This is a classic blanket pin. It is traditionally forged and twisted to give it a nice appearance. The pin is then hammered gently all around the twisted section to insure that the edges of the twists are smoothed down so they won't grab or tear a blanket. It is then formed to its final shape. Once the forging is complete it is treated with beeswax at black heat to make it mostly impervious to any form of weather. This is the traditional blacksmith finish and works as well today as a thousand years ago.