Zebra Sharbo X Revival Edition Review: A Classic Multi-Function Pen Returns

Introduction

Zebra has been making writing instruments in Tokyo since 1917, and the company’s zebra trademark is deliberately facing backwards: a nod to the idea of learning from the old while embracing the new. That philosophy shows up in a very literal way with the limited-edition Sharbo X revival, a modern reworking of the original Sharbo from 1977.

The original Sharbo was a black multi-function pen that combined a ballpoint with a mechanical pencil, sold in huge numbers over its long run. It remains usable even decades later, which says a lot about how well the original design aged. The revival edition is not a straight reproduction. Instead, Zebra rebuilt the concept on the current Sharbo X platform, so the dimensions and overall feel are close to the original, but the mechanism and refills are thoroughly modern.

What’s in the Box

The pen arrives in a black gift box, with an inner box protecting the body itself. A warranty card is included, and the inside of the lid is marked as a revival model. Unlike the standard Sharbo X, which ships without refills, this version includes refills in the box: emulsion ink ballpoint refills in black and red, plus a 0.5mm pencil lead.

The list price is ¥13,200 tax included, and it is sold as a limited quantity model. Prices can fluctuate, so it is worth checking current market availability before buying.

Build Quality and Design

The body is metal with a hairline finish, and the grid-patterned engraved grooves are filled with a special liquid to create a blackened surface treatment. This engraving technique, we understand, was extremely difficult to reproduce with current methods, which makes its presence here all the more impressive.

Side by side with the original, the size and overall atmosphere are very close, though some shapes differ. The engraving on the revival is deeper, the mouth fitting has a different shape, and the centre barrel carries both the maker name and product name rather than the maker name alone. The clip is thicker and shorter than the original and skips the blackened treatment, with “Zebra Japan” printed on its side. It is softer than you might expect but clips on firmly.

The name Sharbo itself has a fun origin story: it was meant to combine “Sharp pencil” and “Ballpoint pen”, but a misheard phone call turned “Shabo” into “Sharbo”, and the mistake stuck in the advertising.

How It Writes

The revival uses a black and a red 0.7mm ballpoint with Zebra’s emulsion ink, plus a 0.5mm mechanical pencil. Both modes include an eraser, and the knock mechanism has a rubber cushion, which noticeably reduces finger fatigue when extending the pencil.

In use, the emulsion ink refills are very smooth, and the red ink keeps the same pleasant character. The pencil writes cleanly at 0.5mm. Two details stand out compared to the original: the revival adds a red ballpoint (the original only had black), and despite the extra refill, the modern version is lighter while keeping nearly the same barrel diameter. That is a clear sign of how far the engineering has come. The centre of gravity sits high on both models.

Strengths and Things to Consider

The biggest strengths are the looks and the feel. If you like metal-barrelled multi-function pens from the classic era, this delivers that presence in a package you can comfortably use every day. The knock action is much smoother than the original’s clicky switch feel, the emulsion ink is a genuinely pleasant writer, and tip wobble is minimal, among the lowest you will find in a multi-function pen.

There is one small quirk worth knowing. When the ballpoints are retracted, the clip logo does not line up straight; the logo only aligns when the pencil is extended. If you want everything to sit perfectly aligned and flush on a desk with the tips retracted, this may nag at you. It is a minor point, and in our view the only real complaint about the pen.

Buying Advice

This is a pen for people who appreciate classic design executed with modern components. If you have wanted the original Sharbo’s look but prefer contemporary smoothness and a third ink, the revival makes a strong case. It also makes a thoughtful gift, given the packaging and included refills.

Since it is a limited-quantity model, availability may vary, and the price can move from the list price, so it is worth comparing options before committing. For anyone who has been looking for a stylish everyday multi-function pen with genuine character, this one is easy to recommend.

Conclusion

The Sharbo X revival edition is a satisfying example of honouring a classic without simply copying it. The metal body, deep engraving, and original silhouette carry the nostalgia, while the lighter build, added red ink, smoother knock, and included refills make it a better daily tool than the original ever was. One clip-alignment quirk aside, this is a pen that is genuinely fun to own and use.