I purchased this actually not as a stress reliever, but to toughen up finger tips for guitar playing. A great idea it is as well. The weekend spent holding, gripping, pressing finger tips into it. A very well played exerciser, it is doing just what I wanted it to do. Stainless steel no staining, no direct bending, no pinching, just a great gripper. The weather is cold and it is a great way to exercise your hands as well in regards to aches and pains from the cold. This really feels nice gripping it and a welcome addition around here.