Oh yes because for the last million times I've setup I never have any metal.
Notice how with no metal tools I had that little Palisade house near Alex?
Small self sufficient farms, fish, animals, food, plenty of stuff to rely on.
But no metal, ever.
Even when I was with Chris I was surrounded by metal, but never used any.
Try fighting without a sword, or farming without a scythe, it's tough as stuff you know.
It's a lot easier to be productive when you have the right tools to get the job done.