Well, I don't know how it compares to nickel, but I am quite certain (from the effort it takes to straighten it and to peen it) that its much harder than brass, I am hoping it will last. "Silver solder" is a broad term that also includes some soft stuff that feels like regular solder that you melt with a match... This is not the same... this has a melting point close to that of brass and it feels much stiffer than brass rod.