Should I be weary?

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Dustygoose

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I want to step to the next level of pens and I like the look of the Jr. Gent from CSUSA. That being said, I also look at various sites for the best pricing. I have been bit once ordering from someone else and I will not mention the name.

So, my question is this: Should I stay away from this one even though it claims to be a Jr. Gent?

http://thevillageworkshop.net/JEWELRY.aspx

I notice the drill bit sizes are different too. It's about halfway down the page.

Thanks Joe
 
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Don't know anything about that site but I would spend my money where I feel safe with it. Vendors/members from this site are much more trusted by me.

Landon
 
Holy Cow, that seem pretty cheap fora a Jr Gent. Something is surely different about it. I think YOU should dry it and than report back!
 
The current jr doesn't have those platings. Is it possible this is the old Jr Gent, not the current Jr Gent II?

Personally, If your looking for a small number of them, I'd go to exoticblanks. You can get better pricing on small numbers than direct from CSUSA.
 
Based on those drill bit sizes, that is a Baron (or Navigator, as Woodcraft calls it). Very similar to a Jr. Gent, but a hair smaller in diameter, the lower barrel doesn't taper, and it has black threads instead of matching plated threads like the Jr.
 
If you like the non postable version. Ernie at Beartooth has the best deal going. He sells the Vail kit. Only difference is the cap has a little more meat on it. Takes 10.5 mm and 12.5 mm drill bits. Also rollerball and fountain are the same price. There was a review someone did a few weeks ago you could look at.
 
I found that old post I remembered! Major accomplishment for me before coffee in and of itself. Check this out.

http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=59863

I would say YES! be very wary. There are very poor quality knockoff jr gent kits out there. I don't know if these are the same ones as Max got stung on, but I wouldn't risk it. If you do, be sure and let us know how it works out for you.

James
 
jskeen said:
I found that old post I remembered! Major accomplishment for me before coffee in and of itself. Check this out.

http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=59863

I would say YES! be very wary. There are very poor quality knockoff jr gent kits out there. I don't know if these are the same ones as Max got stung on, but I wouldn't risk it. If you do, be sure and let us know how it works out for you.

James
Click to expand...

I agree. Its a Rhizeng knockoff.. I saw they were selling them for ~3 bucks... I was TEMPTED to order one, just to verify, but then common sense kicked in and I realized " that if it sounds too good to be true...."

"... you're about to get ripped off"
 
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There is more than one vendor overseas attempting to wholesale "Jr. Gents". Of course, this will screw everyone. CSUSA has given the penturners a GOOD Jr. Gent, but if that name is used for inferior products, what will become of its "good name"?

If you buy from Exotics, we guarantee you will be happy with the kits. But then, I have MADE pens for many years and I know what to look for. Other sources may tell you their pen is "good enough" for the money you pay. So, select your source based on YOUR expectations.

I believe a number of the pens being offered are the old Jr. Gent I series---but I can not prove that--yet.

BTW, at the right price, that was NOT a BAD pen. But if its the same price as the Jr. Gent II---not such a good deal.

ASK the source for more information---NOT is it made in China, but do the threads work smoothly? Can I return them for full refund if I don't like them? Has the "source" ever assembled one? Does the brass fit the fittings? You know, the "highly technical" stuff!!

FWIW
 
Man, talk about jumping the gun......... you guys take the cake! One person references another semi-related thread and everyone starts hollaring "cheap knock offs, be wary" without knowing one single fact about "THE VILLAGE WORKSHOP"!

Now I understand how easily the tar and feather mobs got started up back in the day! :eek:

What on the site mentioned above leads anyone to believe this site is selling cheap knock off kits? According to the their contact page they are located in Bella Vista, Arkansas and provide priority mail shipping. I entered one Sierra kit and it showed $4.95 shipping and 20 kits showed $7.50..........so it's not a front for some mysterious Chinese knockoff company overseas!

I think Alphageek asked the right question... could this Jr Gent be the old original Jr Gent as offered by Craft Supply years ago? I do know from conversations a few years ago that the tube sizes for the Jr Gent and the Jr Gent II were indeed different. And as for the other kits, could they just be older versions as well?

If you click on the "Pen Kit Instructions" tab then click on Jr Gent instructions, up pops the instructions from Craft Supply for their Jr Gent kit copyrighted in 2004!

Notice I did not say Jr Gent II which has been the current Jr Gent kit offered for several years.

