Log Stamps

[+Three Bees]

Does anyone have any good recommendations for log stamps? I’m looking for a budget option. For those who use a stamp, what size is yours, and what size caches does it fit on?

[+hzoi]

We use this one, it was about $20 when we got it. Technically it's small enough to even stamp most micros, but we typically only stamp notebooks - like a "small" sized cache or larger. Not every log needs to be stamped - see every log we've ever signed where someone took up like 5 lines for their single stamp.

 

Example log:

 

 

edit to add: while I took up a fair amount of the log with my entry, based on the frequency this challenge gets logged and the amount of paper left in the book, I don't feel guilty about it. 

Edited December 19, 2023 by hzoi

[+chase99g]

Where did you get it so that you can customize it?

[+kunarion]

10 hours ago, Three Bees said:

Does anyone have any good recommendations for log stamps? I’m looking for a budget option. For those who use a stamp, what size is yours, and what size caches does it fit on?

 

You weren't specific about where you will be ordering from, nor how fancy your design is, so it's hard to guess.

But I found a self-inking "round stamp" with free shipping for $13 that was perfect for identifying my tiny Micro log rolls as cache logs.  I don't use a stamp to make cache Find logs, but this kind could also be used for that.  It's compact, spring-loaded and has a cap, making it suitable for carrying in a pocket.

The one I ordered has room for a short word of curved text and two lines of initials, all inside a circle.

 

For more flexibility, visit an office supply store, and ask about their options.  They will offer similar circle stamps, but they can also make you a completely custom stamp.  Save up for the exact style you want.  Most of these stamps will last for years.

 

Edited December 4, 2023 by kunarion

[+CAVinoGal]

20 hours ago, Three Bees said:

Does anyone have any good recommendations for log stamps? I’m looking for a budget option. For those who use a stamp, what size is yours, and what size caches does it fit on?

 

We were "gifted" name stamps by our son and daughter in law (who got us into this); hubby has since changed ihis geo-name and we got a new one with his new name that turned out to be a larger stamp than the initial one.  I ordered though Amazon, it's called a Trodat Printy 4921 ( https://www.amazon.com/Customized-Trodat-Printy-Self-Inking-Lipstick/dp/B01BND076Y/ref=sr_1_5_pp?keywords=Trodat+Printy+4921&qid=1701740183&sr=8-5 ).  Sample log with our stamps is attached.  Mine fits most logsheets except for nanos; RattleSnack has to hand sign some micros.

 

I've since ordered stamps for friends.  They run $10-$15 (with a simple name), last for a few years unless you lose them first, and seem to be more popular in some areas than others, based on found caches.  Some logs have all hand written signatures, some a mix, and some are almost all stamps.  Most popular stamps seem to be simply the geoname, various fonts and colors, but I've seen others more customized with a logo of some kind.  Those will be a bit more pricey.

 

[+Smitherington]

I bought mine only for nano log sheets so it is very small. About 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).  I don’t use it often but it may be better than trying to write small or I could go back to an abbreviation  

[+Goldenwattle]

If people use stamps, please get water proof ink, because if the log gets even damp, the stamp image will run, and it will be unreadable. It might even fade away completely. Then you will get an email asking where your signature is.

[+barefootjeff]

3 minutes ago, Goldenwattle said:

If people use stamps, please get water proof ink, because if the log gets even damp, the stamp image will run, and it will be unreadable. It might even fade away completely. Then you will get an email asking where your signature is.

 

Yes, I've seen that happen too. One of my more recent hides uses a plastic coffin as the themed container and, while not sealed, I thought its hiding place in under a rock ledge would keep it dry, with the added precaution of a "stone paper" waterproof logbook. But my "nice dry" hiding place turned into a subterranean watercourse in heavy rain and the coffin filled with water. The second finder used a stamp and his imprint disappeared entirely even though the other signatures done in ball-point pen were fine. I subsequently built an outer shell the coffin slides into that keeps it completely dry so hopefully it'll be a one-off problem, on that cache at least.

