Double Cross//Trouble with the trick

The solution is what the tutorial suggests: replace the ink cartridge.

I picked up the Double Cross because the guys in the Telegram group recommended it. I also saw a comment from Nick Locapo, one of Penguin's resident magicians, where he mentioned he tries EVERY trick in the world, and if he had to take one to a desert island, he'd pick this one.

Personally, I don't think it's all it's cracked up to be, nor do I think the gimmick is well-made. Among other reasons, it's for the very issue you've experienced: the ink dries out because the cap isn't properly sealed, and it can leave you high and dry at any moment.

But hey, if you want to fix it, you've got 2 options:

• Put a few drops of alcohol in the cartridge, let it soak and regain its moisture. Clean off any excess ink, and it'll be recharged.
• Buy some black permanent markers (they don't have to be Sharpies) at your go-to budget store that are the same size, then follow the tutorial's instructions. Open them up, take out the cartridge, cut it to the same length as the original Double Cross (I'd cut it a few millimeters longer because the cap will flatten the cartridge), and insert it into the gimmick. Test it out, wipe off any ink, and you're good to go.

Hope that helps!

If you can, get a new refill or soak it in alcohol for a few hours. The downside of this gimmick is that the marking tip doesn't fit well and even falls off, so you can lose it. It's a shame because the effect is very strong.