Abstract: A hand stamp assembly that includes a porous ink cartridge received in the stamp housing and a porous ink containing die head that is mounted in contact with the forward face of the ink cartridge so that ink may be transferred from the cartridge to the die head as the ink in the die head is depleted. The forward face of the die head is normally protected by a spring-loaded shielding sleeve that retracts when the stamp is pressed against the surface to be marked. An axial handle socket is provided so as to receive a handle or other gripping means. The socket is designed to have an inherent resilient flexing capability to provide firm gripping of the handle or other holder.