#elmarko

This is a mixed bag of mini markers which I got from a couple different sources.

The last 3 came via marker trades with JUSTSOMEMARKERS, the first and third came from an ebay score, and the second one came from the homey Skam that runs Homebase in Toronto.

EL MARKO (MODERN VERSION)

This is a modern version of the El Marko, which for the longest time was my Holy Grail marker. I had found a similar version to this one at Scrap SF in 2010. I really don't like the update for obvious reasons. It's a neutered down version of the OG El Marko, with none of the personality intact. This one came without a cap, but i'm pretty sure I can track down a spare. Nice little compact size. Chisel tip. 

MONTANA 4MM SHORT

This is a nice little compact jobber that I spied on Skam's desk, and later procured for myself. Kinda looks like a Chapstick, with a cap on it. All black, with silver labelling. 4mm chiseltip. Label says its "nonrefiffable". Somebody at the design studio musta been inhaling some of them neighboring factory fumes to let that typo happen. Makes really nice tight black lines, no bleed. It is pretty well worn in right now and is making nice fades.  Nice airy high from the fumes. Made in Germany.

SANFORD'S IMPACT

This is an older little model. Has the old Sanfords logo/wordmark. Looks like a shrunken down version of their Expo dry erase marker series. Same cap shape, same tapered down body silhouette, same plastic construction. Nice cap detail - the word "PERMANENT" is featured on raised letters, in a metallic finish. Chisel tip. Bit of a wonky nib shape from use on this one, so the line quality is skewed. Nice mellow marker odor.

SNOWMAN 400

This is a dope marker. I've always liked the Snowman, ever since I got the jumbo version, and always wondered if there were different variations in the marketplace. Metal body with a pushed in base, that I think provides greater structural support. I've seen this feature on a few metal markers, and compared to flat bottom markers, they just seem stronger and more durable. Really nice wordmark, reminiscent of the edding logo, now that I compare it to this recent batch of trades. Made in Japan. English/German/French translations. Solid chisel tip. Makes crispy thick black lines with no bleed. Really good performance. Says "neutral smelling" on the label. *SNIFF*. Mmm. I guess this is pretty neutral. Well put together marker designwise and functionwise. Great addition to the collection.

EDDING 500 

Dope metal marker, compact size. Has all the familiar brandmarks of edding. Chisel tip. DOA but i'm sure in it's prime, this one worked its magicks. Edding markers are consistently great performers. Understated classic.

EDDING 500 (PLASTIC)

Another mixed bag of markers, most of which came from an ebay lot I popped on last month. Lot of nice classics in the mix.

EL MARKO WATERCOLOR

Wow. The El Marko was my Holy Grail for the longest time until I got one from the homey DIET HTK earlier in the year. This is the watercolor version - same silhouette as the other el Marko, but a white body. Nice multi-faceted chiseltip. Really nice indigo hued ink, similar to Crayola - makes crisp, sharp lines. Just as excited to have this one in the collection. El Marko rides again !

CARTERS MARKS-A-LOT

This is a classic. Tri-color foil sticker label on black plastic body. Has the old skool CARTERS logo/wordmark on it, before MARKS-A-LOT became the property of AVERY. Chisel tip. Smells like italian salad dressing. Gem.

FABER CASTELL 3000

This is a low-key, no frills marker. All black plastic construction with simple 2-line metallic gold imprinted logo and labeling. Lightweight. Chisel-tip is all mashed in and soft so give off tar-scratch lines. Mellow odor. 

AEROMARKER 900 

A simple, long black sleek marker with stylish gold metallic wordmark and minimal labeling on side. Chisel tip. Makes good clean marks with no bleed. A fancy marker to be used while wearing white gloves and a monacle. Fancy. Nice acidic bite in the odor. 

EDDING No.2

This is a unique tapered silhouette from edding. Plastic construction, Grey body, bold blue wordmark. The "e" is scratched off. Huge deviation from all the previous edding designs. Gone is the familiar red/blue/white colorway, logo and wordmarks. Bullet tip. Makes super precise lines that cut and curve without bleed or loss of control. An understated, utilitarian marker that performs extremely well.

ARTLINE POSTER MARKER

Surprised that I didn't have this one yet. Water-based tempera marker. Circle tip. Juiced up right now, works like gangbusters. 6mm tip. Pretty solid construction for a plastic body. Eccentric White/Red/Yellow/Blue color scheme on black base. Artline always makes dope products, this beauty included.

MERANGUE PERMANENT

I dont know how and why it came to be, but at some point during the past 5 years, I became semi-obsessed with trying to find a Flair El Marko. Well the search is over, and I have one in my collection now. Big thanks to DIET for unearthing this gem.

FLAIR EL MARKO 

Top to bottom greatness. Simple cylindrical cap. Sleek design. Gloss black tube tapers out and ends with a roundish square base so it can stand up. Simple sticker labeling. Has the silhouette of el Marko, with simple wordmark and lettering filling that empty space. I liked the idea of this mystery character known as el Marko lurking in the background, as the selling point for something like a marker. Seems like a strange advertising idea. Made in USA. Chisel Tip. Super smooth application. Rich, dark black ink. Gives nice fade. Even after all these years, this thing works super well. Search for my marker Holy Grail is over.