Sherpa Pen Compatibility and FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Click a question below to jump to the answer:

1. What is a Sherpa Pen?

The Sherpa is a premium pen cover designed to enhance, protect, and personalize your favorite everyday writing tools. Rather than being a pen itself, it’s a high-quality, reusable shell that holds popular disposable pens and markers — like the Sharpie Fine Point, uni-ball Vision, Bic Cristal, and others.

Sherpa offers multiple collections, which fall into two main categories:

  • Sherpa Classic, Classic Contemporary, and Sherpa Balance – These models are built for versatility, fitting everything from rollerballs and highlighters to Sharpie markers, fountain pen inserts, and even ballpoint or gel refills using optional adapters.
  • Sherpa Ballpoint – Specifically designed for stick-style ballpoint pens like the Bic Cristal, Bic Round Stic, and Papermate Write Bros.

Each Sherpa is precision-crafted from durable materials and designed to elevate the writing experience with better grip, balance, and visual appeal. Most models support multiple refill types, and many are compatible with optional adapters — so you can switch styles without switching pens.

2. How Does it Work?

Using the Sherpa Classic, Classic Contemporary, or Balance

To install a refill in any of these models:

1. Unscrew the grip section from the body.

2. Drop in your uncapped refill (Sharpie, rollerball, highlighter, fountain insert, or adapter).

3. Screw the grip section back into place.

4. That’s it — you’re ready to write in style.

5. Think you're missing you're grip? Skip to Question #8

Using the Sherpa Ballpoint

To install a stick-style ballpoint refill:

1. Unscrew the knurled back end of the pen.

2. Insert your uncapped stick pen (e.g., Bic Cristal or Round Stic).

3. Screw the knurled back on to the end of of the Sherpa Ballpoint until snug.

4. That's It! Your ready to write. Just make sure not to over-tighten the back end, as excessive force may damage the pen.

3. What Refills or Writing Modes Are Compatible With Sherpa Pens?

Sherpa Pens are designed to be versatile. We offer two main body types, each compatible with different styles of refills:

Sherpa Classic, Balance, and Classic Contemporary – These models hold popular writing tools like the Sharpie Fine Point, uni-ball Vision, and other felt-tip, rollerball, or fountain pen-style inserts.

Sherpa Ballpoint – Specifically made to hold “stick-style” ballpoint pens like the Bic Cristal, Bic Round Stic, and Papermate Write Bros.

To make compatibility simple, we’ve created two interactive charts you can use to find the right refill:

4. What Materials Are Sherpa Pens Made From?

At Sherpa, we take pride in using only the finest materials to craft our pens — ensuring they not only look great, but stand the test of time.

Our pens are made from premium components like solid brass, lightweight aluminum, and stainless steel, giving each model a durable structure and a satisfying in-hand feel. Depending on the finish, you'll find polished lacquers, matte coatings, metallic plating, or detailed screen-printed artwork — all chosen to complement the form and function of each design.

In our Sherpa Classic models, we've even included a specially engineered inner cap that helps preserve the freshness of your Sharpie or disposable refill, reducing dry-out and maximizing longevity.

Every Sherpa Pen is carefully assembled and inspected in the USA to maintain the highest standard of quality from start to finish.

5. Where Are Sherpa Pens Manufactured?

Sherpa Pens are proudly designed and assembled in Denver, Colorado. While many of our precision metal components are manufactured in Taiwan, final assembly and inspection happen right here in the U.S., ensuring every pen meets our exacting standards.

Founded in 2008, Sherpa has always focused on thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to creating a better writing experience — one pen at a time.

6. Do You Ship Internationally?

Yes, Sherpa Pens are available for international shipping. Customers outside the United States can place orders through our website, and we will ship to various countries worldwide. Please note, International buyers are responsible for all return shipping charges and fees.

Shipping rates and delivery times may vary depending on the destination country. Additional customs duties, taxes, or fees may apply, which are the responsibility of the recipient.

