Sharpies: Blue vs. Black

When it comes down to the tools of the trade, the Sharpie Fine Point permanent marker is the top choice of most autograph hounds for cards and photographs. They work on most surfaces. They're affordable. And they're easy to find.

The only debate, I believe, is what's the best color to use:

Blue: By far, this is the color favored by most hounds and dealers. Its deep color stands out better against a neutral background and, if you can believe this, holds its own when used on objects with darker backgrounds.

The one drawback is that a blue Sharpie is incorrectly associated with dealers. I can live with that misconception.

Black: This color, often used by athletes signing through the mail, is best reserved for project pieces -- a team jersey, helmet or photograph. Not only is black more of a traditional color, but using a black Sharpie may also serve as a subtle hint to a player that you're a collector, not a dealer.

One word of caution, though. If given an opportunity to sign with a black Sharpie, players often sign on the darkest part of the image. Unlike a blue Sharpie, the black ink can blend in, rendering the autograph illegible.

Bottom line: Given my propensity for getting pucks autographed, my favorite pen applies silver paint. Most anything else, though, I'll use a blue Sharpie. It's crisp, clear and looks pretty sharp.