Posts by reudaly:
[Pen/Pencil Review] Sharpie Goes Sherpa
It’s been one hot minute, hasn’t it? I have so many pens and pencils to review – and so much guilt for not doing it. Guilt that I’m trying to let go of by getting started once more. I need to just do it. So, okay, we’ll start slow, maybe not every week again at first, but I’m setting that intention. It’s been way too long, and I’m tired of circumstances dictating what I’m able to do.
So, getting started again. Back in the day there Paradise Pen Store existed and they made Sharpie Shells. These Sherpa Shells were a $20-$50 cover for a Sharpie some limited edition, some not. They also worked on some other pens. I love the 4 to 6 that I have. But…Paradise Pen company went away. Someone else may have picked up Sherpa, but I’ve lost track. Then at Target a few weeks ago, I found this package.
Sharpie has been trying to do stainless steel versions of their products with varying success. This is a steel case, like the Sherpas but with the Sharpie logo. It’s 5.75” long capped, just over 5” uncapped, and 6.25” cap posted. Where it differs from the Sherpas of the day, is that there’s no “neck cap”, just a metal collar that keeps the Sharpie secure in the cover. The cap is slightly sturdier plastic with a metal clip
Why do you need this since you have to put regular Sharpie in it? You don’t. Not really unless you’re concerned about destroying a Sharpie? It is definitely built to take a beating. It makes the barrel a bit thicker for MAYBE more comfort in writing. The package runs $12-$13 with the case and 5 Sharpie fine point markers – which is SO MUCH cheaper than the Sherpas, so you don’t have to worry about scuffing up a limited-edition case.
The Numbers.
1. How does it work? – 1 – I am not going to knock off points because I was a bone head trying to put it together. It does what it’s designed to do – make an ordinary Sharpie more durable?
It has a good weight and balance.
3. Material – 1 The barrel is steel. The cap is hefty plastic. It feels solid and rugged.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s a well-put together idea. I suppose there are those who want a nicer looking Sharpie, and these give you that. And they probably make them a lot more comfortable if you use Sharpies for autographs or other long-term use. But it’s not “pretty” like the others.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – The package is $12-$13 for 5 markers and the case. The case only works for the marker and not other pens, and I’m not sure the thing is necessary except for hard use? The materials are solid enough that it’s probably worth the cost if that’s what you’re looking for.
New Year…It’s All About Heart
This is a life update story. And it might border on both TMI and TL:DR After 3 years of adulting (and yes, and adulting sucks), I finally found out something I’ve been struggling to learn. I finally, finally Know what’s been going on with what I thought was my Dad’s heart valve AFib. After THREE […]
[Pen/Pencil Review] A Slow Return — the Dallas Pen Show
It’s been a long time since I’ve done any kind of blog. There’s been a lot of–stuff. A lot of stress. Maybe some fog from some low-level anti-depressants I took for some menopause symptoms that failed. But now SOME things are settling down (others will be a constant thrum for the next year to 18 […]
New Beginnings
I’ve started Day Job 2 this week. I have a great team. It seems like an encouraging environment. Everyone is excited to have me and my skillset (I am trying not to let Imposter Syndrome come knocking). There’s a lot of information flowing right now that’s a touch overwhelming, but that will ease off in […]
[Life Update] It’s Been a Minute
It’s been a minute. I apologize for dropping off the face of the internet. I fully intend to get back to pen blogging. There’s a lot to catch up on — pens, and life. First of all, I’ve struggled with fiction writing over the last several months. Every time I’ve gotten started on a project, […]
[Write the Story] The Hottest Day of the Year
The very last page of the Write the Story Journal. I’ve done every page in the journal. It’s taken longer than I anticipated or thought it would — but I have finished. Prompt: The Hottest Day of the Year Words: suspense, dogwood, speculate, playground, peel, avenue, moderation, classical, yummy, bluster Story “Where are we going?” […]
[Write the Story] A Wedding Reception for Hundreds of People
Prompt: A Wedding Reception with Hundreds of Guests Words: war, nag, omit, Ramadan, downpour, vouch, loop, gridlock, allegro, Filipino Story “Who serves Filipino food at a wedding reception?” Heddy sniffed in her wine glass. “How about the millions of people who live in the Philippines?” Mark glared at Heddy. “If you are going to complain […]
[Write the Story] Follow the Main Character Through a Day with NO Dialog or Direct Interactions
3/5 — only two left of this project. This is coming out a little early because… vacation. Whee! Prompt: Follow the Main Character Through a Day with No Dialog or Direct Interaction Words: sociopath, buzz, mend, geyser, awl, consent, diner, second-hand, vice, wane Story Daveed wiped the awl clean and hung it in its place […]
[Write the Story] Old Friends Meet Over Coffee
Prompt: Old Friends Meet Over Coffee Words: Algonquin, amazement, elm, tobacco, hiss, digress, echo, immense, quiet, opaque Story “How’d you find this place?” Sharon had to raise her voice over the hiss of the espresso machine. “The Algonquin Coffee Company was on the Bucket List Top 10.” Rachel handed Sharon a bowl sized mug of […]
[Write the Story] Retired Veterans Telling Their War Stories
I’m getting back to it. There are only 4 more exercises after this one. I am going to finish this project this year! I am going to. Prompt: Retired Veterans Telling Their War Stories Words: internment, fret, kneel, fasten, drizzle, nursery, abundantly, scarce, discourteous, grant Story “…We had to do everything we could to protect […]