Apprentice Jr Gentlemen's Pen (CSUSA)

[Andrew_K99]

Has anyone had any experience with the Apprentice Jr. Gentlemen's kit available at CSUSA?

The price is quite attractive for trying out a few capable kits.

AK

 

[Steve Busey]

Andrew, I have a concern with the Apprentice kits' durability of finish. It's cheaper for a reason. If you just want to practice assembling the kit, go for it. But be aware it may not bring you repeat business if it doesn't last long in the customers' hands.

 

[Andrew_K99]

Thanks Steve, if others say the same thing I won't bother; I'll just go for the Jr gent II's.

 

[Akula]

I like the Chrome ones...they do seem to hold up much better than the gold. I have a couple here over a year (?) old that still has a nice bright finish with no flaking. One sits on my desk and gets used a lot by everyone....gets knocked around, dropped and works every time. Replaced the ink once in that time.

I might skip them for a customer but as far as freebies they are great.

 

[Finatic]

Plating on mine after 4 mos. is holding up well. Fit and finish is as good as any in the price range.

 

[joeatact]

Use the chrome ones they seem ok after 6 months so far. Good for their price range.

 

[firewhatfire]

I just finished 2 of the Chrome ones and posted here, look at A house divided al/au. I have not had a problem with them so far.
http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=79989

Phil

 

[RDH79]

My opinion POOR

The 24K scratch before you can get them made and the chrome seem ok but what I have issues with is the black painted threads. After only a few times postting the cap the paint is coming off. I made afew and stopped. But thats just my opinion.

 

[EBorraga]

The 24K scratch before you can get them made and the chrome seem ok but what I have issues with is the black painted threads. After only a few times postting the cap the paint is coming off. I made afew and stopped. But thats just my opinion.

I really like the chrome version. As for the thread issue, I make them closed end to eliminate that problem

 

[Smitty37]

Gold TN

With a little looking you can find Gold TN and Chrome Jr Gent 1 kits (comparable to the kit you mentioned)for probably around the same price or a tad cheaper when shipping is included. No wear problems. 24Kt gold will not wear well nomater who you buy it from and how much you pay.

 

[maxwell_smart007]

I think Chrome is the most durable of the cheap platings...I don't see any reason to use 24k gold, and I don't think 14k gold is much better...if it was solid 14k gold, that would be different, but the plating is super thin, and very soft (being gold).

Go with chrome,

Andrew

 

[Ruby pen turning]

The chrome is descent but the gold scratches if you look at it wrong. Also sometimes the parts need to be sanded on a disk sander or whatever you might have to get the paint off so they fit into the brass tubes or you will crack your hard work. Sometimes the parts are a little loose.