I use to buy some of PSI kits (titanium gold slims and euros) that use the "cross" type refills and they definitely lasted longer than a week. Maybe you got some old stock that were duds. I believe, as with the printer cartridges that you get with a new printer, the amount of ink in the refill with the kits is less than with a replacement refill. You may want to consider upgrading your refills to the Private Reserve brand for cross and parker style refills. IAP members have them for sale here at Exotics http://www.exoticblanks.com/index.p...rt&page=shop.browse&category_id=129&Itemid=60 and here at Indy-Pen-Dance http://www.indy-pen-dance.com/Pen-Refills/. Both Ed and Mike provide some good products and service.