[+fizzymagic]

2 hours ago, Goldenwattle said:

If people use stamps, please get water proof ink, because if the log gets even damp, the stamp image will run, and it will be unreadable. It might even fade away completely. Then you will get an email asking where your signature is.

 

Not the finder's problem. The CO is responsible for providing a log that will retain signatures.

 

And using a container that will keep the log dry.

Edited December 5, 2023 by fizzymagic

[+Goldenwattle]

1 hour ago, fizzymagic said:

Not the finder's problem. The CO is responsible for providing a log that will retain signatures.

 

And using a container that will keep the log dry.

It happens. NO log paper will keep a water soluble stamp ink  from running and even disappearing completely, if someone lets water in, which could be any finder and out of the COs control. The CO might then have no idea the log was stamped and just presume no signature. It's up to those who insist on using a stamp to use waterproof ink. I have taken that responsibility and bought waterproof ink for my stamp. No one should negate their responsibility to sign the log properly (in this case a stamp) to someone else. Waterproof stamp ink is available...and in many colours.

You mean that you have never had one of your logs get wet. Never...never...ever...

[+chase99g]

21 hours ago, kunarion said:

 

You weren't specific about where you will be ordering from, nor how fancy your design is, so it's hard to guess.

But I found a self-inking "round stamp" with free shipping for $13 that was perfect for identifying my tiny Micro log rolls as cache logs.  I don't use a stamp to make cache Find logs, but this kind could also be used for that.  It's compact, spring-loaded and has a cap, making it suitable for carrying in a pocket.

The one I ordered has room for a short word of curved text and two lines of initials, all inside a circle.

 

For more flexibility, visit an office supply store, and ask about their options.  They will offer similar circle stamps, but they can also make you a completely custom stamp.  Save up for the exact style you want.  Most of these stamps will last for years.

 

I’m just wondering in general where he found the stamp.

[Keystone]

3 minutes ago, chase99g said:

I’m just wondering in general where he found the stamp.

 

Follow the links in the posts you're responding to.  For example, kunarion linked to a stamp that's sold through Amazon.

[+chase99g]

I ended up just now scrolling down and seeing that, thanks.

[+baer2006]

6 hours ago, Goldenwattle said:

If people use stamps, please get water proof ink, because if the log gets even damp, the stamp image will run, and it will be unreadable. It might even fade away completely. Then you will get an email asking where your signature is.

At least in my area, "water-proof" micro logbooks are a thing (like "rite-in-the-rain" or whatever it's called). Such logbooks and (most) stamps don't go together well at all. If people are stamping into such a log, you end up with a mess of colored blobs, and the next finders of the cache may find some of the ink on their fingers after logging.

 

In discussion about this problem, CO's who use such logbooks usually say "Don't use you d*** stamps!", while cachers with stamps reply "Use a proper dry container, then you don't need those d*** 'water-proof' logs!" TBH, I think that's an unsolvable conflict .

 

[+kunarion]

8 hours ago, Goldenwattle said:

If people use stamps, please get water proof ink, because if the log gets even damp, the stamp image will run, and it will be unreadable. It might even fade away completely. Then you will get an email asking where your signature is.

 

That would be great!  The cheapie stamp I bought to for making log sheets smears a little even after dry (maybe it fully dries after a long time), about the same as my inkjet printer ink.

 

"Waterproof ink" would be a good thing to do some tests on.  I've seen Sharpie signatures bleed or fade on log sheets, yet Sharpie is "Waterproof".  One reason I don't use a stamp to sign log sheets is, the paper in the wilds tends to contain at least some moisture, even in the best conditions.  Moisture and expensive marking tools don't mix.  I've ruined Sharpies by touching them to anything but pristine, brand new paper.  But for dry, clean paper, the perfect batch of ideal ink might do.

