[Pen/Pencil Review] The Sharpie Sherpa The Year of the Dragon

I’m trying to be better about getting things done this week – so here’s the Monday Pen Blog. This week is the Sherpa Shell – the Limited Edition Year of the Dragon Sherpa. Mine is 724/888.

Now, I’ve seen the Sherpa Shells. I haven’t bought one because the frugal part of me didn’t understand a $20-$50 cover for a Sharpie. The Limited Edition Year of the Dragon was a gift my mom bought me from Paradise Pen Company in Dallas (yes, that place that claims knowledge of me). But this one is pretty darned cool.

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.

And though 2013 is the Year of the Snake, I still find the Dragon one awesome. The design has lovely enameled scales in shades of green (my favorite color) with black enameled hardware for a striking contrast to the scales. The cap has the Chinese symbol for Dragon in a red and white medallion. The black ring between body and cap has SHERPA embossed on part of the rim and the number in silver. The clip is solid and sturdy.

I admit I didn’t put the shell on correctly the first time. You discard the cap that comes with the Sharpie (included with the shell) and feed the tip of the pen into the Sherpa grip. The grip is molded to be ergonomic and comfortable if you like a wider barrel. I find it a touch on the wide side, but not bad.

The problem I have is that I love my Stainless Steel Sharpie products. I have personalized Sharpies for giveaways at conventions and shows. And the only one I really, really want to use is this one – but being a limited edition, I’m half afraid of messing it up.

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 (or other pen) extraordinary.
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.
3. Material – 1 It’s enameled metal, probably stainless steel, but I don’t know for sure. 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.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – I like this pen cover enough that I’m not going to totally pan the price – this Sherpa costs about $40…however, it is a Limited Edition. The materials are solid enough that it’s probably worth the cost if that’s what you’re looking for.

4 out of 5 bronze pencils.

Tags: Sharpie, Sherpa