metal? what other metals can be used for certain jobs, i do alot of stainless work and was wondering if this might make good boppers, i have yet to try it as i have no flint,

also is copper the same as brass for knapping as i have and see loads of brass items at the boot sale that worked would make good tools?

I think different metal work on different material. Hard steel nails just slip off stone, but work fine on glass. Copper grips great on most things but does have a tough time on polished glass. Iron and soft steel too seem to be pretty good universally. I've also seen vids of people using aluminium billets and they work great. My guess is whether you put a copper cap or steel one on top of a bopper won't make too much difference.

oooh! make a steel bopper, I'm guessing mild steel would be interesting! needs to be on the soft side to "grab" the edge of the flint.

I'm trying to think of what I've seen that's made out of mild steel, and is the right shape.

Something off a bicycle mayhaps?

Horse shoe nails are made of soft steel. Most notchers use them.

thanks for the replies, some interesting posts