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The Sharpie Pen Grip – Evolution of the Sharpie Pen

Felt and Plastic Tip — 18 November 2009
The Sharpie Pen Grip – Evolution of the Sharpie Pen
The Sharpie Pen has evolved, now we have the Sharpie Pen Grip

The Sharpie Pen has evolved, now we have the "Grip" version

The Sharpie Pen Grip is a new version of the Sharpie Pen that seems to have taken a bit of the original Sharpie Pen and a bit of the Retractable Sharpie Pen to create a hybrid that seems to address some of the feedback and issues that people had with those previous versions.  Hopefully this review and the pictures will help you determine if this is the holy grail of Sharpie Pen for you, or if you would rather stick to one of the previous versions.

The Sharpie Pen Grip reveals the reason for its name

The Sharpie Pen Grip reveals the obvious reason for its name

One of the frequently heard issues with the original Sharpie Pen was that the grip section had a sharp edge on it that made it a bit uncomfortable to write with, so when I saw this new version I was pretty excited to see that this issue was obviously being addressed.  The picture above with the cap removed reveals the longer grip that also has a nice rubber coating for additional comfort and traction.  This grip is much thinner than that of the Retractable Sharpie Pen, and seems to be a happy medium between it and the original version.

Something else that is a nice improvement over the first version is that the cap posts much more snugly on the back of the pen.  The original version has a small round peg on the top that you need to precisely line the cap up with to place it on, and it only slides down about 1/3″, although it is fairly snug.  With the new version, the wider opening of the cap slips right over the tapered back-end of the pen, and slides down much further for a much more secure feeling.  Having the ability to slide it down further does create a more secure feeling, but I do notice that the plastic on plastic is a tiny bit slick feeling, so although the cap posts much further down, there does seem to be a minimal amount of slip in there, but I don’t think it will become unposted while writing.

Close up of the texturized grip section of the Sharpie Pen Grip

Close up of the texturized grip section

If you have used or seen the retractable Sharpie Pen, you will know that the grip section on it is basically just a smooth coating of rubber.  The new Sharpie Grip has a rubber grip that is of almost the same exact length as the one on the retractable version, but it has a very faint texture to it, which makes it just a bit easier and more comfortable to hold on to.

Comparison of the Sharpie Pen grip sections

Comparison of the point and grip sections of each version

In the previous photo, you can see that the grip version and the retractable version have similar tips, but are different from the original needle tip of the original version.  Personally I am fine with both styles, but to me the more important improvement here is the elimination of that sharp edge on the original, and the slightly thicker, but not TOO thick grip…seems to be a nice happy medium in terms of thickness, and without the discomfort of the original.  There does also seem to be a slight bit more control when writing with the thinner grip section as compared to the fat grip on the retractable version.

The color coded tip of the top and bottom of the Sharpie Pen Grip

The color coded tip of the top and bottom

Another nice feature of this version is the color coding of the top and bottom tips to indicate the color of ink.  On previous versions, the color was only indicated on either the top or the bottom, not both.  Having the small colored disc on both ends of the pen makes it a little easier to see which pen you are reaching for.  The colored disc is a little on the dark side, so it’s not totally easy to tell the difference between black and blue, but this is still an improvement.

Writing sample of the trio of Sharpie Pens

Writing sample of the blue version of each different style

Personally, I never saw a noticeable difference between the blue ink in all three versions of the pen, but I know that some other folks noticed this issue, so I decided to take a closer look at how they compare as seen in the writing sample above.  I am still at a point where I am not seeing any difference between the blue inks for any of these pens, however take a look for yourself, you might just have better eyes than I do.  Everything else about these pens is the same when it comes to them being permanent on paper, resisting smearing, and bleeding, and being acid free.  You pretty much have the same awesome writing experience here, just a slightly different body and feel to it.  One other issue that a few people have mentioned with the retractable version is that they thought it dried out or ran out too quickly.  I have not had these long enough to see if they run out quickly, but I’ve not had that problem with the previous versions, nor did I have the drying out issue.