7. How Quickly Do Orders Ship?

Sherpa Pen strives to process and ship orders promptly. For non-expedited shipments (such as Free Shipping or First-Class), please allow 1–2 business days for processing. If you select an expedited shipping option and place your order by 12:00 PM MST, it will typically ship out the same day, excluding weekends and holidays.

Domestic First-Class USPS Mail shipments may take 7–10 business days, and international orders can take 21–35 days. Visit our Shipping & Returns page for more.

8. The Grip Section on My New Sherpa is Missing — What Do I Do?

If your Sherpa seems to be missing its grip section, don’t worry — it’s almost certainly still there. The grip is a required structural part of the pen, so the Sherpa can’t stay together without it.

What typically happens in this case is that the cap was unscrewed from the body instead of being pulled off. Sherpa pens feature a snap-on cap that fits snugly right out of the box to ensure a secure seal — especially for pens like Sharpies that need to stay fresh. If the cap is twisted rather than pulled off, the grip section can remain lodged inside the cap and appear “missing.”

The fix is easy:
Just screw the pen barrel back onto the exposed threads below the cap. Then, hold the cap and pull the barrel straight out. The grip will come out attached to the barrel, just like it’s supposed to.

9. How Do I Clean My Sherpa Pen?

Cleaning your Sherpa Pen is quick and easy. For regular maintenance, simply wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth. If needed, use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap — just be sure to dry it thoroughly afterward.

To clean the inside, unscrew the cap and remove the refill. Gently wipe the interior with a dry cloth or use a cotton swab to remove any residue. Avoid submerging the pen or using harsh chemicals.

For tougher marks, WD-40 is a gentle yet effective way to remove everything from Sharpie ink to everyday dirt and grime.

10. My Sherpa-Approved Refill is Loose in My Classic Sherpa Pen — What Should I Do?

If your approved insert is loose and rattling inside the Sherpa Classic body, the original spring may be missing. This spring helps secure the refill in place and comes pre-installed in every Sherpa Classic, Classic Contemporary, and Balance pen.

If it's gone, you can purchase a replacement spring kit here which includes 3 Sherpa-specific springs.

11. How Do I Install a Replacement Spring in My Sherpa Classic?

To install the spring, make sure the wide end faces down toward the bottom of the barrel.

An easy method is to place the small end of the spring over the tip of a pencil or slim pen. Slide the Sherpa barrel down over the pencil and spring until it reaches the bottom. Then turn it over and use the back end of the pencil to push the spring firmly into place.

12. My Sherpa is Broken — Can I Get it Repaired?

Sherpa Pens include a 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. If your pen is within this period send us a note with a description of the problem and your proof of purchase and we will determine the best course of action for a repair or replacement.  Even outside of warranty, we can often repair issues unless the design is discontinued.

Email us at info@sherpapencovers.com with a description of the issue and the pen model, to get things started

13. Can I Customize My Sherpa Pen?

Due to the variety of finishes and materials used across Sherpa models, we don’t offer a standard personalization program. However, we can customize most pens using laser engraving or pad printing (ideal for bulk orders).

If you’re interested in a personalized Sherpa, email us at info@sherpapencovers.com to discuss your options.

Along with individual personalization we also have the ability to do fully custom designs, starting at 100 pieces. To learn more about our corporate and custom programs, click here.

14. How Can I Return My Sherpa Pen Order?

We accept returns on unused, non-customized Sherpa Pens within 30 days of purchase. To initiate a return, email us at info@sherpapencovers.com  with your order number and reason.

Visit our Shipping/Returns/Repairs page for more details.

15. I Love Your Product and Want to Spread the Sherpa Word — What Can I Do?

Thank you! We’re a small team focused on making great products, not big on marketing or social media. That said, reviews help us tremendously.

If you love your Sherpa, please consider leaving a review on your favorite shopping site. We don’t pay for reviews, so your honest feedback makes a big difference in helping us grow and continue making new, exciting designs.

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