Ted iin Michigan
Member
I'm always in the market for a new style and thought these might be worth a try. Ordered and received quick.
Observations:
1 - The PSI catalog ad says 3/8" tube. INCORRECT. It's actually an 8mm. Fortunately the starter kit and instructions are okay.
2 - There has been discussion (here) on weight. The finished pen (I used wood on all 5 I made) weighs about 12-13 grams (approx. 1/2 oz) more in the brass and stainless versions. The other 3 are aluminum or anodized aluminum. The aluminum versions are lighter than the other pens I make by about 12-13 grams (approx. 1/2oz). I don't see this as a bad thing. Some customers ask for a lighter pen.
3 - The click mechanism is a German "engineered" (not necessarily "made") Schmidt device. On inspection, it appears simple and precise. In operation it is very smooth with no audible click. I really like it and hope it can be adapted to other mfrs. It is, however, a lot shorter than the mechanisms that are currently being used. That presents an issue I'll discuss.
4 - The overall length of the pen (refill extended) is just over 5 1/2" which is consistent with most pens except the "Sierra"-style (LeRoi, Gatsby, etc). Those are shorter - maybe 3/8". In any case, a "refill extender" is included with the EDC to keep the length at 5 1/2". The extender adds 1/2". The extender can be eliminated if the tube is shortened but that would make the pen 5" long. Pretty short IMHO. I see this as a potential issue but, hey, we are turners. Can't we help a customer out by turning a replacement?
5 - The clips and click buttons are all bright steel or "chrome". I'm thinking it would be better if they matched the metal on the rest of the pen (brass, black, etc). I know, I know, more $ on an already expensive pen. But, to my eye, it looks "patched" together on the brass and anodized aluminum versions.
6 - The knurling is markedly softer on the stainless version. Because of that it is the version I prefer. The harsher knurling on the other styles seems a little harsh to me.
7 - Overall, I'm liking this pen. We'll see if it sells enough to get more.
Observations:
1 - The PSI catalog ad says 3/8" tube. INCORRECT. It's actually an 8mm. Fortunately the starter kit and instructions are okay.
2 - There has been discussion (here) on weight. The finished pen (I used wood on all 5 I made) weighs about 12-13 grams (approx. 1/2 oz) more in the brass and stainless versions. The other 3 are aluminum or anodized aluminum. The aluminum versions are lighter than the other pens I make by about 12-13 grams (approx. 1/2oz). I don't see this as a bad thing. Some customers ask for a lighter pen.
3 - The click mechanism is a German "engineered" (not necessarily "made") Schmidt device. On inspection, it appears simple and precise. In operation it is very smooth with no audible click. I really like it and hope it can be adapted to other mfrs. It is, however, a lot shorter than the mechanisms that are currently being used. That presents an issue I'll discuss.
4 - The overall length of the pen (refill extended) is just over 5 1/2" which is consistent with most pens except the "Sierra"-style (LeRoi, Gatsby, etc). Those are shorter - maybe 3/8". In any case, a "refill extender" is included with the EDC to keep the length at 5 1/2". The extender adds 1/2". The extender can be eliminated if the tube is shortened but that would make the pen 5" long. Pretty short IMHO. I see this as a potential issue but, hey, we are turners. Can't we help a customer out by turning a replacement?
5 - The clips and click buttons are all bright steel or "chrome". I'm thinking it would be better if they matched the metal on the rest of the pen (brass, black, etc). I know, I know, more $ on an already expensive pen. But, to my eye, it looks "patched" together on the brass and anodized aluminum versions.
6 - The knurling is markedly softer on the stainless version. Because of that it is the version I prefer. The harsher knurling on the other styles seems a little harsh to me.
7 - Overall, I'm liking this pen. We'll see if it sells enough to get more.