I have not had a chance to try out the red or black version of the Sharpie Grip Pen, but I’ll have to assume at this point that those two colors perform similarly as well as the other versions.  My preference after using all three lies with the new enhanced grip version, the improved comfort of the grip and the nice balance between the thickness of the grip is great for my personal tastes.

You can pick up the three pack of these pens at Amazon.com right here in blue, and other colors and variations are also available, some are not shipping for a few weeks yet though.  In addition to that link, I’m also in the process of putting together a small store on the site  that you can access at the tab above labeled Buy OSG Approved Office Supplies where you can always go, if you are looking for some of the items that I’ve reviewed and think are worth picking up (this didnt work out at all…looking for an alternate solution now).  I’m hoping it can be a quick and easy way for the readers of this site to find their way through some of the not so great office supplies and to the cool and unique office supplies that only a true office supply geek would appreciate. ;)   Also, don’t forget to check out the official Sharpie site for much more information from Sanford on their new Sharpie Pen Grip.

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OfficeSupplyGeek

  • http://twitoaster.com/country-us/officesupplygee/ OfficeSupplyGee

    Review of another version of the Sharpie Pen http://officesupplygeek.com/pen-review/f… @sharpiesusan @bwdumars @SharpieWhit

  • http://www.penaddict.com dowdyism

    This looks like it could be the best one yet – great review!

  • bangmaster

    What a sharp looking pen!

  • SharpieWhit

    @OfficeSupplyGee The new Sharpie Grip Pen-Great Review, Thanks! http://officesupplygeek.com/pen-review/f… & Thx @bwdumars @dowdyism @futureNostalgic for the RTs

  • http://jennipearl.blogspot.com Jenni

    yay…..looks like it might work better for me!

  • Martie

    I can’t wait to try the pen and your store. There have been numerous times that I went looking for an item you had reviewed so I think that the store addition is a great idea. Kudos to whoever thought of it. :)

  • Liz B

    I’ve just purchased a retractable sharpie, and am quite pleased with the performance of it. I find that the ink tends to grey out a bit after I write, but it could honestly be the paper that i’m writing on as well.

    The only thing that Sharpie has left to do (and if ANYONE from sharpie reads this, please please :) ) is make these non bleeding pens in the “fashion” colours that you have in your marker sets. Those of us who love your quality would buy pen sets in those awesome colours yearly.

    Liz B

  • http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

    @dowdyism – It is a really nice pen with some of the best features of each pen. Thanks for the compliments on the review.

    @bangmaster – yes, it does look nice, I cant help but wonder what it would look like if they gave it the stainless steel treatment like they did with the regular Sharpie marker.

    @Jenni – I hope it does work out for you, if you end up getting one to try out, be sure to let us all know how you like it.

    @Martie – I think you will like the pen, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it though. Glad you like the store concept too, Its just so hard to sort through some of the not so great quality stuff on Amazon, so I thought Id just try and organize it all and make it easier to find. If do try it out, and have any feedback on things that could be done different let me know. I still have a lot of work to do in populating some of the items, its a lot of manual entry but Ill be adding more over the next few weeks.

    @LizB – I enjoyed the retractable as well, interesting that you have some of the same weaker ink issues. I have no way of telling if this version will be like that, but if I notice it ill be sure to update the review.

    Im all in favor of Sharpie adding their other colors to this line…we can wait and see, I do know that two folks affiliated with Sharpie saw the review, so hopefully your voice will be heard. :)

  • Monica

    Oh, man! I’m excited. Lol I think since this has a cap, it won’t have the drying out effect of the retractable… don’t really know why they dried out so quickly for my friends and I. I’m excited to get these.

  • http://doesthispenwrite.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/pen-review-sharpie-pen-grip/ Pen Review: Sharpie Pen Grip « Does This Pen Write?

    [...] Office Supply Geek has a stellar review of this pen for those looking for a more nuanced assessment. I found the review thorough, identifying and responding to the concerns I had about trying yet another version of the Sharpie pen. [...]

  • http://www.robotninjamonsters.blogspot.com/ Alberto

    Nice informative review! looks like a pretty good choice of improvements. Will look for it in stores.

