Lee Kebler
- Comment
RNT2 - Silver Paul Fox mini cups
I have, for a while, been an emphatic user of the RNT2 copper Paul Fox mini cups (Zimmerman legacy). They are by far one of my favorite sets I own. They are a great size for the hand and provide a good looking style to a close up (very close up) cups and balls routine. In fact they were instantly my cups of choice when I went to the IBM convention in Nashville TN in 2009. Needless to say they work very well with the routine I developed and they are always with me when I travel (very compact size makes this an easy carry on with my laptop).
When I found out RNT2 (Buckley Legacy) were coming out with an argentium silver set with a mirror finish, I knew they would be great. As soon as it was posted on their site, you could here magicians shaking piggy banks across the globe. Over time I finally was able to get my hands on a set, and they are truly incredible.
The features are seemingly identical to the copper set when it comes to size and feel, but there is just "something" to the sound of real silver (coin guys know exactly what I'm talking about). From my understanding the silver used is also resistant to tarnish and needing to be cleaned often, but only time will truly tell. So far they look brand new, and that's saying something since I can't seem to put them down.
The biggest surprise to me was the cost. It amazes me that Donnie Buckely hasn't raised the price of these since the day he posted them. After receiving the cups, I had a long conversation about these cups with him and he was very straight forward about there not being a real profit margin due to the initial cost of silver and the work it takes to produce. The fact that they haven't increased in cost as silver prices have sky rocketed is a real attribute to Donnie and his roll in the new RNT2. I asked him "well, why did you make them?"… his response "I wanted a set and I thought they would be really cool". It's always good to love what you do more than why you do it!
I hope he doesn't mind me revealing the inner dialog of our conversation, but it really proves where his reasoning is when it comes to RNT2. Per that conversation he let one little tide bit slip, he said he only had 5 sets left and due to silver prices rising, chances are that will be it for the foreseeable future. Glad I got my set! I ran the silver to dollar ratio to the weight of the cups and once you factor the value of the raw material, these cups are really inexpensive! In fact, after silver value is deducted, they are cheaper than all the other PF mini cups, except that plain copper set, and I suspect that will change in a matter of weeks with the silver value increase rate. I'm not suggesting these cups as a silver investment, but the numbers are sure interesting. I'll be sad to see these have the "out of stock" red text next to them for so long once the last set is gone.
To wrap up a really long review, these cups are great to use and to look at. I suspect they will be with me for many a trip… just not anywhere too dangerous, sorry Canada I'll be bringing my copper set.
-Lee
http://www.outofsleight.com