I have been involved in a massive undertaking. The job came about through a reorganization of files, which meant unstapling batches of paperwork, separating the papers and recombining the information into new file folders. So I had the opportunity to use the
Sharpie Twin Tip Marker in Blue.
Description
This Sharpie marker measures 5 3/8" long, and the barrel is just shy of a 1/2" in diameter. What makes this marker unique is that there are two tips (one at either end of the marker). The two pen caps (one at each end) are a royal blue color to indicate the color of the ink. The longer pen cap covers the Fine tip marker, and a shorter cap covers the Ultrafine tip.
The pen caps can be removed and placed at the end of the other cap. This works especially well for the smaller cap fitting at the end of the larger cap. The large cap tends to cover the entire smaller cap. I can see where if the large cap is pushed too tightly onto the pen, the smaller cap might become lodged inside the big cap. To help prevent choking, should someone swallow the small cap, there are two vent holes in the top of the cap to aid breathing. The large cap has no holes in it.
Just to make sure you know which tip is which, a small drawing along the center barrel illustrates each tip with an arrow pointing toward the appropriate marker tip. A 1 1/2" long plastic clip on the longer blue pen cap acts as a pocket clip.
Sharpie quick-drying permanent marker ink is non-toxic. The manufacturer also says the ink is waterproof. The marker ink ingredients are: dyes, n-propanol, n-butanol, diacetone alcohol. The MSDS (Material Safety and Data Sheet) instructs not to shake the marker and to store it with the caps on. The marker does have a faint odor when writing with it.
Sharpie offers the Twin Tip marker in a variety of colors. Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Red, Purple, Turquoise, Lime, Aqua, Berry, Olive, Marigold, Navy, Plum and Burgundy.
My Experiences
Since this project is “down and dirty” ... meaning, no time to spare ... we are using the Sharpie marker to label the manilla file folders. We have a deadline and don’t have time to print file labels on the computer (which is my preferred method of labeling file folders). Each file folder has a different heading, too, which makes customizing labels even more time consuming.
I’m glad we have this twin-tip Sharpie to use. The two size tips (Fine and Ultrafine) work well for this rush project. At the top of the manilla file folder tab, I am writing a heading using the Fine point, and beneath that I am writing what is specifically in the folder using the Ultrafine tip.
Note that the words Fine and Ultrafine are not truly descriptive of how this marker writes. The Fine point actually produces a dark bold line of blue writing. The Ultrafine tip produces a much narrower line, but the line is not as thin as a if using a pen.
At first I was worried that the marker would bleed through the manilla folder. I hate it when that happens. However, as long I keep the marker quickly moving, I do not have a bleed-through problem. The Fine marker tip will leave a blotch or spot of blue on the back side of the folder if I hesitate while writing. I have usually have no bleed-through while using the Ultrafine point, unless I pause a bit during the writing process.
It is easy to write with this marker, and the blue is an eye-catching color. It’s brighter than a navy blue. The ink also flows well from both marker tips. I have never had a Sharpie marker leak ink, and the tips have never broken. The ink is fast to dry and fade resistant.
The manufacturer also says the ink is waterproof. I couldn’t let that statement go unchallenged. On a discarded file folder, I wrote using both marker tips and then ran the folder beneath a stream of cold tap water. I was pleased to see that the Sharpie marker did not run. I then took a paper towel and blotted the blue writing. Some of the blue did come off on the towel. However, the marker writing did not blur on the file folder.
Paper thickness and fiber makes a difference in how the ink flows. Some papers absorb more ink, creating a marker line that is a bit blurrier than desired. In all fairness, Sanford states that these markers are not meant for use on paper. However, paper comes in different thicknesses and results can vary. This Fine tip works great on file folders, manilla envelopes, cardboard and heavier papers. Greeting cards on thicker paper work well, too. Experiment, though, for bleed through.
Likes
* Versatility with two marker tips
* Handy having two markers in one pen
* Writes well on thicker papers
* Fast drying non-toxic ink
* Ink resists fading
* Water resistant ink
* I’ve never had a tip break
* Variety of colors to choose from
Dislikes
I like permanent ink so this is not a dislike for me. But permanent ink might be a problem for some people.
Note that Sharpie markers are not meant to be used on cloth. The writing could fade or bleed with washing and a yellow stain might appear on the material.
Purchasing
Staples sells the Sharpie Twin Tip markers for $1.59 each or a dozen for $16.25. There is also a variety-color pack of five markers available for $7.35. OfficeMax sells a variety-pack of 3 Twin Tip markers for $4.99, or a 4-pack of black (or a variety 4-pack with different colors) for $5.99.
Summary
I am a fan of the Sharpie Twin Tip markers. These are a must-have for my desk drawer. In this case, the blue marker certainly came in handy for this project. All I have to say is that it’s a good thing I have good handwriting and work fast. I’m glad this job is done.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Please read my other reviews:
Sharpie Permanent Markers with 5 new colors
Avery Marks-A-Lot Permanent Marker
Sanford Major Accent Highlighter
Avery Pen-Style Fluorescent Hi-Liters
Avery File Folder Labels for both inkjet and laser printers
Pendaflex Hanging File Folders with InfoPocket
Liquid Paper Dryline Grip Correction Tape
Tombow White Correction Tape
Swingline Electric 3-Hole Paper Punch
Rubbermaid Privacy Black Vinyl Desk Mat
Staples Online Store
Copyright 2006 Dawn L. Stewart
