# Is there a way to sharpen a dull Sharpie?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-sharpen-a-dull-sharpie/930343>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [January 12, 2021, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-sharpen-a-dull-sharpie/930343 "2021-01-12T17:17:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![CC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f1d935/32.png) [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2021, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-sharpen-a-dull-sharpie/930343/1 "2021-01-12T17:17:19Z")

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Are there simple methods or techniques or hacks that could be used to reconstitute an old Sharpie? Or is a dull one irredeemable?

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**Author:** ![MindsEye\_Watering](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindseye_watering/32/3619_2.png) [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2021, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-sharpen-a-dull-sharpie/930343/2 "2021-01-12T17:21:43Z")

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I’ve never tried it, but it seems to me that a sharp razor blade would do the trick.

Since Sharpies are so cheap, I would simply replace it but if I had to, I would try a razor.

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**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2021, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-sharpen-a-dull-sharpie/930343/3 "2021-01-13T06:14:46Z")

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Two pieces of advice from a career that involves a lot Sharpie use:

1. Buy ‘em by the box.

2. Use the right tip for the job.

The regular Sharpie is good for making labels with gaff tape but the king size are better for boxes. Fine point for marking drawings/plots/blueprints. Etc.

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**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2021, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-sharpen-a-dull-sharpie/930343/4 "2021-01-13T06:36:08Z")

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I’ve trimmed them with razor blades, but trimming them with old, but sharp, scissors is easier.

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**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2021, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-sharpen-a-dull-sharpie/930343/5 "2021-01-13T06:51:51Z")

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I’ve trimmed them with x-acto blades.