I've seen people write names along cutting sides with a sharpie permanent markers.
It is easy to keep track of the cuttings since you see which is which, esp if you have several varieties in a rooting box.
Are the sharpie traces harmful in any way (meaning chemicals or else)?
Anybody found any side effects?

Also, do the writings fade over time? How quickly?

Thanks!

Sharpie permanent markers are not very permanent.  For something that will last quite a while, use acrylic paint pens like http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003IG6N1S/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  (not sure if that's what Drivewayfarmer uses).  I don't think any of them will cause any troubles because of chemicals, etc.

Greenfig just make sure there not oil based paint markers they don't work if there is the least bit of moisture on the cuttings its basically oil and water they don't mix get the water based paint markers.

I have been using the Sharpie "silver metallic" markers on my cuttings...it gives a bright, visible identification on my cuttings...it's permanent enough, in that it will last until the cutting is rooted(using either spagnum moss or root riot method)...once it is up potted then the cutting is identified by plant markers or tags...I was looking at the paint pens when I first started searching for markers, and they probably are more permanent...but I found them quite expensive compared to "Sharpie" markers.

don't let the cutting sniff that stuff too long. they might grew funny figs :)

Yeah, plain old Sharpies don't last long in high moister area, esp when rooting...  I marked all the cuttings I got form Jon with black sharpie, then happily mixed them together in the same rooting bin.  2 weeks later, I could only still read about 2 out of 13.  I was only able to sort them out because I know I only had 5 varieties, how many of each I had and able to make partial identifications of some of the names and deduce the rest.

I definitely need to get one of the acrylic pens above.   Thanks!

Hmm, I'm not sure now, I've been using a couple of different Sakura pens for a while and believe somewhere along the line I read that they were acrylic, but it might have been a different line.  I have been using these pens (linked above) for writing on tags, etc. for some time and they are very durable (fade resistant).  Some of the other paint pens I've used required pumping the tip which eventually plugged up while these have been easy to use. I really don't believe there is sufficient quantities of anything to pose any risk to the cutting or us humans.  I just searched and saw this on their site: http://www.sakuraofamerica.com/product-safety

Personally, I don't write on the cuttings except in some rare situations.  I'm putting cuttings in the little individual rooting bags and putting a pot stick in them with the name written in pencil.

I have been using an acrylic paint marker made by Elmer's called :
Painters -opaque paint markers.
The white seems to show best .

This is an article about the most resistant paint markers.
http://sneakers.about.com/od/howtocustomizesneakers/tp/paintmarkers.htm

Hope it helps

I've been using the Elmer's brand Painters that Kerry mentioned above for some time now. These have worked very well for me. The fine point seems to be the best size tip for writing on cuttings. My favorite colors are white, red, and blue. I use the white for the cuttings and the red & blue for writing on old pieces of window blinds, that I break into appropriate lengths, for use as pot markers.

I can't comment on the other types that some have mentioned since I haven't used those. But if you use the window blinds as markers, a good ol' pencil seems to be one of the most durable things to use. I prefer the "painters" for this because they show up better, but pencil is still a great standby if you don't have the markers.

I've been getting the Painters from Wal-Mart in the crafts department. You can get them individually or in 5 packs. Here's a link that shows some pictures of what to look for:  https://www.google.com/search?q=painters+paint+markers&hl=en&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=bdxRUYeSDpGO8wS5ooHICg&ved=0CFwQsxg

Thank you all for suggestions!
I just ordered from Amazon the Elmer's brand Painters in basic colors (k,w,r,b,g):
http://www.amazon.com/Elmers-7519-Painters-Bright-Fine/dp/B000BRBZVU/ref=pd_sim_ac_4

I don't know what is the bright vs. opaque difference but the bright should work fine, I think.

I opened an account at Grainger (no cost, but you need a business/business name) and purchased 1" x 1 3/8" silver metal tags with wire.  A box of 100 was $21.17 plus tax and they ship/deliver them (quickly) to the local store if they aren't in stock.

With a cheap letter punch from Harbor Freight, I am hopefully good for all of my future-fig label needs <g>.

The item number is 9DY35.  These don't show up on the website, but calling the local store/800 number will allow them to place the order for you.

Andrew