I make lots of pens. I don't do these for a living; it's really just an enjoyable pastime. In fact, I refuse to start selling them, as I believe that would be the surest way to ruin a perfectly good hobby. I simply make them as giveaways for relatives, friends, clients and coworkers. If you have received one from me, here is your "instruction manual."

Not surprisingly, a hand-made writing instrument isn't a terribly high-maintenance item, though there are a few things to keep in mind. If your pen is comprised of wood, remember that this is a natural material, with its own unique characteristics, and even some flaws. Wood can change in dimension and finish due to factors such as temperature, light, and moisture. Some kinds of woods can change colors from exposure to the environment, and certain species can even develop small checks or cracks. Wood is, by its very nature, an imperfect substance. But with proper care and maintenance, your pen should give you a lifetime of writing pleasure, or at least a lifetime of utility. I'll leave it up to you to decide what your expectations from a pen should be.

Storing your pen.

When not in use, keep your pen away from heat, excessive moisture, and direct sunlight. Heat can damage the finish and possibly distort or crack the materials in your pen. Moisture can distort or swell wood and can corrode internal mechanisms. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage the finish and alter the color of some kinds of wood. Never store your pen inside vehicles, as the resulting heat and sunlight may damage it. Carrying your pen in a trouser pocket with car keys, loose change, etc., is a really bad idea. These pens are designed to be carried in a shirt pocket (the slimmer styles), or used at your desk. There are nice leather carrying pouches available for those who wish to keep their pens protected while stashed in purses or trouser pockets.

Cleaning your pen.

Use a soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth to wipe the pen's surfaces. A clean, dry, soft cloth or lens-cleaning tissue works well for this. NEVER use cleaning fluids, solvents, compounds, or abrasives, as these may damage the finish of the wood, and possibly the plating on the hardware. Wood finishes can be rejuvenated by applying a small dab of paste furniture wax with a clean cloth.

Replacing your pen's ink cartridge.

All of the pens I make use commonly-available ink cartridges that can be obtained in any office supply or stationery store. If in doubt about what cartridge your pen uses, bring along the old one when shopping for replacements to make sure you get the right kind.

"Slimline" checkbook ballpoint pen: Firmly grasp the top and bottom sections of the pen and pull the sections straight apart, being careful not to lose the center band. Unscrew the old cartridge from the bottom section and replace with an equivalent cartridge. Carefully press the two sections back together. Uses a Cross® type ballpoint refill.

"Euro" twist style ballpoint pen: Firmly grasp the top and bottom sections of the pen and pull the sections straight apart. Unscrew the old cartridge from the bottom section and replace with an equivalent cartridge. Carefully press the two sections back together. Uses a Cross® type ballpoint refill.

"Cigar" twist style ballpoint pen: Unscrew the conical metal tip of the pen. Carefully remove the old cartridge (don't lose the spring or the little spacer ring!) and replace with an equivalent cartridge. Replace the conical tip. Uses a Parker® type ballpoint refill.

"Bullet" twist style ballpoint pen: Unscrew the metal tip of the pen. Carefully remove the old cartridge (don't lose the spring!) and replace with an equivalent cartridge. Replace the conical tip. Uses a Parker® type ballpoint refill.

"Classic" screw cap rollerball pen: Unscrew the metal tip of the pen. Carefully remove the old cartridge (don't lose the spring!) and replace with an equivalent cartridge. Replace the conical tip. Uses a rollerball or gel refill.

"Gentlemen's" rollerball pen: Unscrew the metal tip of the pen. Carefully remove the old cartridge (don't lose the spring behind the cartridge!) and replace with an equivalent cartridge. Replace the conical tip. Uses a Schmidt #888 or #5888 rollerball refill, or equivalent.