Tom- they turn pretty well, just don't push too hard or you might take too much off! It felt weird, like you had to force the cut, but when you push a little a lot comes off.
Skye- I was afraid to make a pronounced form like my other pens, but it might have worked.
This is only my second italian blank, but they polish really well. The have a glass like feel when mm'ed to 12000 with a little polish.
Andy