I was lucky enough to get one of the first "new beasts". It is awesome as would be expected from Ken. He fitted it with a great handle. It works well for pens too, because of it's size, it is easy to be too aggressive with alternate materials. Beside that, I really like a bigger lathe tool, and this certainly fits that!!! I have both the original and the "beast", I like having two of the tools so I can have one with a scary sharp insert and one a little worn...mostly cause' I'm cheap, and I like to use the duller one to rough. I have also just recently started to turn bowls, and while I have had this since I started and have little to compare it to, I think it is awesome.
Ken is awesome to work with and is very accommidating. I know that no one will regret buying any of the line-up. :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin: