timberbits
Member
David:
Additionally, I don't know how true the story may be, but I was told that about 2 years ago, that Rizheng took a stab at the Artisan line and failed. Therefore, The Artisan line went back to Dayacom.
They are moving down the path of the EB, Up-range Cigars, Full size Gents (Chairman) and JR Gents.
They are trying to imitate the Emperors and Lotus with different engravings but I think they will have problems with the platings side of things.
It's extremely frustrating when you spend $20+ on a kit and end up with fur and dust marks all over the plated surface.
The plating standards in Mainland China are still not up to scratch with the quality being produced in Taiwan and Japan. Japan is not doing much these days due to power restrictions.