 

Edited December 5, 2023 by kunarion

[+cerberus1]

35 minutes ago, kunarion said:

That would be great!  The cheapie stamp I bought to for making log sheets smears a little even after dry (maybe it fully dries after a long time), about the same as my inkjet printer ink.

"Waterproof ink" would be a good thing to do some tests on.  I've seen Sharpie signatures bleed or fade on log sheets, yet Sharpie is "Waterproof".  One reason I don't use a stamp to sign log sheets is, the paper in the wilds tends to contain at least some moisture, even in the best conditions.  Moisture and expensive marking tools don't mix.  I've ruined Sharpies by touching them to anything but pristine, brand new paper.

Same here...   The other 2/3rds thought it a good idea until I mentioned you still should write the date in too.  

But it wasn't until those folks who take pics of every log they sign, where we saw the smeared, messy looking addition that she stopped.

Three-headed dog looked like some odd Rorschach inkblot.      For me it's either pencil, ultra-fine point sharpie, or a space pen.

I stopped using G2s after seeing gel blobs of "something" that resembled my log too...

[+kunarion]

2 hours ago, baer2006 said:

In discussion about this problem, CO's who use such logbooks usually say "Don't use you d*** stamps!", while cachers with stamps reply "Use a proper dry container, then you don't need those d*** 'water-proof' logs!" TBH, I think that's an unsolvable conflict .

 

 

The stamps are usually water-based like most rollerball pens or other pens that cachers use.  It's the same issue whether pen or stamp.  Sharpie (waterproof pen) is OK on most log sheet material, so maybe a waterproof stamp ink on dry paper (and allowing the ink to dry) will work better.

 

One tiny drop of water from the rim of a watertight Micro can soak the log when the container is opened.  So if there are two finds in one day, forget about it!  

 

Edited December 5, 2023 by kunarion

[+kunarion]

45 minutes ago, cerberus1 said:

Same here...   The other 2/3rds thought it a good idea until I mentioned you still should write the date in too.  

But it wasn't until those folks who take pics of every log they sign, where we saw the smeared, messy looking addition that she stopped.

Three-headed dog looked like some odd Rorschach inkblot.      For me it's either pencil, ultra-fine point sharpie, or a space pen.

I stopped using G2s after seeing gel blobs of "something" that resembled my log too...

 

I prefer to leave a more human mark anyway, and select the pen ink that may work best for the current log sheet, and adjust the size and length of the mark to fit.  Sometimes the "signature" is the most challenging thing to do on a Micro.  A stamp would be another thing to carry around, and it would just be a hassle for me.  Yeah, and future finders getting smeared ink on their fingers would be cursing me, "I'd punch that guy if I could read that name!"  

 

But it's easy for someone to get a stamp.  Go access an Interwebs, search for "buy ink stamp", and you're golden.

 

Edited December 5, 2023 by kunarion

[+CAVinoGal]

1 hour ago, kunarion said:

The stamps are usually water-based like most rollerball pens or other pens that cachers use.  It's the same issue whether pen or stamp.

And that's why I'll snap a photo of our "stamps" or signatures on a logsheet.  Not always, but often enough if I think it may fade or smear.  And I'll include if we stamped, signed, or otherwise marked the log with names, stamps, or initials if it's a nano.  And yes, the RitR sheets make the ink bead up and smaer, but regular ink pens don't write so well on those sheets either.  We do our best to leave our mark, and I'll take a photo before it gets wiped away.

 

9 hours ago, Goldenwattle said:

If people use stamps, please get water proof ink, because if the log gets even damp, the stamp image will run, and it will be unreadable. It might even fade away completely. Then you will get an email asking where your signature is.

Honestly, that has NEVER happened to me!  I'm sure some of our stamps have faded or smeared over time,and in some cases the logsheets have been replaced so any earlier signatures are no longer there anyway

[+colleda]

Those once wet, faded, stamped signatures come in handy when I come across a full log sheet.