This site might just hold some real bargains, I'm especially intrigued by the "Gunmetal/gold" Sierra's at $6.25, cound this be the same kit as what we are familiar with, the "Black and gold titanium kits at almost double the cost?

Joe, my advice would be to contact the folks at the website you mentioned and ask THEM your questions and voice your concerns with THEM. Obviously you have gotten some bad advice here in my opinion!

Edit: Ed posted while I was typing, he's got some good advice!
 
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Rizheng is actually selling a jr gent 1 model ($2.85). They also have the sierra gun metal and chrome ($3.31).

As for The viilage workshop, it's hard to say who's kit he his selling as he is showing berea image and PSI instruction for the same kit (Bracelet assistant). So is he showing CSUSA instruction for the jr gent 1 and selling the Rizheng kit?
When things are not clear, i stay away or i ask the seller to clarify as i usually end up loosing.
 
I see everyone is concerned about the kits offered by me...The Village Workshop. The Jr. Gent is indeed the old version (1)...no longer produced by CSUSA. The instruction sheet has been modified slightly but the copyright is intact giving credit where it is due. When styles are dropped by one manufacturer rights can be obtained to reproduce it by another. It is available in a 24k gold plating and Chrome plating. So far no complaints on the kit. I back all of my products 100%...So in the future instead of going off half cocked in posting comments, just feel free to come to the source and ask me. I have sold thousands of kits over the years and established a faithful customer base. I wouldn't have lasted if I sold inferior products. I haven't seen any comments about anyone using my products, that were dissapointed. If you know of any let me know, I would love to speak with them. Hope this helps clear up any confusion about The Village Workshop.
 
Hey, I never said "those are junk, don't buy them". I even specifically said "I don't know if these are the same ones". He asked "should I be wary (spelling assumed) I said Yes, I would.

Having Heard from The Village Workshop, I'm quite pleased to be able to get the original jr gent (1) kits again, at a good price and in a good, but inexpensive plating (chrome).

I know that Bella Vista is not a large Community, and I recall having seen the name before and I think I recall that somebody there was associated with penturning, if not with this site before. Gary, would you be willing to disclose some personal information and verify if you have been a contributor to this site before under a different account? I fully understand that even in a small community there may well be several penturners, and that more than one may even be a member here. I am asking simply because if you have in fact posted here before using a personal account, it would give us a little more history and probably some gauge of your experience level as a penturner. Not that it is necessary that you are, but it may help.

Some more detailed pictures of the kits you are offering would also be helpful.

In any case, welcome to the IAP and please do not take any opinions I posted earlier personally.

James
 
thevillageworkshop said:
I see everyone is concerned about the kits offered by me...The Village Workshop. The Jr. Gent is indeed the old version (1)...no longer produced by CSUSA. The instruction sheet has been modified slightly but the copyright is intact giving credit where it is due. When styles are dropped by one manufacturer rights can be obtained to reproduce it by another. It is available in a 24k gold plating and Chrome plating. So far no complaints on the kit. I back all of my products 100%...So in the future instead of going off half cocked in posting comments, just feel free to come to the source and ask me. I have sold thousands of kits over the years and established a faithful customer base. I wouldn't have lasted if I sold inferior products. I haven't seen any comments about anyone using my products, that were dissapointed. If you know of any let me know, I would love to speak with them. Hope this helps clear up any confusion about The Village Workshop.
Click to expand...

I'm big enough to apologize when I make a mistake (it actually keeps me pretty busy sometimes :wink: ) I in no way intended to disparage you or your store.. my intent was more to ensure you ask the right questions before you plop down your money, so you don't get screwed in the long run.. Sorry if it came out wrong..

Keep up the good work!

Mike
 
I have shopped with The Village Shop many times and have always gotten good service. The kits and parts that I have purchased have been good quality and have worn well and gone together easily. I have used them since I began turning over three years ago and before I had heard of any other vendors, even PSI or CSUSA. I have recommended them many times and never heard anything negative about them.
 
I think I would order one set. That way I could see first hand what the quality is like, how good service is, if shipping is reasonable, etc, etc, etc. Then I would make the pen and carry it every day for a month.

That gives me first hand information and allows me to judge for myself. I have done this with every new vendor and have rarely lost a lot of money. A problem for someone else just might not be a problem for me...and vise versa.
 
ironman said:
if its a csusa kit the platings are the best i think. i have had lots of problems with platings from berea adn psi
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That seems odd since PSI uses the same manufacturer as CSUSA for their better kits and more then likely for their low line kits as well . They both use Dayacom for their better line kits so the platings are the same
 
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