Pin Grading Scale

Pin Inspection Process

At kisaキサ most of the pins we sell are graded based on the condition we receive them from the manufacturer. 

We inspect the pins either under natural light or a 4000K lamp that imitates natural light. The pin is held at about 1.5 feet away and the front is checked for gouges, scratches, off-colors, scuffs, and other defects. We gently run our fingers over the posts and the sides of the pins to check the posts. The pin is then lightly polished and checked again for any missed defects

Most of the inspection process is based on the front of the pin and the backs of the pins receive almost no scrutiny. We grade our pins by hand and mistakes are bound to occur. Please keep in mind that no pin is perfect and we do our best to ensure that you get the best product!

 

Standard/A-Grades

Standard grade pins are graded based on their front face. These pins have few to no flaws that are perceivable at 1.5 feet away under light. They may have some minor blemishes that can show up under bright light or under close inspection. These flaws include

  • minor air bubbles
  • minor enamel under fill
  • minor imperfections in the metal plating
  • surface scuffing or light scratches on the enamel or metal
  • small, singular nicks on the enamel or metal
  • minor paint pooling on screen printed pins
  • some areas of missing plating on sides of pin
  • some areas of enamel spillover on sides of pin
  • encased posts with slight wiggle
  • minor offset in screen printing
  • minor plating imperfections in a small area

 

Seconds/B-Grades

Second tier pins have blemishes or scratches that are somewhat noticeable under normal lighting and are perceivable at 1.5 feet away. They are ideal pieces for daily wear or on items that can get scuffed easily such as backpacks and lanyards. These flaws include

  • moderately scuffed enamel or metal
  • imperfections on the metal plating over multiple areas
  • multiple air bubbles in the enamel
  • missing metal lines
  • missing screen printing
  • enamel staining on sides or back of pin
  • overfilled enamel that floods some metal lines
  • small gouges or marks on enamel
  • large areas of imperfection of the metal on the sides of the pin

These pins may contain any combination of these blemishes and the blemishes should not be obvious at a quick glance. 

 

C-Grades 

These pins are not sold and will instead be given out as freebies for future kisaキサ events. They have obvious blemishes that are seen at a quick glance.