The jr gent I was the first jr gent from Craft Supplies. Then they changed the threads and the size of the two barrels and called it the jr gent II. Then other vendors started importing the jr gent I directly and Craft Supplies made it available again when they started the apprentice and artisan classifications.
The Jr gent I is very close to the same pen as the baron. If better platings are wanted then look to the baron. I personally like the threads on the jr gent I and the baron much better than the threads on the jr gent II. I too have had problems with the jr gent II and rarely make one. I am a big fan of the baron but I know many are not.
Do a good turn daily!
Don
Generally you get what you pay for ... True in the tools we buy and the pen kits.
Yes, the jr. Gent I has plastic threads which are visible and the better platings are often not as readily available .... But, it's an inexpensive kit and IMO worth it's price compared to others in the price range.
The jr gent II isn't without it's problems either. In fact I have made fewer jr gent II's and had far more problems with them. Fwtw