[+baer2006]

5 hours ago, kunarion said:

The stamps are usually water-based like most rollerball pens or other pens that cachers use.  It's the same issue whether pen or stamp.  Sharpie (waterproof pen) is OK on most log sheet material, so maybe a waterproof stamp ink on dry paper (and allowing the ink to dry) will work better.

(Emphasis by me)

This is not my experience at all. I've seen hundreds of water-proof paper logs, which had got wet in the past, and where all stamp logs were a hopeless, but most pen signatures were in a more or less readable state.

[+Team Canary]

13 hours ago, fizzymagic said:

 

Not the finder's problem. The CO is responsible for providing a log that will retain signatures.

 

And using a container that will keep the log dry.

 

You're right, it is only the finder's responsibility is to sign the log.

 

Is a stamp signing?

[+niraD]

28 minutes ago, Team Canary said:

Is a stamp signing?

Yes.

 

So is having someone else write your name when geocaching in a group.

 

So is having someone else write an informal team name when geocaching in a group.

[+fizzymagic]

12 hours ago, Goldenwattle said:

It happens. NO log paper will keep a water soluble stamp ink  from running and even disappearing completely, if someone lets water in, which could be any finder and out of the COs control.

 

Incorrect.  National Geographic Waterproof Inkjet paper will retain water-based inks quite well.  "Rite in the rain" paper does not work for this purpose, however.

 

12 hours ago, Goldenwattle said:

You mean that you have never had one of your logs get wet. Never...never...ever...

 

No, I have not threatened to delete logs from people whose signatures have faded or otherwise become unreadable.  That  is what we were talking about here.

Edited December 6, 2023 by fizzymagic

[+Goldenwattle]

18 minutes ago, fizzymagic said:

National Geographic Waterproof Inkjet paper will retain water-based inks quite well. 

And you think the whole world knows where to buy this, if it's possible even to buy this, or have even heard of it. I would also need to test this myself before I believed this, as water soluble ink is,  water soluble.

21 minutes ago, fizzymagic said:

 

12 hours ago, Goldenwattle said:

You mean that you have never had one of your logs get wet. Never...never...ever...

 

No, I have not threatened to delete logs from people whose signatures have faded or otherwise become unreadable.  That  is what we were talking about here.

No, I was asking what I wrote. "We" weren't talking about deleting logs with this question.

[+Goldenwattle]

7 hours ago, CAVinoGal said:

Honestly, that has NEVER happened to me!  I'm sure some of our stamps have faded or smeared over time,and in some cases the logsheets have been replaced so any earlier signatures are no longer there anyway

Blurry stamps make checking logs and cross checking the online log difficult. I react quickly to maintenance problems and regularly check the logs.

 

No one has ever needed to replace a log for me, as I do maintenance, and I would be very annoyed if they did replace a log rather than do a NM. So, your comment, "in some cases the logsheets have been replaced so any earlier signatures are no longer there anyway",is incorrect, for if any logs are replaced it's been by me and I have had a log to check.

Edited December 6, 2023 by Goldenwattle

[+Goldenwattle]

11 hours ago, kunarion said:

"Waterproof ink" would be a good thing to do some tests on.

That got me thinking. Although the ink is marked Archival Ink, Acid Free, Permanent, Waterproof, I had actually never tested it.

So I made a stamp on paper, wiped moisture over it (spat on it) and it didn't smug. Ran tap water over it and it didn't smug. The paper has been wet for several minutes now and it hasn't bled yet. I bought the ink from a specialist stamp and ink shop. Ink, made in USA. Ranger brand.

Edited December 6, 2023 by Goldenwattle

[+fizzymagic]

36 minutes ago, Goldenwattle said:

No, I was asking what I wrote. "We" weren't talking about deleting logs with this question.

 

Please read the thread to familiarize yourself with the subject material.

[+Goldenwattle]

9 minutes ago, fizzymagic said:

 

Please read the thread to familiarize yourself with the subject material.

