Sharpie adds a retractable version of their popular Sharpie Pen
It was not that long ago that I reviewed the Sharpie Pen which I really liked, and it seems to be a pretty popular pen based on the other reviews and feedback Ive seen from other people that appreciate unique office supplies. The new Sharpie Retractable Pen takes the previous version and makes a few changes in addition to just being retractable. Before getting started with the review though, I just wanted to thank the folks at Sharpie for providing me with pre-release samples of these to review.
A comparison of the original Sharpie Pen to the Retractable Sharpie Pen
The first thing I noticed about the Retractable Sharpie Pen is that the body is much thicker than that of the original version, and it is pretty much all black with a few silver accents. I really like the new look for this pen, Im kind of partial to all black design with silver accents like this, so I might not be the most unbiased observer here. After taking in the great looks of the new Retractable Sharpie Pen, I quickly realized that my one issue with the previous version (the sharp edge of the grip section) was most likely resolved. As you can tell from the photos above, the new retractable version of the Sharpie Pen has a thick soft rubber coated grip as compared to the standard version that just has a plastic right angled edge where the cap snaps on…the top knuckle of my middle finger could not be happier about this.
Close up of the more comfortable grip section on the Retractable Sharpie Pen
Above is a quick picture of the much better and more comfortable grip on the retractable version of the Sharpie Pen. The black grip does attract a small bit of dust but nothing major that you cant live with.
The chrome plunger with color coordinated tip on the Sharpie Retractable Pen
Similar to the retractable Sharpie Markers, these pens have an elongated plunger to push the tip of the pen out. I really like how the silver jumps out from the black, but in some instances I found it hard to distinguish between the color of the small plastic tip of it that indicates the color of the ink in the pen. Obviously thats a fairly minor complaint on such a great pen, but I didnt want to sound like I had a total man-crush on this thing.
Tip comparison between the Retractable Sharpie Pen and the standard Sharpie Pen
When you move down to the business end of the Retractable Sharpie Pen you will notice that instead of the long needle point that the standard version had, this version has a bit more of a stubby tip. To be more clear though, its just the metal part of the pen that leads up to the tip that is actually a little different, not the tip itself. The tip on each pen appears to be identical in terms of its plastic material and overall width and size.
Retractable Sharpie Pen writing sample in a Rhodia Web Notebook.
I felt obligated to post a writing sample for this pen because it just seems like the right thing to do, but the pen performs identically to its non-retractable predacessor. In my original review I tested out the water resistance and other qualities, and they all lived up to the high standards that one would expect from a Sharpie product.
Side view of the Sharpie Pen Retractable
The overall writing experience with the Retractable Sharpie Pen is better than that of the standard version in my opinion. Although there was not much room for improvement, its really a big win for me that the issue with the edge on the grip has been resolved so I can have a pain free wrtiing experience. Other than that same smooth and consistent writing experience can be expected. One thing that you might be curious about is the weight of the pen in your hand since it is so much thicker than the other version. I dont have a scale to weigh such a small item, but its a pretty light pen considering its size, so if you are expecting a certain heft to this pen, you wont find it. Again, not a bad thing at all, just trying to set expectations though since visually it may appear to be a heavier pen.
I’ve already seen some things (a comment or two from @sharpiesusan) that lead me to believe that there will be more colors of the retractable Sharpie Pen on the way, so Im looking forward to those additional options. If you have bothered to read this far, you might be asking yourself where you can get one of these fantastic Retractable Sharpie Pens, right? Well, Amazon.com has them here but they are currently showing a Sept. 1st ship date, if you prefer the in person method, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and Office Max are all supposed to have them available sometime this month.
Lots of Retractable Sharpie Pens means a giveaway is on the way
Lastly, since the folks at Sharpie were so kind to send over some extras, I will of course be doing a giveaway shortly. Ill be on vacation for the next two weeks, but I will still maintain my regular review schedule of some great office supplies, and somewhere in there you will see your chance to win your own set (red, black, and blue) of the Retractable Sharpie Pen.
I know I am going to love this pen, but I am curious now that I see the close up of the tip area if I will like it better than the original. I really like the long needle tip, so did the shorter stub tip take any getting used to? The barrel is what makes this like look like a winner though.
@dowdyism – Personally I didnt feel anything different about writing with the stub tip vs. the needle tip. It didnt force me to hold it in a different place, or write at a different angle, so those would be the two criteria that would impact the experience for me.
