Sierra Finish

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Just got a pen back after 2 months from a customer and the finsih is pretty much gone. It was the 24kt gold finish. Has anyone else had a problem like this I thought the Sierra had a finish that should last alot longer.
 
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That is not long at all, I stopped using 24k finishes years ago as the wear was too quick now I only use gold titanium but it is expensive, however, the plating lasts for a long time.

Contact the kit seller to get their opinion!!
 
That does seem short. I've read that the Gold Titanium is a longer wearing finish. I'm guessing that is the reason behind the difference in cost. I'd be calling the manufacturer of the hardware either way.
 
With heavy use I can see the finish wearing in places -- Gold does not last with much wear -- Chrome is much more durable for the same $$$ - and the titanium platings go up in durability but even those will wear through in time and use. (about 5 years on my carry cigar).
 
If you're using a 24K finish and expecting ANYTHING in terms of durability, you are fooling yourself. This finish seems to have worn off somewhat sooner than most 24K finishes, but sometimes that can be caused by a little thing like the owner/user of the pen has a somewhat more caustic body chemistry. The best practice is to not use 24K finishes, and if you need that color, go with the titanium that is gold colored. I prefer chrome, like Ken above, because it is inexpensive and quite durable. Good Luck!

Scott.
 
I had a 24k Sierra wear in about the same time as you, it was used everyday though. But even so, looked more like chrome than gold!

No its Ti all the way! Even on the Sierras, which is a fortune!
 
Maybe not related but I wear a 24 k secret compartment key ring around my neck with meds. in it. I just noticed all the gold is gone. I have been wearing it about 6 months. I thought my chest would glisten gold, but no such event happened.
 
He asked to purchase a replacement kit so I upgraded him to one of the Gold Diplomats from Exotic Blanks and I hope it wears better, going to Rockler tomorrow to get the kit replaced and then refund his money to him if they replace it.
 
For that reason I try to avoid 24K gold if possible. I prefer 10K or even better TI. 24K is pure gold and it is in it's softest form. 10K is mixed with more metals to make it harder. Good luck!!
 
I think some of the 24k kits out there are plated by holding the brass kit over
a picture of a golden sunset.

The sad part is that from the manufacturing standpoint, the cost of plating with 24k
gold or ti gold is almost the same. They charge us triple or more because we pay it.
 
Well the 24kt Diplomat did not fare any better it acutally wore out faster so Iam going to upgrade to Gold TI and hope this works. Unless someone else has any experience for me I think my client has a high acidity in him causing this so I am open to any and all suggestions.
 
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