I use John B ink and bare Fingers and hand ,seem to me I have better control of the contrasts . as a retired plumber ink is kind o nice for a change.YMMV
I get beading tools from Gesswein in 100 packs, depending on the steel I have use one tool on a complete job other time broke a bunch LOL. Good luck
just like gravers they are consumable tools
There is a guy in Seattle who does this kind of work, but his name escapes me Might try Internet search
Maybe Chastine Charles SP?he also makes armor for movies