REVIEW: The NEW Stainless Steel Sharpie

[PyroJames]

REVIEW: The NEW Stainless Steel Sharpie


Sharpie publicity photo

From Sharpie’s official US website:

Introducing our most luxurious Sharpie® marker ever

• Stainless steel barrel design with Sharpie logo laser etched on barrel
• Unscrew ink cartridge to replace with Sharpie ink refill cartridge (ink refill cartridge reorder #1751000)
• Fine point tip size for marking and writing
• Marks on most surfaces
• Fade- and water-resistant ink encourages multiple project uses
• Quick drying, AP Certified Nontoxic formula


Blister packaging; Sharpie Model #1747388

The SS (Stainless Steel) Sharpie made its first appearance earlier this year when they were exclusively given out to celebrities as party swag during the week of 2009 Academy Awards.  Sanford (the company that makes Sharpies) also announced that this new Sharpie would be available to the public at some US retailers as early as March 2009.  Canadians have been waiting and drooling over this for months but only recently have they started appearing in retail stores north of the border.  I’ve been keeping my eyes wide open for this beauty ever since I first heard about it way back in March.  This week, I was finally able to get my hands on one… or two.


Size comparison (from top to bottom): Sharpie Metallic, original Sharpie and Stainless Steel Sharpie

OK, let’s get down to business with this review… the stainless steel Sharpie is the same length as regular Sharpies but is slightly (very slightly) wider in size.  The additional size is not much to worry over but nevertheless, it’s still noticeable.  Despite the small size increase and full-body stainless steel housing, the SS Sharpie is only a tiny bit heavier than regular Sharpies yet is still just as comfortable to hold and write with.  Currently, the SS Sharpie is only available in a natural, brushed steel finish.



To replace the ink cartridge, simply remove the click-top cap, unscrew the old cartridge insert and insert a new ink cartridge.  The ink cartridges screw into the threaded marker barrel so there’s no chance of them accidentally falling out.  The refill insert is slightly shorter than a regular Sharpie so you can expect the reservoir to hold a fair amount of ink.  To prevent them from drying out, replaceable ink inserts each have a cap that secures over the marker tip when not in use.
 


To make sure that everyone knows that you’re using a Sharpie, the name is laser-etched onto the barrel of the marker.  The barrel of the marker is very stylish and unlike regular Sharpies, is clutter-free of text.  With this Sharpie, you know Sanford wanted a sleek and premium look to it.  (I must say, they pulled it off quite nicely.)



Quality-wise, this is a well-built marker!  The stainless steel housing is remarkably strong yet its strength doesn’t add too much bulk to the size and weight.  The weight difference between this and a regular Sharpie is almost negligible.  I haven’t put the marker through a rigorous testing yet but I’m sure it will hold up extremely well to EDC.  The ink cartridge screws in almost seamlessly and the fit and finish is excellent.  Like a Cold Steel Sharkie, this SS Sharpie can also be used as a self-defense kubotan.


Refill Model #1751000

In terms of price, the stainless steel Sharpie has a MSRP of $6.99 USD for the pen and $1.99 USD per refill.  I paid a regular price of $7.50 CAD for the pen (about $6.85 USD) and $1.95 CAD for a refill ($1.78 USD).  Some retailers are already marking the price up as high as $15 to $20 for the marker so buyer beware.  Shop around and you’ll definitely find a better price.  Currently the marker is only sold in cardboard blister packs and one marker includes one black ink insert.  Black ink refills are currently sold in blister pack singles (see above photo) and are only available in fine-point tip.  If you prefer your Sharpies to have a medium, thick or even chisel tip, don’t worry.  The beautiful part about the stainless steel Sharpie is that the ink refill can be swapped out so perhaps in the future we’ll see replaceable ink inserts in different colours, inks and tips?  Maybe Sanford will also release special edition Sharpies with titanium, carbon fiber or even gold plated barrels?  If this Sharpie becomes a best seller, I can see Sanford expanding this product line.



So is this Sharpie really worth buying?  I personally love this Sharpie and think the idea of a replaceable ink cartridge is great but it may not be right for everyone.  When you look past the executive style, stainless steel body and modern finish, it’s really just a simple Sharpie marker that you paid $7 for.  It’s not limited edition, there are no electronic components or multiple functions and it’s really no different than the Sharpie you may have in your desk drawer right now.  If you’re totally happy with your regular Sharpie markers, you may not want to upgrade to this one at all.  The replaceable insert is approximately the same price as a regular Sharpie marker so some people may be just as happy to buy regular Sharpie markers instead of spending extra money on a stainless steel barrel and then buying refills for the same price of a regular Sharpie.  Regular Sharpies are also more worry-free.  I can use, lose and abuse them without too much concern but with this new Sharpie, I’m less inclined to let it out of my sight.  On the plus side, it definitely gets plenty of compliments and double take glances from people.

If you rely on felt-tip markers a lot in your daily life, just want to add a touch of class to your EDC marker pen or LOVE Sharpies in general, this stainless steel Sharpie is for you.

