beck3906
Member
Looking for a good quality Sierra style with a finial twist. What would you recommend?
Sierra Syle Recommendation
- Thread starter beck3906
- Start date
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I am the last of the Sierra-style fans (esp if made in China), but I took the plunge on these because they were on sale and weeks ago and have made close to a dozen without one problem. I also bought another 10 or so since and I will buy more (on sale). However, I am still not "big" on Sierras (but realize I am in the minority).
https://www.exoticblanks.com/Diamond-Knurl-Ballpoint-Chrome-and-Gunmetal.html
I think I paid 4.95 for then on sale.
https://www.exoticblanks.com/Diamond-Knurl-Ballpoint-Chrome-and-Gunmetal.html
I think I paid 4.95 for then on sale.
Charlie_W
Member
Rick, Give Ed at Exotic Blanks a call.
WilliamWoodWrite in Canada has the Napoleon which was a center twist when I got some a few years back. They no longer ship outside of Canada....Bummer
Here in the states, Smitty had a Le Rio Major which looked identical to the Napoleon, both made by Dayacom. The model which I purchased from Smitty was a finial twist version and he also had the reverse plating combination on the Ti Gold/Black Ti from what WWW had stocked.
My understanding is that Ed bought Smitty's business and stock and has it listed on Exotic Blanks. I did not see this pen listed but maybe Ed has a few laying around.
Good Luck!
WilliamWoodWrite in Canada has the Napoleon which was a center twist when I got some a few years back. They no longer ship outside of Canada....Bummer
Here in the states, Smitty had a Le Rio Major which looked identical to the Napoleon, both made by Dayacom. The model which I purchased from Smitty was a finial twist version and he also had the reverse plating combination on the Ti Gold/Black Ti from what WWW had stocked.
My understanding is that Ed bought Smitty's business and stock and has it listed on Exotic Blanks. I did not see this pen listed but maybe Ed has a few laying around.
Good Luck!
ed4copies
Local Chapter Manager
Thanks for thinking of us!!
Because we handle nearly all the pens of this design, I admit I am uniquely positioned to "rate" them--and I plan to----SOMEDAY!! Right now, I would say we get very few complaints about any of them!! In finial twist, some folks do say they got pens with a bad transmission--but those are easy to replace. So, IMO, it depends on the plating you would like. Everybody offers chrome, but if you are trying to go "higher end", rhodium and platinum are NOT widely offered. Mechanically I would say they all work pretty well. Keep a few extra transmissions on hand.
Hope that helps,
Ed
Because we handle nearly all the pens of this design, I admit I am uniquely positioned to "rate" them--and I plan to----SOMEDAY!! Right now, I would say we get very few complaints about any of them!! In finial twist, some folks do say they got pens with a bad transmission--but those are easy to replace. So, IMO, it depends on the plating you would like. Everybody offers chrome, but if you are trying to go "higher end", rhodium and platinum are NOT widely offered. Mechanically I would say they all work pretty well. Keep a few extra transmissions on hand.
Hope that helps,
Ed
beck3906
Member
Ed,
Which models are finial twist? Maybe add that in the description on your site?
Which models are finial twist? Maybe add that in the description on your site?
ed4copies
Local Chapter Manager
Rick,
That IS on my "to do" list--it is a great idea.
The best way to discover what you want to know about a kit is to look at the instructions. The parts drawing usually makes it clear if the pen is finial twist.
I went through the ones I know and came up with this partial list:
Aero, Crown Jewel, Deco (Jr Harold), Diva, Exemplar (professor), Falcon, Gatsby, Glacia, ProX, Vertex, and LeRoi twist styles. I'm sure there are more, but this is a start.
That IS on my "to do" list--it is a great idea.
The best way to discover what you want to know about a kit is to look at the instructions. The parts drawing usually makes it clear if the pen is finial twist.
I went through the ones I know and came up with this partial list:
Aero, Crown Jewel, Deco (Jr Harold), Diva, Exemplar (professor), Falcon, Gatsby, Glacia, ProX, Vertex, and LeRoi twist styles. I'm sure there are more, but this is a start.
Mortalis
Member
I made a couple Eclipse pens (Woodturningz) and I really like the look and style but when I tried them they had some alignment issues between the finial inners and the body and would rub so that they would not rotate to work the transmission. Now, I've been told that they have resolved that issue and I might try a couple to see. And they are on clearance right now.
Mortalis
Member
I'm not a big fan of the Sierra kit because I find them hard to hold when trying to write with them. I did build a couple of the Sierra Elegant from Exotic Blanks, click style in the satin finish that were not that hard to hold on to. The satin finish helps with friction.
MTViper
Member
I've turned a ton of Sierra Vista and Sierra Vista Stylus pens from Bear Tooth. Ernie stands behind everything he sells and ships fast. I've finally used up all my non-stylus kits and turn only SV Stylus in this style now.
I haven't tried Exotic Blanks yet but as soon as he gets in additional platings, I'm going to get some of the "Thank You" pens.
I haven't tried Exotic Blanks yet but as soon as he gets in additional platings, I'm going to get some of the "Thank You" pens.
Mortalis
Member
Update:
I received the new transmissions and the pen works as it should now. I ordered 4 more kits.
I like this kit because the nib has a straight section that is easier to hold and the large barrel shows off the wood very well.