Cool – that’s exactly what I was hoping. Thanks!
Today’s review – the all new Retractable Sharpie Pen http://officesupplygeek.com/pen-review/r… @sharpiesusan @SharpieWhit @SharpieBoy_Raul
must… have… rt sharpie pen. squeeee 😀
I love Sharpie pens, and I’m sure this one will be no different. I don’t know how I feel about the stub tip though because I feel like I have less leverage when I’m writing.
@OfficeSupplyGee Awesome! Your review said retail stores should have them this month…have you seen if any have them right now? 🙂
I want this pen! I usually write with a Lamy Safari fountain pen, but there are times when a fountain pen isn’t appropriate. The Sharpie pen is always the pen that I turn to in these cases, but the edge of the grip often ends up messing up my finger. This looks like a winner!
Looks quite promising and without the easy-to-scratch-and-peel-off paint finish of the original version. Might make a nice sketching pen as well. Looking forward to trying it once it becomes readily available.
Oh, man! Oh, man! OH MAN! OH YEAHH! OHHHH! YEAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! (Sorry.)
SCORE! I ran to my local Office Max immediately after reading this and am now 7 pens richer and about twenty bucks poorer.
They really are very good. The reduced needle barrel length doesn’t bother me any – you can still easily see the tip when writing.
Thanks for the breaking news, Office Supply Geek
Got ’em! Ran over to Office Max. Didn’t see them with the other Sharpie Pens, and just when I started swearing, I found them in their own carboard display. Got a two pack of blue. LOVE THEM. They look crazy with the super long clicker, and I wish they’d put the color indicator maybe down around the base of the clicker rather than right on top of it, but otherwise I love this pen. I think they write smoother than the capped version. The blue is darker than the capped version blue (at least the blues that I have here). It’s somewhere between Uniball’s blue and Uniball’s blue/black (but definately toward the blue side of that spectrum. It’s a really nice shade, IMHO. The width is great. I think this pen is going to unseat one of my top five.
This looks like a great pen and I would love to add it to the daily carry but I ma in the UK so not available here yet….hint hint. It would be great to win a pair so I could be a Sharpie pen ambassador in the UK.
@Andrew – I didnt notice any difference when writing with the stub vs. the needle. Same writing style, it didnt force me to change at all.
@Katherine – you definitely wont have the issue with your finger getting eaten up by the sharp edge when you use the retractable sharpie pen. Also, I love my Safari too. 🙂
@Alberto – I have not had that problem with the paint peeling on the regular version, but I could see how that might happen.
@Brian C – I guess you like this pen? Glad to see that you were able to run out and pick some up from Office Max.
@MTBooks – Glad you are enjoying them, and glad to see that someone else besides me can confirm the experience with the needle tip vs the stub tip.
@Marvyn – I hope you entered the contest to win two of the Retractable Sharpie Pens. 🙂
@OfficeSupplyGeek – I do like it. How could you tell? Been using it all week. Love the feel and the way it writes, but I’m becoming less and less a fan of the looks. I still think the color indicator should come off the top of the clicker, it looks cheap up close, and I wonder how a silver body would look. Still belongs in my top five though.
Does anyone know where I can buy them online? (Besides Amazon on Sept 1). My office supply stores adn wal-mart, target, etc. do not ahve them yet.
I had been restraining myself since I read the review earlier this week knowing the Retractable Sharpies were unlikely to be in stores. Last night, I finally gave in and went to OfficeMax. I had to ask if they had them and was told that they had arrived that day and were still in the back. The sales clerk volunteered to get some for me. After I made my purchase, the sales clerk asked if he could open one of my packs and try one out. He commented about how smooth it wrote. It was fun to see someone that worked at OfficeMax take such an interest in the new Sharpies. Thanks for the “heads up” on the Retractable Sharpies. By the way, the blue seems about the same color as the capped ones to me.
@Jim – The earlier blue Sharpies had a much lighter shade of blue and these are the ones I had for comparison.
Sadly, I have traveled all over San Antonio and these have not yet arrived here. I want to buy a fresh pack and get a nice fresh Rhodia notebook and set out writing. Guess I have to wait a little longer.
I finally found the pens in San Antonio and so far I find that they feel inferior to the capped pens. The nib feels different when you write and it may just be me but I swear the line is not as fine and crisp. Also, I hate the clicker, it is too long and way too loose. The thing jiggles so much when writing that I think it is going to fall off.