Pros:
-   Replaceable ink refills
-   Stainless steel body
-   Reasonable price
-   Excellent fit and finish
-   Looks great!
-   Not heavy at all.

Cons:
- Only black ink and fine-point tip available… for now.

Hopeful:
-   Different colour refills in the future?
-   Different thickness of tips in the future?
-   Different types of ink in the future? (Dry board erase, non-permanent, metallic, etc.)
-   Premium and more exotic Sharpie barrels in the future? (Carbon fiber, titanium, etc.)

[Mr. Whippy]

What did you think of the barrel threads?  There have been disparaging comments about poor quality threads on the barrel.

Nice review.

[Pacu]

think ill try one as i use a dura-mark every day.

[Sea Monster]

What's the deal with Sharpies anyway?
do they really work any better than other markers?


I use Lumocolour, Pilot, & Artline markers, all of which work superbly.

[PyroJames]

What did you think of the barrel threads?  There have been disparaging comments about poor quality threads on the barrel.

Nice review.

The threads on the barrel are actually well done.  It holds the refill tightly in place with no play at all.  I haven't had any problems with the threads on my SSS yet.

Here's a pic of the threads:

[Freudian Frog]

OH MY GOD I WANT ONE.

[Tinnie]

Nice review!

I really want one of these, but I doubt they have made it to Australia...yet

[Tinnie]

OH MY GOD I WANT ONE.

You say that to everything OLF

[Freudian Frog]

OH MY GOD I WANT ONE.

You say that to everything OLF

So I want a little bit of everything, anything from with that?

Don't we all?

[PyroJames]

What's the deal with Sharpies anyway?
do they really work any better than other markers?

I use Lumocolour, Pilot, & Artline markers, all of which work superbly.

I LOVE Lumocolour.  I've been using Staedtler Lumocolour for decades now and have used it more than Sharpies.  I think my brother got me hooked on Lumocolour.  They're a tad expensive, though.

[Nutznboltz]

Nice write up Pyro.  I've use Sharpies alot in my job and at home, this would make an excellent companion for my ss Mont Blanc roller.  Where did you get yours from?.

[PyroJames]

Nice write up Pyro.  I've use Sharpies alot in my job and at home, this would make an excellent companion for my ss Mont Blanc roller.  Where did you get yours from?.

I picked mine up locally at a GT here in Toronto...  haven't found them anywhere else yet.  Before I found them, I was thinking about buying one from eBay but with the marked up prices and cost of shipping to Canada, I would've paid over $20 USD for one marker.  

[PyroJames]

So I want a little bit of everything, anything from with that?

Don't we all?

Nothing wrong with that at all.   

[crocodilo]

Very good review, thanks. However, I too (probably being european) still don't quite "get" the Sharpie. What is it that so many people use it for? Is it a permanent marker? What kind of surfaces does it write on? Is it erasable (or cleanable). Excuse my ignorance, and eventually my drifting away from the topic at hand.

[nuphoria]

It's a Sharpie and it's stinaless stell - that is more than enough to give me an excuse to buy it! I have been going on about these from the minute they announced their existence... still haven't got one 

No-one seems to have them in the UK yet 

[AHB]

That's a "need to have"... 

[Grant Lamontagne]

A Sharpie is a brand named permanent marker- it's basically the Cadillac of markers and has a nice fine point that you can use to write on almost anything.  Unlike other markers they don't dry out quickly so it's not one of those things that you buy and it's usable lifespan is half gone right out of the box!

It is "just" a permanent marker the way Leatherman is "just" another tool company!

Def

[Benner]

It's a Sharpie and it's stinaless stell - that is more than enough to give me an excuse to buy it! I have been going on about these from the minute they announced their existence... still haven't got one 

No-one seems to have them in the UK yet 

I do! (I know that's not what you meant  )

I love mine as well.    Feels very well made and looks awesome 

[gafftapegreenia]

I picked up one of these about a week ago. I love the thing, it feels incredibly well made. I showed it to a colleague and she immediately went out that night to get one.


My other favorite Sharpie item right now is the Sharpie PEN. It's permanent like any other Sharpie but doesn't bleed on paper. They just started making them in retractable form, which is great. My complaint on the "capped" ones was that the plastic used to make the cap was too brittle and broke. But, a retractable Sharpie pen with a pocket clip - doesn't get any better.

[665ae]

Is that a tactical Sharpie!?!

[PyroJames]

Unlike other markers they don't dry out quickly so it's not one of those things that you buy and it's usable lifespan is half gone right out of the box!

Sharpies also have a stronger felt tip.  With other markers, the felt tip eventually flatten and frays from use.  I have yet to experience this with a Sharpie.

[gafftapegreenia]

I've always found sharpie's a little easier to revive after being left uncapped and unused for a short period of time.

[Nutznboltz]

Unlike other markers they don't dry out quickly so it's not one of those things that you buy and it's usable lifespan is half gone right out of the box!

Sharpies also have a stronger felt tip.  With other markers, the felt tip eventually flatten and frays from use.  I have yet to experience this with a Sharpie.

