For what it is worth, after making over 600 pens, I would recommend the Post Graduate vs the Graduate, only because the Post model uses the Parker refill instead of the Cross type in the Graduate. The overall size of the pen is a bit larger, and to me, has a little nicer appearance, even though it was modeled after the Graduate in the beginning. As to the blanks, if you are wanting to use solid colors, Woodturningz sells PSI units in Inlace Acrylester, and I have used them for several years without a hitch. If you want to use a more swirled, pearlescent type of color blank, there are many good vendors out there; I find a larger variety through Exotic Blanks. These comments are purely my opinion, and I hope it helps.