I was so looking forward to this product but they really need to make a version 2.0
I got the pens today too… overall I like them but I wish the blue was a shade darker… it is a little light for me.
I never used the capped ones because I hate caps. I think this is a nice pen but I am like ‘steelisreal’, the plunger is too long and wiggley. As far as the crispness of the line, I was dissapointed at first, but I swear it is getting better after a couple of uses. May be in my head.
I think the end where the point comes out is too rounded and cheapens the pen, but is probably has to be that say because of the internal ‘cap’ that prevents the nib from drying out…. its kinda like the fat clickable marker.
I guess I give the pen a 8.5…. FOR DESIGN And a 9.0 for writing.
@Brian C – My only issue with the look is that it is a little on the larger side, but I still like the overall design. An entire silver body might be nice, but now you have me thinking of a Stainless Steel Sharpie Pen, similar to the Stainless Steel Sharpie. 🙂
@Jim – Thats cool that the guy asked if he could try it, it is good to know that we arent the only ones obsessed. 🙂 Additionally, I went back and compared again, I get the same shade of blue as best as my eyes can tell between the regular and retractable versions of them.
@steelisreal – Interesting feedback, sorry that you had to work so hard just to find them, and then ended up disappointed in them. When I first used the retractable Sharpie markers, I didnt like the length and the feel of the plunger, so I understand what you mean, but for some reason they have grown on me.
@Michael – Thanks for the feedback, between yours and steelisreal, its always good to get differing opinions. I always hesitate with my opinions on reviews here because Im only a sample size of one, so my experience wont always reflect that of what everyone else finds, so I appreciate both of you sharing that.
Looked EVERYWHERE in my po-dunk town for these and have had NO LUCK. I never thought I’d be pen crazed enough to pre-order a pen but I did just that on amazon. Sadly, I wanted a fresh stock of these for my return to work on Tuesday after a 6 month maternity leave but alas, I’ll have to wait until they are delivered. But thanks for the review. I’m wicked excited about getting the pens now. I always liked the other pen but I keep my pens on my neck lanyard and need the retractable kind otherwise the cap falls off. Again -SOOOO excited about this pen!
Yeah – I can see that they don’t have the visual appeal of the original Sharpie pen but they look to be great in terms of application! If I ever use up my original Sharpie pens I will try these!
@Marnie – Thats awesome that you are so excited about the pen, Im glad to see others share that enthusiasm. Sorry you had such a hard time finding them in a store though, sometimes I just find it easier to order online and have it show up at my door…I guess Im lazy. 🙂
@Kim – I dont mind the look myself, but I know what you mean, I feel like the original Sharpie Pens last for quite some time.
So, I’ve been looking EVERYWHERE for these. Walmart, Staples, Office Max, and Walgreens. I can’t find them. HELP! I’ve also tried on the internet looking for stores that would have them but I still can’t find them anywhere. I REALLY want them. Lol
@Monica – Did you try Target? I know that the Sharpie folks said that was one more place that they should have them. If not, Amazon.com has them here.
Well, I bought the Sharpie pen when it came out because i’ve always liked Sharpies but was very disappointed with the capped version. When I saw the commercial for the new pen I just had to have it. I love seeing that I am not the only pen geek out in the world because i always go to the pen section of every store i go to.
I love, love, love the new sharpie retractable pen and can’t wait to see when they will come out with colors. I was surprised however @ the cost; although i’ve spent much more than that on other pens.
@Martie – Glad you found the site and are enjoying your new Sharpie Retractable Pen! 🙂
I found them at Walgreens! Lol But they only had black. So I have my black and I’m about to go use them. The cost is pretty surprising for two pens. You could get five capped or twelve permanent markers for the same price. (6.99) So I hope they’re worth it! 🙂
@Monica – Glad you found them, Im sure you will love them! If you dont like them, I get the feeling there are probably a few people here that would be happy to take them off your hands for you. 😉
They r so worth it. The I just wish they hd the different colored ones like the capped veresion. Ikik all in good time I’m jsut so ready for them
Okay, my new favorite pen. Lol I used to be in love with the TUL from Office Max but the new comfort grip and tip on this pen are amazing! So worth the money. Lol
@Martie – I agree, some different colors would be nice. 🙂
@Monica – Its always nice to discover a new favorite, and I think these Sharpie Retractable Pens are becoming the favorite pens of many people. I have yet to try the Office Max TUL, but Im sure I will soon enough.
