dlstewart's Full Review: Shachihata "Air Mail" Inked Stamp 1/2"x1 5/8" Red ...
Like many companies, our office sends a fair amount of mail. Since we are an international company, we meter domestic mail as well as international mail. To make sure our letters are identified properly, we stamp all international letters with the Xstamper Pre-inked "Air Mail" Stamp.
Description
This Xstamper has a plastic light-gray housing with a green-blue rubberized grip. It measures 2 1/4" long x 1 1/8" wide x 2 3/8" tall. On the top of the stamp is a picture showing an image of the stamp impression: AIR MAIL. The writing is in all capital letters, and the red ink forms an outline of each letter in the word.
The green-blue rubberized material has a silky feel to it. The word Xstamper is written in white on the front of the stamp, and there is an indented area below the Xstamper logo. This indentation is to better grip the stamp.
On the bottom is a removable rectangular plastic piece that the stamp sits in. It provides protection for the bottom of the inked stamp. The bottom of the stamp inserts into this footing with a little clicking noise to let you know that it is secure. Lift the stamp, and the footing remains attached until it is pulled free.
To use the stamp, remove it from the footing. Press the stamp against a piece of paper, and lift it to see the word AIR MAIL in red.
Xstampers are self-inking stamps ... no stamp pad required. Refill inks can be purchased.
Our Experience
This is an easy stamp to use. We keep it beside the postage meter so that everyone has access to it. The ink lasts a very long time, too. Its rare for us to have to refill it.
Even though the words in AIR MAIL are not filled with ink, this stamp creates an eye-catching image. The red ink is vivid, particularly when used on a white or pale-colored envelope. The stamped image is always clear and easy to read.
Sometimes we have batches of international mail, so the comfort grip comes in handy. It is easy to hold and use this stamp for many stampings. My hands have never experienced any discomfort while using this stamp, and the rubberized grip makes sure my fingers stay put on the stamp while using it.
The rectangular plastic footing on the bottom of the stamp is an excellent way to not only protect the stamp from harm, but it also keeps the red ink off of other items. It is simple to remove the stamp from the footing and to reinsert it after one is done using it.
Since this stamp is small, it is easy to store. It can be stashed in a drawer, sit on a desktop, or in our case, beside the postage meter. The lettering that says AIR MAIL on top of the stamp makes it easy to identify if many stamps are in the area.
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. The manufacturer also says, "Plain rubbing alcohol on a dust-free cloth can be used on the stamp surface to clean any dirt which may build up. Never rub the stamp surface hard or allow sharp objects to come in contact with the rubber."
Re-ink the stamp when the impression becomes consistently light. The manufacturer highly recommends using Xstamper refill ink as other brands might cause clogging.
Purchasing
I do not know where this particular stamp was purchased. Weve had it a long time, and its still working as if new. We believe it cost around $6.00.
Summary
Our office likes this Xstamper "Air Mail" Stamp. The stamp offers bold red print to easily identify Air Mail status. If we had to purchase another Air Mail stamp, we would buy this one again.
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