Not based on my experiences, the tips are just as vulnerable to flattening just like any other markers out there.  I've worked in a maintenance dept. and we use sharpies all the time, I've seen them worn to a rounded nub in a very short period.  They also dry up if the cap is not securely replaced.  The ultra fine tip on the Sharpie Twin is the worst for drying up.  I've had them dry up on me in a week on multiple occasions.  But for some reason they are still regarded as the standard for permanant markers. 
I think their popularity is largely contributed by the fact that Sharpie has a very public image.
It's the writing implement of choice used by celebrities for autograph signings whether it be on photographs, sports memorbilia or book signings.

[GraysonK]

I picked up one of these about a week ago. I love the thing, it feels incredibly well made. I showed it to a colleague and she immediately went out that night to get one.


My other favorite Sharpie item right now is the Sharpie PEN. It's permanent like any other Sharpie but doesn't bleed on paper. They just started making them in retractable form, which is great. My complaint on the "capped" ones was that the plastic used to make the cap was too brittle and broke. But, a retractable Sharpie pen with a pocket clip - doesn't get any better.

The Sharpie Pens are my absolute favorites!  I have them everywhere and use them all the time.  I haven't seen the retractable form yet, but I'll be getting them soon if I can find them.  They are really awesome little pens.  I use the mini Sharpie markers on my badge at work and keep one on my keychain too.  They are extremely handy.  I can't wait to try the SS one.

[PyroJames]

I picked up one of these about a week ago. I love the thing, it feels incredibly well made. I showed it to a colleague and she immediately went out that night to get one.


My other favorite Sharpie item right now is the Sharpie PEN. It's permanent like any other Sharpie but doesn't bleed on paper. They just started making them in retractable form, which is great. My complaint on the "capped" ones was that the plastic used to make the cap was too brittle and broke. But, a retractable Sharpie pen with a pocket clip - doesn't get any better.

The Sharpie Pens are my absolute favorites!  I have them everywhere and use them all the time.  I haven't seen the retractable form yet, but I'll be getting them soon if I can find them.  They are really awesome little pens.  I use the mini Sharpie markers on my badge at work and keep one on my keychain too.  They are extremely handy.  I can't wait to try the SS one.

I haven't used the Sharpie pens yet.  How do they feel when compared to rollerball pens?

Not based on my experiences, the tips are just as vulnerable to flattening just like any other markers out there.  I've worked in a maintenance dept. and we use sharpies all the time, I've seen them worn to a rounded nub in a very short period.  They also dry up if the cap is not securely replaced. 

Sharpie tips do eventually round from heavy use but they still hold up quite well.  With other markers (like Lumocolour), the tips break and fray like a used paintbrush.  Maybe it's because the tips are too long and thin?  I have never had a Sharpie tip break apart on me yet.

[GraysonK]

I picked up one of these about a week ago. I love the thing, it feels incredibly well made. I showed it to a colleague and she immediately went out that night to get one.


My other favorite Sharpie item right now is the Sharpie PEN. It's permanent like any other Sharpie but doesn't bleed on paper. They just started making them in retractable form, which is great. My complaint on the "capped" ones was that the plastic used to make the cap was too brittle and broke. But, a retractable Sharpie pen with a pocket clip - doesn't get any better.

The Sharpie Pens are my absolute favorites!  I have them everywhere and use them all the time.  I haven't seen the retractable form yet, but I'll be getting them soon if I can find them.  They are really awesome little pens.  I use the mini Sharpie markers on my badge at work and keep one on my keychain too.  They are extremely handy.  I can't wait to try the SS one.

I haven't used the Sharpie pens yet.  How do they feel when compared to rollerball pens?

Not based on my experiences, the tips are just as vulnerable to flattening just like any other markers out there.  I've worked in a maintenance dept. and we use sharpies all the time, I've seen them worn to a rounded nub in a very short period.  They also dry up if the cap is not securely replaced. 

Sharpie tips do eventually round from heavy use but they still hold up quite well.  With other markers (like Lumocolour), the tips break and fray like a used paintbrush.  Maybe it's because the tips are too long and thin?  I have never had a Sharpie tip break apart on me yet.

For the most part, the Sharpie pens feel very good.  The only other pen I use is a Zebra F-701 so my experiences are limited but, they flow pretty well.  Occaisonally you feel a little bit of drag with the sharpie pen not bad. And they don't bleed or run, even if you write really small which I do.  I hope that answers your question.

[ducktapehero]

I used to want one until I got a Super Sharpie. Now THIS is a marker. Bigger, heavier and the ink lasts forever. Plus if need be I'm sure it would work just fine as a kubotan.

http://www.sharpie.com/enUS/Product/Sharpie_Super_Permanent_Marker.html

[gafftapegreenia]

You ain't had a Sharpie till you've had this bad boy

[Gadget Guy]

Nice review, Pyro!     For the $$$ I think they're great!   

[PyroJames]

Thanks GG.    For the $, I love it too.