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How do you store your pen spare parts, ink converters, etc.? My wife finally managed to get me to clean up some of my mess, ahead of friends visiting (which is quite rare for us). I have boxes of pen spare parts, standalone or replacement nibs and nib units, dip pen handles and nibs, ink cartridges and converters, tools (such as tiny wrenches) for pen maintenance, water brush pens, a stamping kit to produce an outline image on swatch cards, makeup applicators for swabbing ink, display stands for (photographing) swatch cards, surplus Chinese pens, dedicated cheap pens for holding certain iron-gall inks and pigment inks so that they're always on the ready, etc. All of which, until recently, used to sit in a precarious pile (or ‘tower’) on one of the unused dining chairs, and it's hard to either move them or hide them away from sight all at once. Just as well that I also have a hoard of ‘spare’ storage boxes, document trays, etc. This one proved suitable beyond my expectations, even though of course it couldn't hold all of that type of bits and bobs; I still have dozens of new Sailor, Platinum, and Pilot converters, as well as retail boxes of ink cartridges and new surplus (not just Chinese, but also Japanese and European) fountain pens filling up mini-crates and crammed into a huge drawer elsewhere. Take a guess how much stuff it holds for me! This is not nearly the “all laid out” view, when there are stacks and layers inside the smaller boxes themselves: All of the plastic boxes shown were bought in Daiso, with the exception of this one:

I have tried several systems for making ink samples and after a few trial starts, I have decided on a version I think will suit my needs. I will need 2 different types of paper. I am planning on: 1) Making half page writing samples on normal letter/print paper. 2) Making my own sample cards about the size of a baseball card for swabs. So I am looking for both regular paper for writing samples as well as a heavier card stock type paper for the baseball cards. I look forward to your suggestions and expertise in starting with the right paper. Thanks, Cabbie

Just received a transparent Jinhao 599 green demonstrator and looking for ideas or suggestions for green inks to try before selecting it's permanent filling partner. Wondered what green inks users here would suggest. What were their favorites? Ones they had the most fun with or ones that work well for everyday use without feathering and bleed through. I'd appreciate sample writing or even swabs in the inks you're discussing and a bit of feedback on why you suggest the ink, who made it, and what it cost you. So far I have no green inks except Emerald of Chivor, which doesn't really shine in medium pens or those that aren't especially wet. So looking for options. Any input and suggestions are welcomed and Thanks in advance for any help. Looking for a good ink to fill this beauty. Currently Considering: J Herbin apple green scented ink. For fun and the scented aspect. Lamy Lime green cheap and fun.

When reading ink reviews I notice many people do ink swabs - I have been wondering if those of you who do ink swabs on occasion have a prefered method? I know you can make swaps using the back of the nib, q-tips and a piece of cardboard, but I feel somewhat uncomfortable sticking the later two into a bottle of ink, the cardboard especially (since I would need to cut it into pieces first with my sweaty little paws ). Do you remove some ink from the bottle using a syringe first? Currently that's what I consider doing, even when a bit more ink is lost that way. Also, what method gives the best results (in your opinion)?