I am familiar with it; the basic question being answered, "Does anyone have any good recommendations for log stamps?"  Stamps don't come separate to ink. They are a pair.  One does not work without the other. Maybe you should reread it. 

My recommendation was on track with, (use might have been better as buy, but same meaning)
"If people use stamps, please get water proof ink, because if the log gets even damp, the stamp image will run, and it will be unreadable. It might even fade away completely. Then you will get an email asking where your signature is."  

Edited December 6, 2023 by Goldenwattle

[+fizzymagic]

21 minutes ago, Goldenwattle said:

"If people use stamps, please get water proof ink, because if the log gets even damp, the stamp image will run, and it will be unreadable. It might even fade away completely. Then you will get an email asking where your signature is."  

 

If a log in one of my caches gets wet, then that's on me.  I do not send threatening emails for faded signatures like you apparently do.

[+Goldenwattle]

16 minutes ago, fizzymagic said:

 

If a log in one of my caches gets wet, then that's on me.  I do not send threatening emails for faded signatures like you apparently do.

Stop making up what I do, it doesn't make you look good. I don't send "threatening emails" and never said I do, as you must know. What I wrote was, "It might even fade away completely. Then you will get an email asking where your signature is." No threats there; only a question from a CO who does regular maintenance and checks logs, and when I can't find a signature or stamp I ask about the signature. I am reasonable and will also accept other proof, such as a photograph or a good description. I give people a chance. I also accept I might just have missed someone's scrawl. I did once and when they pointed it out I apologized. Beginners with only a few finds I am now being very lenient with, saying they should have signed the log, but as they are new to the game I will accept their log this time, but please sign logs from now on. I don't want to chase away new players.

I personally have also received an email from a CO about a log I signed, asking where my signature was. I took it well; it wasn't a "threatening email" and I never considered it such. Gees, I appreciated that there are other COs out there who take their responsibilities seriously. I described the hide, the log, the surrounds; even the parking, and my log was accepted. A "threatening email"; gees you can't be real! (The log had become ratty and was falling apart, so not surprised my signature might have been missed. But good the CO was fixing this.)

Edited December 6, 2023 by Goldenwattle

[+kunarion]

1 hour ago, Goldenwattle said:

That got me thinking. Although the ink is marked Archival Ink, Acid Free, Permanent, Waterproof, I had actually never texted it.

So I made a stamp on paper, wiped moisture over it (spat on it) and it didn't smug. Ran tap water over it and it didn't smug. The paper has been wet for several minutes now and it hasn't bled yet. I bought the ink from a specialist stamp and ink shop. Ink, made in USA. Ranger brand.

 

Is that a separate stamp pad, or a combined ink with spring-loaded stamper?  Seems like you'd have better control of specific ink if it's a stamp pad.

[+Goldenwattle]

1 minute ago, kunarion said:

 

Is that a separate stamp pad, or a combined ink with spring-loaded stamper?  Seems like you'd have better control of specific ink if it's a stamp pad.

Separate stamp pad. The original ink on the pad (yellowish orange, as my stamp is a sprig of wattle) might not maybe have been waterproof (not sure), but the bottle of ink to top up the stamp pad is waterproof, and it passed the test. Checked the test stamp again and it still has not bled .

[+kunarion]

1 hour ago, Goldenwattle said:

Separate stamp pad. The original ink on the pad (yellowish orange, as my stamp is a sprig of wattle) might not maybe have been waterproof (not sure), but the bottle of ink to top up the stamp pad is waterproof, and it passed the test. Checked the test stamp again and it still has not bled .

 

I'll look for that kind.  I don't stamp log pages in lieu of signing (or as an added decoration when signing), everyone gets to enjoy my hideous penmanship instead.

 

But I have a stamp for creating my Micro log sheets and teeny log books.  If I had an indelible ink stamp pad, I may buy a few more designs.  Especially, to stamp objects to make sig items, such as wooden nickels and wood slices (if I ever decide on one design).

