Here is some more ink / ink sampler info ...
(edit: added levenger)
Ink Samplers
1- DCBluesman here
I think Lou is mixing up sets of Private Reserve ink catridges and selling them.
You'll have to search here.
2- Pear Tree Pens
I think someone posted about this. Its 4 inks of your choosing, for $4 ... comes in 4 vials (not cartridges)
3-Fountainpennetwork.com
... has an ink "exchange" program. They post which bottles of ink they ahve and exchange small vials of ink with each other. Of course, you've got to use your pump/converter -- these aren't ink cartridges.
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=127
4- Diamine inks
I've not seen these available from the US places I buy ink, but Diamine produces "sets" of ink (cartridges, bottles)
See:
http://www.diamineinks.co.uk/items.aspx?Category=66&id=0
This seems ripe for a "group buy" to save shipping costs.
5- Levenger
These stores are around in nicer malls and online.
Their cartridge sampler pack is $12. See
www.levenger.com
Ink - extra info for which you didn't ask
If you know how a fountain pen works, you tend to want some nicer inks - for flow, useability, etc. Read some of fountainpennetwork.com's "Inky Thoughts" forum to get some info on various inks, colors, etc.
Our pens need "international" cartridges. There are a few types of cartridges that are weird (won't fit but only their pens): like Lamy.
There are some nice manufacturer's inks: Waterman, Parker, Aurora.
They are nice enough. Aurora Black, e.g., is well thought of as "the" black ink.
Private Reserve is very popular, large range of colors.
The pack of cartridges are about $6. When I sell a fountain pen, I tend to give a small sampler of a couple Private Reserve cartridges.
Noodlers is popular with some folks. I think they're in New England. I have yet to try them.
Diamine - I can never find. Maybe I should order online. *shrug*
J. Herbin is harder to come by (for me). I've only found their Verde/Green ink locally.
From a local Boston pen/ink store, I hear J. Herbin has had problems keeping their suppliers stocked.