billspenfactory
Member
Somewhere a while I saw a ranking of the kits from best to worst. I have looked in the library and other places but can't find it. Does anyone know where I can get this info? Thanks
You can find several general rankings of finish by durability. blog.woodturnerscatalog.com/2012/09/pens-and-platings/ has CSUSA's thoughts....My own experience is Rhodium, Gold Tn and Black Ti are the most durable followed by Chrome, Black Chrome and Gun Metal....with Copper, gold and silver least durable but usually have a clear coat of epoxy applied over the plating that extends their life somewhat.Not looking a kit ranking just the finishes ie Rhodium, Triv, Gold, Gun Metal, Chrome.... someone listed them awhile back.
A interesting note Andrew is that Trivalent Chrome is used mostly for environmental and safety reasons, I am not exactly sure why but it is considered more environment friendly and safer for workers than hexavalent chrome probably because the vapors are less toxic. Some manufacturers always use it even if they don't advertise that fact. I was getting it from one of my sources long before I knew what it was. EPA in the USA might require it on Chrome plating done here. I don't think there is any real difference in wearability.trivalent chrome - a darker chrome finish.
I find chrome to be unbelievably long wearing...I categorize them into two - finishes that I find acceptable in terms of wearability, and ones which are unacceptable.
Acceptable: Rhodium, Platinum, Chrome, Gold Titanium Nitride, gun metal
Unacceptable: gold, copper, black painted stuff (like on the regular sierra)
Unaware: I have no experience with any others, so I'd have to try them out for a while before deciding where they go on my list