Still trying to find the Sharpie pens in my local stores! Not super excited about ordering them online. My favorite pen is the TUL- you should try it, I think you’d like it.I should just send you one, I buy the big packs! By the way, it was such a relief to find this site and discover others who love pens as much as I do. Thank you.
@Trish – I know some folks are not thrilled about ordering stuff online. I couldnt take one of your favorite pens from you…I probably will pick up some of the TUL pens, Ive been meaning to, just never had a chance. Im glad you found the site and are enjoying it though. 🙂
Also for anyone still looking for the retractable Sharpie Pens, there are a few in stock from one vendor at Amazon.com if you look here
I bought a 3 pack, 1 of each color, 2 weeks ago. I absolutely loveD them……….. until they ran out. All 3 are almost dead. I don’t overuse them or leave the tips exposed. I would not be so upset had I not had to pay 9.99 for 3 of them. The cap version did not have the same problem so I was taken aback that they ran out so quickly. Very unlike a sharpie product. Anyone else have this problem or did I buy a defective pack. I would love to buy some more, but if they all run out so quickly, I can’t afford to waste my money on them
I finally found the new Sharpie RT at Target this past Friday. I had a feeling that it would be a bigger pen based on the online photos and it didn’t disappoint. The plunger is too long and the action doesn’t have that good “click” when pushed. It really feels like a cheaply made pen with a sloppy mechanical action, not one that cost $3 each.
The pen itself is too fat and is similar in size to the Sharpie retractable marker rather than the Sharpie fine-point pen which is how it should have been designed. It’s almost like they gutted the RT marker and inserted the FT pen by the way it’s sized and put together, but even the RT marker/highlighter has that good, solid click when pressed. The large, blunt end that the tip extends from looks out of place compared to the size of tip of this pen as well.
The rubber grip is nice and it writes well, but overall the pen is too large and I am disappointed with Sharpie’s decision to make a RT like this. I’ll stick with the other pen as it’s easier to carry around on a day to day basis even with the cap. This would be a good pen for people that lose them often because it’ll be hard to misplace this beast!
I also noticed that they seem to write lighter as the day goes on, but i trade out between the 2 ones i have. 😉 and went looking all over southeast Houston for blue or red ones but never found any. where did u find the 3 in a pack?
I only found the two black pack. Couldn’t even find the blue pack. I hope they don’t run out fast. That would sucks considering the price.
I love the TULs too. Although it seems to me that the medium point retractable gels start skipping on the ink after you use them for awhile. I want to try the fine tipped.
@Nakoma – That is surprising. Did you try contacting Sharpie about the issue? I know that on the back of their products they say that if the product does not perform properly to contact them. I would assume that what happened in your situation isnt supposed to be the case. Mine are still working well, although I dont feel like I’ve used them enough to get to a point where they would run out yet.
@IceAuger – I did notice the obvious re-use of the regular Sharpie Retractable Marker body parts, but I do personally like the larger size of the pen myself. I appreciate you taking the time to come by and share your thoughts on the pen though because I like to make sure that my opinion is not the only one voiced here.
@Martie – The only place Ive seen the 3 pack is on Amazon, but now they list a 1-2 MONTH wait. Interesting that you are seeing some issue with the possibility of the ink lightening up a bit, clearly something to keep an eye on. Id be curious to know if yours runs out quickly…keep us updated if you have a chance.
@Monica – Agreed, for the price that would suck if they ran out fast. Considering the size of the body, I would think they could easily address the issue by putting a larger cartridge in there.
Finally found the pens at Office Max. Although I enjoy writing with them,I won’t be buying any more.I kept the pen rectracted while in my pocket at work,but it leaked all over my scrub jacket pocket! I do like the rubber grip and smooth way it writes. For that price though, I’m back to the Tul. I love this site and can’t wait to read more reviews! Thanks again.
@Trish – Sad to hear about your experience with the Sharpie Retractable, very surprising to hear that it leaked. At least you have a back up in the Tul, so thats a good thing. Glad you are enjoying the site! 🙂
I have to agree with some of the comments about the Sharpie Retractable Pen. I think it is too fat, I prefer the size of the original capped pen. For the cost of the pen, I expect a much better quality pen. I am a HUGE fan of Sharpie and I hope they continue to make more modifications to improve the product. The only problem I had with the original capped pen was that it hurt my fingers after prolonged usage. However, I wished they made the pen similar to the Sharpie ultra fine point marker. That marker has a much better “resting” area for the fingers.
