I was wondering if the apprentice kits from CSUSA are good pen kits or cheap ones? What are some of the pros and cons of these kits? Is it better to buy these kits or the higher priced versions of these kits?
Thanks.
The apprentice line is priced at a point much less than the "regular" items
that they mimic. The apprentice line is "cheaper" if you will in terms of fit,
finish, rough edges, lower quality refills in some cases that I have seen.
I have noted that there are cases where the drills, bushings, tubes, etc.
are also different. That alone would cause me to take pause and question
what exactly the apprentice line is. They are obviously not the same thing,
just made to a bit rougher tolerance or standard or plating change.
The apprentice line may well make servicable pens, and do well.
My perspective is that if I am going to take time to make a top quality
set of blanks, to the best of my ability, then I do not wish to use cut-rate
hardware to complete the pen. If I like a particular style, then I get the
best component kit for that style.
If I were in a production mode, selling tons of pens, I might consider the apprentice line. But I'm not.
Consider the use, is it a volume sale pen, a giveaway, a promotional item being ordered at a low price point, a daily driver, a gift to a loved one, a work of art that you hope to get top dollar for...those all can requuire much different views on what is needed to meet budget, or no concern at all on price.
My 2 cents.