I have just received a new Monteverde wild stripe, quite cute, but it was generously loaded with a cartridge in the base of the barrell (unknown to me) and now I can't get it out to put in the covnverter (my preference). Any ideas?

I had that happen with a Retro51 -- whacked it on my hand a few times and it came out.

No, that's not working.

Swearing at it isn't working either!

You could pierce the end of the cartridge with a corkscrew and pull.

Might be messy!

Regards

Richard.

That would work, but a sheetrock screw would be better - very sharp point and quite narrow. Just hold the open end straight up until the cartridge is removed, and you should be OK.

That's the advantage of having ex-hospital gadgets lying around! A long-nosed forceps as used to pull things out of kids' noses and ears would be ideal. as a last resort you could take the barrel to your doctor or vet?

Probably not being very helpful here so I'll go away...

Anyone else hoping the end of the working day would come round faster?

cork screw good idea but barrell too narow. I'll have to go to the hardware store for a sheet rock screw. Thanks for the ideas.

What I'd try is forming some kind of sausage out of Blu Tack or attaching a ball of Blu Tack to a long thin stick and trying to get the cartridge attached to that in order to pull it out. This'll only work it it's not too badly stuck, though.

FINALLY!

It took the screw, then a drill bit (manual turn), and about 30 minutes of turning, swearing, pulling and twisting, and then, bit by bit, out it came!

Word to sellers from this weary customer: if you send a pen overseas, don't leave a full ink cartridge inside the barrell!

Thanks again for all your advise.