What are your thoughts of the Sierra Pen Kits?

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GPDMTR25

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I would like other opinions on the Sierra Pen kits. I find that it's a popular style pen but I have had problems with their plating. Several companies sell this style (wall street, Gatsby) but I was wondering if anyone knows if only one company makes them or several. I know several companies sell them but is there only one company that plates them? Has anyone else had a problem with the plating? Dose anyone like a similar style like the PSI Majestic Squire (I don't like the majestic so I haven't purchased the squire) or CSUSA Aero? What are your thoughts on the Sierra Kits?

Thanks
Angela
 
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I have made a ton of Sierras and have not had any problems with the better platings. I stick with only the platinum/black titantium or platinum/gold. None of the ones with the black front. I now pretty much only use the Elegant Sierras and really like them.
 
I do have a few of the chrome and the cheapest gold but rarely make them anymore. The gold plating will buff off with strong hand buffing if one is not careful. But generally, I only make those that Curtis noted.
 
I sell a lot of the Sierra kits as well and have not had any problem with the plating coming off. The only kit I've had problems with the plating is the comfort grip 24k.
 
I've had a problem with one of the lower end Sierras where the black plastic part separated from the nib. The nib just slipped out and there appeared to be nothing to retain it.

My preference is the Dayacom Elegant Beauty because it's fit and finish is great and at finished dimensions, the turned material is thicker than what's required for the Sierra.

John
 
I wasn't able to turn last year because of back surgery and still won't until summer is over with here. Previously, I turned alot of Sierras and didn't see a problem, in fact, I have kept a chrome Sierra in my purse for about 2 years. However, LOML grabbed a gold plated Sierra from my stash about a year ago and I have noticed the finish is gone, I hate that and it makes me feel bad that I have sold some of these. When I start turing again, I will only use the chrome Sierras as my lower end kits and start ordering the higher grades, no more gold plated for me.
 
I continue to have good success with the chrome finishes at the bottom end and do most of the work with the Titanium finishes because I have a black TI finish pen that I have had in my pocket through numerous refills and 4 years of wear.

Several of the finishes have a thin clear finish over the plating (powder coat or similar) that seems to be quite durable where the chrome or Ti platings are not available (Berea Tool Pen for example) - they are OK -- but I avoid them if possible because of durability concerns.

I have a few copper sierras that find I am avoiding -- will have to use them with experimental projects and displays I guess -

Every one likes the Elegant Sierra -- hard to beat the success with that pen.
 
I love the Sierra line. They are easy to make because of the one tube and with all the better platings it is worth the extra money spent. I have just ordered some Majestic squires so I will be trying them in the near future. They all have the better platings too so that should not be a problem. I also started doing the sierra clicks and will absolutly continue to use these too. I use the uniball replacement refills though because I do not have to use that little adapter piece and those uniballs write so smoothe. I highly recomend that line. I stay away from the PSI versions though that is why I am a little skeptical on the majestics. But time will tell on those. Have a great turning day.
 
I stopped using the regular gold plating after I saw a couple of customers that use their pens daily and I was not happy with the way the finish looked. I asked them all for their pens back and redid the pens for them with a higher end plating. These people are my best advertising and I was embarrassed by the pens as they were, of course there was no charge for the upgrade. The elegant Sieras seem to hold up better so far.
 
Cheap platings are just that....cheap. That's on any kit, not just sierras. They're pretty much popular everywhere for everyone. If you want them to last and look good forever, get the better platings. I use mostly Berea's ones, no complaints. The Majestic Squires are nice too, but be aware they are thinner and require all different drill bits, bushings, and tubes. But, the actual finished thickness of the material when turned is thicker than that of the sierra....better for acrylics and resins if you're trying to get 'depth'.:bye:
 
wolftat said:
I stopped using the regular gold plating after I saw a couple of customers that use their pens daily and I was not happy with the way the finish looked. I asked them all for their pens back and redid the pens for them with a higher end plating. These people are my best advertising and I was embarrassed by the pens as they were, of course there was no charge for the upgrade. The elegant Sieras seem to hold up better so far.
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You are a credit to all of us penmakers. I do the same. In fact. I had left one with a lock smith and wasn't happy with how far the ball point end protruded. I went back and told him about my feelings and he agreed. Together we went into his work shop. We took the pen apart and I used his vise to squeeze the transmission in futher. Made him and me a happy camper. The adjustment was probably 1/32 of an inch.
 
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Sorry I should have mentioned, but I really didn't want to mention a company name, the only problems I have had with plating is with the Berea Sierra kits. I have problems with the nibs on two of their Sierra Elegant Beauty Black Titanium and Titanium Gold. I didn't notice it immediately so didn't return them The next order I checked upon delivery and noticed I received 2 of their regular (black tip) platinum with very poor plating. This time I returned them immediately. They sent me new ones but never reimbursed me for postage or even said sorry for the incontinence. I asked for postage back, they said OK but I still haven't received it. They also said they order and mail so many items out that they can't be expected to check every item they mail. This is why I was wondering if they are the only ones that import them. I like the style, it's very popular and I used 2 chrome Sierras all the time, never with an issue. That's why I was wondering, if anyone knows if only Berea makes them or does several companies make them. I know several companies sell them but is there only one company that plates them?

Thanks everyone.
 
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