Don't know which metal would work best, but speaking from a past job in a welding supply store, they usually stock various and sundry "filler metals" in sizes ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch diameter and 36 inch long. Expect to find copper coated steel rod, uncoated steel rod, brass/bronze, stainless, aluminum and possibly some more exotic alloys. Easy jump to cut to length and grind to a point. Plenty in one piece to experiment with.