  • http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

    @Monica – Hopefully you are right, if you do end up getting some for yourself, please come back and let us know how it worked out for you if you get a chance.

    @Alberto – Glad you enjoyed the review, and I appreciate the kind words.

  • http://www.eireads.com john

    Cool pen. You know fo Murphy’s law? basically if you go to the shop to buy it, it’s the ype you can’t find :(

  • ironknuckle

    I was REALLY excited when I saw this pen, because I thought that could simply take the refils for this pen and use them in the Sharpie Stainless Steel Marker. I was crushed when I discovered that this pen doesn’t use refils!

    Sharpie really needs to make “pen-like” refils for the Sharpie Stainless Steel Marker so that I can use that beautiful thing every day. Or better yet, just make this Sharpie Grip Pen in a stainless steel version. The outcome would be the same: perfection!

  • http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

    @john – I still have not seen these in stores yet, just on amazon, but I do know the feeling….frustrating.

    @ironknuckle – I’m with you, Id love to see refills for the Sharpie pens….and better yet, a stainless steel version.

  • wild violet

    I ordered these on staples.com and had them delivered to the store. I have yet to see them in any stores.

  • qapro67

    Hi all.. I just picked up a 3 pack of these at my local OfficeDepot for 7.99 last night. They are mostly plastic but look nice and expensive. Go gettem’!!

  • http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

    @wild violet – Yeah, I also have not seen them in any stores, just online.

    @qapro67 – Glad to hear that they have them at Office Deopt, and I agree, they are very nice looking. I remember initially thinking they would feel a bit heavier based on how they looked, but the plastic does make them feel pretty light. Happy that you are enjoying them.

  • wild violet

    Oh, it just figures! I’d been checking Office Depot because that’s where I’ve been finding the additions to the Sharpie pen line first. Glad to hear that they’re appearing in stores.

    Now, I wonder what colors Sanford will be adding to the line and when…sigh.

  • http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

    @wild violet – im keeping my eye out for additional colors too, but I have not seen or heard anything yet.

  • wild violet

    I just e-mailed the company about what’s in store for Sharpie pens. That’s how I learned about the addition of purple and orange. Sigh.

  • wild violet

    Here’s the reply that I received from Sanford:

    “Thank you for reaching out to us about our Sharpie® Pens. It brings us great pleasure knowing that you enjoy using our products. We always appreciate hearing from our satisfied consumers and thank you for taking the time to contact us. Please be assured that your comments have been forwarded to our quality control and marketing departments in regards to more colors!”

  • http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

    @wild violet – Thanks so much for keeping us in the loop with what you were able to find out. I’ve got a post coming soon up that hits on this topic, it wont bring more information from Sharpie, but just some of my thoughts.

  • wild violet

    You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to your post.

  • http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

    @wild violet – I’ve still got my idea for a post in the near future, but here is something directly from Sharpie on Twitter today:

    http://twitter.com/sharpiesusan/statuses/7377609323

    “RT @twistdfate: @sharpiesusan Are Sharpie Grip pens coming out in colors besides red, blue & black?

    So it looks like May we at least get all of the colors that the original version came in.

  • wild violet

    That’s something to look forward to. Now if we could buy colors other than blue and black individually. : )

  • http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

    @wild violet – I hear ya. I think we are spoiled by the Sharpie markers being available individually and in so many colors. That post i mentioned before will be on Monday, I’ve got it about 75% done.

  • Kevin

    Found a four pack of blue grips at Office Depot on clearance for $3.98! I think they might be discontinuing the blue 4-pack.

  • http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

    @Kevin – That is a good deal!

  • wild violet

    May has come and gone and I have yet to find the grip version in green, purple and orange. C’mon Sanford! What gives? Please don’t make us wait until back to school stuff comes out after July 4. : (

  • http://www.officesupplygeek.com OfficeSupplyGeek

    @wild violet – Sadly I was informed a while ago that it would be sometime in June that they were going to be available…I should have updated you, but I forgot…sorry. But I hear ya too, wish they were out already.