[Pen/Pencil Review] The Sharpie Sherpa with Racing Flames
This is a quick and dirty pen blog – because it’s been that kind of Monday. It’s a follow up to the Sharpie Sherpa post – I did get the fountain pen insert from Paradise Pen Company. So I could use the Year of the Dragon Sherpa. I’m not as afraid of messing it up now. I’ve really been using the heck out of the thing.
I did buy another fountain pen insert, but decided after the ink ran out that I would try this is one with one of the other pens that are said to fit into the Sherpa. Right now I have the Uni Ball Vision Elite BLX red/black in it – because, you know, flames. I may try signing with it at WorldCon next week, though I tend to like my Sharpie Stainless Steel pens for that – and alas THOSE are too short for the Sherpa.
I actually find it comfortable to write with. There’s still the issue of the cap flying off when you post it if you’re not careful.
For those who aren’t aware of them, these are decorative cases for – first Sharpies – and now they fit other pens as well – and Sherpa makes some of their own refills (in fact, just discovered they have fountain pen refills for the Sherpa Shells. Sherpa has been around since 2008. Being a shell, it’s a bit longer and wider than a typical Sharpie. The shells run about 5.75″ cap and 5.63″ with the cap posted.
It’s was a good investment, and a fantastic compromise between really, really wanting to use this Sherpa and wanting to keep using the Stainless Steel ones. So, when it comes to this, I’m stoked.
The Numbers.
1. How does it work? – 1 – It’s comfortable with the roller ball insert. I do like it.
2. Look and feel – 0.5 – I wish I could give a 0.75 – because the grip is a bit thick for my taste but it has a good weight and balance. The roller ball sits more firmly than the fountain pen does, so the spring it gone .
3. Material – 1 It’s enameled metal, probably stainless steel, but I don’t know for sure. It feels solid and rugged. See the review of the BLX for that part of it. I’ve had this in my purse for about a month with nary a ding.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s a well-put together idea. Now that it’s an open edition and I don’t have to worry about whether I still have ink, I’m using it more. It’s pretty darned comfortable.
5. Price Point – 1 – I like this pen cover enough that I’m not going to totally pan the price – this Sherpa costs about $30… BUT with the ability to change out the inserts at will, it’s a totally refillable and customizable pen worth the investment.
4 out of 5 bronze pencils.