 

I suggested the spring-loaded pocket-sized stamp for the OP, due to low price and convenience, but I'm not sure it's ideal for Geocaching.  The only ink options were color.  But I just now tested a previously stamped log sheet, and it has finally "set" - doesn't immediately smear as it did a little bit on the first day I stamped it.

 

A few years ago, I bought a UV ink stamp pad, along with several bright UV ink pens in different colors.  Was gonna make some clever things with those, never did.  Then they all dried out.

 

Edited December 6, 2023 by kunarion

[+Goldenwattle]

2 hours ago, kunarion said:

I don't stamp log pages in lieu of signing (or as an added decoration when signing), everyone gets to enjoy my hideous penmanship instead.

I usually only use the stamp for letter box caches, when they actually have a log big enough for stamps (amazing how many so called letter box caches are not supplied with a log big enough and suitable for people's stamps), and is in good condition. I do sign as well. Most other cache logs only get my signature.

[+barefootjeff]

1 hour ago, Goldenwattle said:

I usually only use the stamp for letter box caches, when they actually have a log big enough for stamps (amazing how many so called letter box caches are not supplied with a log big enough and suitable for people's stamps), and is in good condition. I do sign as well. Most other cache logs only get my signature.

 

I don't have a good feeling for what size stamp people want to use in LBHs, but in mine (published during the Iconic challenge in August) I used an A7 spiral-bound notepad (74x105 mm) which was the biggest I could fit inside the container which in turn was the biggest I could fit inside the hiding place. None of its five finders (all in August) used a stamp, they just signed with a pen.

Edited December 6, 2023 by barefootjeff

[+Goldenwattle]

1 hour ago, barefootjeff said:

 

I don't have a good feeling for what size stamp people want to use in LBHs, but in mine (published during the Iconic challenge in August) I used an A7 spiral-bound notepad (74x105 mm) which was the biggest I could fit inside the container which in turn was the biggest I could fit inside the hiding place. None of its five finders (all in August) used a stamp, they just signed with a pen.

Good , it wasn't a narrow micro cache log for the letter box cache. I have come upon that, and my stamp is too big for that. As would be many people's.

[+chase99g]

If I were to buy a customized spring loaded stamp, ink pad and letters together, would that be okay to use?

[+Goldenwattle]

14 minutes ago, chase99g said:

If I were to buy a customized spring loaded stamp, ink pad and letters together, would that be okay to use?

Yes, if the ink is waterproof.

[+kunarion]

13 hours ago, chase99g said:

If I were to buy a customized spring loaded stamp, ink pad and letters together, would that be okay to use?

 

Here's a similar portable stamp for $5 with free shipping.  It has waterproof ink, washable (designed for clothing), and says it's "non-fade".  It may or may not be exactly what you want, but I'm just throwing it out there because $5 is a pretty good deal.

 

Edited December 7, 2023 by kunarion

[+Justin Of Terrytown]

I have always ordered stamps for my hobbies (Where's George, Postcrossing, Geocaching, est.) and stamps for my mom's business from stamp-connection.com. 

[+JL_HSTRE]

To me, this thread illustrates geocaching has some fundamental issues with the physical logging process. Too much variance in signing device and log material.

 

Much digital ink spilled about log ink, which isn't checked 99% of the time.

[+hzoi]

On 12/4/2023 at 7:32 AM, chase99g said:

Where did you get it so that you can customize it?

 

Sorry, I'm not on the forums as much as I used to be, and I didn't see your reply until now.

 

I linked the business in my post, it's Rubber Stamp Warehouse.

 

If I recall correctly, I sent them a JPEG, and they made it into a stamp.

[+chase99g]

No problem, I ended up buying a pre inking stamp and customizing it! 
 

It’s so quick now after I find a cache! Thanks for sending that info too on the company you got your from!