Love the site and just wanted to put in my 2 cents about the product.
@Kristen – Although I have some differing personal preferences I understand your preferences, and I think you have some good points. Sharpie seems to be tuned in and aware of their customers needs and preferences, so maybe there will be something else to come. Also, thanks for your feedback on the site, I appreciate it.
My update. Threw one of them away and the second is about to follow. The ink dries out way too fast for the price of these pens. It has only been about a month… if that.
@Monica – Thanks so much for coming back to update us. Did you consider contacting Sharpie? Im pretty sure they mention something on the back of the packages about a customer satisfaction guarantee. I’m sure they would be interested to know your experience.
great sharpie pen good pens bic okay pen but sharpie pen is best pen ever
bic can not beat sharpie at all
@Mike – I do prefer the Sharpie Pen by far, but Bic does have its place. 🙂
I’m loving the Sharpie pens, but still not perfect. The retractable one is more comfortable to write with, has a slightly darker blue ink, and since it’s all black it doesn’t have the design wear like the capped ones. But the biggest issue for me is how fat the pen is. That was one of the main reasons I initially bought the Sharpie pen. I’m staying with the capped version for now and hoping Sharpie can come up with a slimmer retractable version.
@Jamie – Ive seen mixed feedback on whether or not the blue is truly darker, I get the feeling that there might be two different shades of blue out there. Personally I prefer thicker pens, but I can certainly understand the personal preference for something thinner. I think the Sharpie folks are pretty tuned into consumer feedback, so hopefully we will see more/different Sharpies in the future. 🙂
There are many people who love a “fat” pen, and I am one. Think the pen is great, but I have only had it for a few days thus far. Was a bit concerned about the drying out comment above after only a month. Has office supply geek had any of his dry out?
Addendum to above: The Sharpie web site shows yet another pen called “Sharpie Pen Grip”. This should be in the ballpark for those who do not like a “fat” pen. Does not seem that they are actually released yet though. Has office supply geek seen any yet?
I’m afraid it only took me a few months to kill (de-ink) the retractable pen. I felt a little sad pitching it today, but the original Sharpie pen with the removable cap seems to be more hearty in the ink department. I’ve not killed one yet.
Rev/Dr J
@Mark – I dont use mine for heavy writing on a daily basis, but I have not had any of them dry out yet, or even feel like they were coming close. This goes for both the retractable and the standard versions.
I did see the new pen you are talking about, and I should have some in my grubby little hands by tomorrow, so hopefully I can get a review up in a reasonable amount of time.
@John Myers – Interesting that you had the retractable one run out so quickly. This seems to be a pattern from all of the comments I’ve been getting here and reading elsewhere.
Posting late but I just started to heavily use the Sharpie retractable. I’m not pleased to say the least. My first pack of 3 color and the red pen was dry, the blue pen ran out of ink in only a month and the black pen’s tip is starting to roll over.
Very poor compared to the original caped variety which I’ve had no trouble at all with.
I also dislike the very large point end making it difficult to see the writing tip. The only reason I’m using them right now is that retractables are betting in my job as my hands are usually full while I’m filling out logs and such and it hard to use a capped pen.
@Alan Claver – Unfortunately not the first complaint I’ve heard regarding the retractable Sharpie Pens drying out. I have to think that Sharpie is aware by now though and hopefully working to correct the situation.
I just saw on sharpie.com that these are now available in purple, green and orange.
@wild violet – Thanks so much for keeping me updated, I missed these. I’ll have to get my hands on some and test them out. It looks like they changed the body stle a little bit too. Thanks for the comment on FaceBook as well! 🙂
Staples is having a sale on an assorted color 3 pack of Sharpie Pens for only $2. I’m going to get as many pens as I can afford. These pens are quite expensive at $10 usually.
@Sze – Thanks for the heads up, that is a really good deal!
It sure is a good deal. Considering that you can not refill these retractable pens, I should get more of these pens. These are really great for sketching and illustration.
@Sze – I really wish they were refillable though. That would be fantastic from a consumer friendly and environmentally friendly perspective.
Just got the set of 3 (red, blue and black)…I think I found my new favorite pens.
Just got the black pack of two! Love’em! Can they be refilled? Thanks.
Nope, these are non-refillable. The Stainless Steel Sharpie Pen is the only refillable one as of now.