I just boxed up my pen to send out. I have been involved in several swaps, and I have enjoyed each and every one, but I struggle with each one too. Each pen I make for a swap, I seem to go over it and over it. I know that it is going to another pen maker, most likely with much better skills than mine. I try to make each pen the best I can, but I especially want to make the swap pens well. Everyone I have swapped with has been very gracious, but I always seem to get a much better pen than I send out.
This is the reason I haven't done a PITH yet, my skills are not acceptable to me yet....never mind the 'eye of a master'. Now if we could pick a 'level'(pro's for the pro's, intermediate for intermediate, etc....)
Scott (got a ways to go here) B
This is the reason you SHOULD do a swap. I have received several fantastic pens, far better than the ones I send out, I do find the partners preference as to type, Roller Ball or Fountain, and always use a nice kit and wood, usually a Statesmen or Gent, and some scarce timber, BUT they are pretty much just Nice pens.
I've gotten back every thing from segmented pen done with aluminum feathers in a killer magnetic box, A scratch made Stainless steel pen from Australia, and just lots of very nice pens, One Ehh but the guy had only been turning a short time, IT'S still in my Special display.
I don't care what I get, the true joy of a PITH or any swap is Doing it, and trying your best. even if it's just a very nicely done Slim Line. as long as you put a little love in the pen. that makes them special!!
And forget the class thing, been tried and so what, you can learn buy looking at what you receive, and by pushing your limits, getting more proficient does not come from staying in your comfort zone, it takes stepping off into the void, and hoping there's something there to hold you up. If you try, you will if you don't try you will still get somewhere, and the one after that well who knows.