dlstewart's Full Review: Shachihata Faxed Ink Stamp 1/2" X 1 5/8" Red Ink
We use a lot of pre-inked stamps in the office. Some of those stamps are the Xstamper brand, but we also use other brands of this stamp style. Our "other brand" copy stamp fell apart. That's why I bought the Xstamper Pre-inked "Copy" Stamp.
Description
This Xstamper features the word "Copy" written in red thick bold capital letters. The overall stamp measures 2 1/4" long x 1 1/8" wide x 2 3/8" tall. The word "Copy" when stamped is about 1/2" high x 1 5/8" long. On the top of the stamp is a picture showing what the stamp impression looks like.
The stamp is made from hard plastic in two tones of gray (medium and dark). A removable rectangular footing covers the bottom of the stamp to protect it.
Re-inking instructions come with this Xstamper. It's a single white sheet of paper that unfolds. Since several models of stamps are included, you'll need to locate your type of stamp on the paper before following the simple re-inking instructions.
Our Experiences
We had a Universal brand "Copy" stamp that we purchased several years ago. Never have I had a stamp literally fall apart. Our office uses a lot of stamps on a regular basis, and none of them have broken. In the case of the Universal stamp, the pad with the word "Copy" on it, shredded and came apart. We did not abuse it or over-use it either.
I've always had good luck with Xstamper products, both at home and in the office. So I ordered the Xstamper "Copy" stamp with the red ink. I like this stamp much better than the Universal one ... and not only because it is holding together.
The stamp impression from the Xstamper is much bolder. The font is thicker than the Universal stamp. Looking at the stamped images side-by-side, the Univeral impression looks wimpy compared to the robust bold Xstamper image.
My one complaint is that with repeated stamping, the Xstamper red ink does become a bit fainter with each impression. The stamped word "Copy" looks great for the first few stampings, and then begins to fade a bit with repeated use. I have other Xstamper stamps that don't behave this way. My other Xstamper stamps always deliver a sharp, bold inked impression with repeated stampings.
Some of my Xstamper stamps have a rubberized grip for easily holding onto the stamp. This "Copy" stamp does not offer that feature. This particular stamp is constructed from hard plastic. It is still easy to hold and use, though.
A nice feature is the plastic footing that this stamp fits into. The rectangular protects the bottom of the stamp from dirt and potential harm from stray staples. Having the footing over the bottom of the stamp also means that the red ink doesn't inadvertently transfer onto other objects.
Xstamper Care & Re-inking
The manufacturer recommends that the stamp be stored in a dust-free environment. The sticky side of tape can be used to remove any dust or small particles that may gather on the stamp surface.
Re-ink the stamp when the impression becomes consistently light. The manufacturer highly recommends using Xstamper refill ink as other brands might cause clogging.
The instructions state to remove the handle (by pulling up on it). Place three to four drops of refill ink (purchased separately) between the openings.
We like this Xstamper "Copy" Stamp better than the other stamp we were using. My one complaint is this stamp does not deliver consistently dark images when doing repeated stamping.
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