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Pens "At-a-Glance" and Pen Finishes 101

Over the last four years, I have realy expanded the pen and pencil styles that I have to offer. During this time, I have been researching and learning a lot about the parts I buy, how they are made, and what makes each pen unique. I thought that my customers (and potential customers) might also benefit from what I have learned. Below are three charts that should help you navigate my website and answer some questions you might have.

"At a Glance" Pen and Pencil Styles
	Cartridge	Length	Style	Pencil	Ball Point	Gel Style	Rollerball	Fountain
Executive	Parker Style refill	5 1/8"	twist	x	x	x
Slimline	Cross style refill	5 1/4"	twist		x
Stylus	Cross style refill	5 1/4"	twist		x
Teacher	Cross style mini refill	5 3/4"	twist		x
Tycoon	Schmidt Ceramic Rollerball refill	5 1/4"	screw cap				x	x
Mesa	Parker style refill	5 1/4"	twist		x	x
Aero	Parker refill	4 7/8"	twist		x
Diva	Parker style refill	5"	twist		x	x
Vertex Supreme	Schmidt Ceramic Rollerball refill	5 5/8"	magnetic cap				x	x
Princess	Parker style refill	5 1/2"	twist		x	x
Breast Cancer Awareness	Parker style refill	5 1/2"	twist		x	x
Majestic Jr.	Schmidt Ceramic Rollerball refill	5 5/8"	scew cap				x	x
Majestic Squire	Parker style refill	5 1/4"	twist		x	x
Art Deco	Schmidt Ceramic Rollerball refill	6 1/2"	screw cap				x	x
Art Deco (Twist)	Parker style refill	5 1/4"			x	x
Nouveau Sceptre	Schmidt Ceramic Rollerball refill	5 7/16"	screw cap				x	x

Pen Finish Options
	Gold	Chrome	Gun Metal	Titanium Gold	Black Titanium	Platinum	Rhodium	Upgrade Gold
Executive	x	x	x		x		x
Slimline				x	x		x
Stylus	x	x	x
Teacher	x	x
Tycoon	x	x					x
Mesa	x	x	x			x
Aero	x	x			x
Diva				x			x
Vertex Supreme	x	x	x
Princess	x	x
Breast Cancer Awareness	x	x
Majestic Jr.					x		x	x
Majestic Squire		x		x	x
Art Deco					x		x	x
Art Deco (Twist)					x		x	x
Nouveau Sceptre					x		x	x

Wear Resistance Ratings for Pen and Pencil Finishes
Finish	Industry Rating	Description
Rhodium and Platinum Series	5 stars	This is one of the most durable of the precious metals and used on premier pens. This series of plating is truely premium and is expected to last a lifetime.
Titanium Series	5 stars	This is another superior finish and is very popular for high quality pens as it is less expensive than the Rhodium and Platinum Series.
Chrome	4 stars	This is an extremely long wearing plating capable of resisting everyday wear and tear. This is very popular for items that are used on a daily basis such as pens, pencils, and key rings.
Gun Metal	4 stars	This is an extremely long wearing plating capable of resisting everyday wear and tear. This is very popular for items that are used on a daily basis such as pens, pencils, and key rings.
10kt	3 stars	This is a popular plating that blends gold and hard nickle to create a durable and affordable finish.
Satin Series	2 1/2 stars	Satin finishes undergo a special plating process that produces a matte finish that produces a slight texture that looks and feels great. Thiese are great alternatives to traditional finishes.
Black Chrome	2 stars	This is another alternative to traditional finishes, and works well with lighter colored blanks.
Copper	2 stars	This is another alternative to traditional finishes, and offers a warm color. Because copper is a soft metal, this finish is covered with a clear epoxy layer to increase wear resistance.
24kt Gold	1 1/2 stars	Manufactures produce many 24kt finishes with various levels of 24kt Gold. Because gold is a soft metal, all the pens I sell include a thicker layer of 24kt plating, and a clear epoxy layer to increase wear resistance.