Anything that bends should be soft enough to cut. If it is steel and it bends, use the 'hard wire' notch. If it does NOT bend, steer clear of it, because it will be too hard and it will damage your Spirit.
A sewing needle for instance, will usually snap when you try to bend it. It's too hard to cut. (Sewing pins are softer, okay to use the hard wire notch)
Only copper or aluminum wiring should be cut in the regular soft wire area of your Spirit.
Hope this helps!
Bob