I’ve never found pen rolls to be very practical. Beyond the allure of traditional materials and a certain ‘laying out the tools’ ritualism, they just seem to have too many compromises. Most annoying for me is the simple thong that keeps a pen roll shut. All that wrapping and tucking takes precious seconds, and I’m … Continue reading At last, a pen roll that works for me: the Rickshaw Hand Roll
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Where do you keep your pocket pens when they’re not in your pocket? Galen has the answer.
Just this week I ordered two more Schon P6s. When I'm ruthless about managing the rest of my collection, pocket pens can be a bit of a sideline vice for me. I know I'm not alone. They're inexpensive and fun. These tiny pens don't sit well in regular pen cases, for obvious reasons: pocket pens … Continue reading Where do you keep your pocket pens when they’re not in your pocket? Galen has the answer.
Esterbrook Pen Nook v2: new solutions, new problems
The Esterbrook Pen Nook v2, or “Nook Navy”, is undoubtedly a better pen case than the first version, which I reviewed a little over a year ago. But while making a load of changes, Esterbrook has introduced a couple of new problems that you should be aware of. Kenro sent me the six-pen version of … Continue reading Esterbrook Pen Nook v2: new solutions, new problems
Carry in style with the Galen Medic Bag
Long-time readers of this blog may remember my reports on the Galen Leather Writing Box: its unique concept, its problems with warping, and its redesigned replacement. I’m pleased to say that over the past year, the Writing Box has held up perfectly and it still sees daily use as a lapdesk for journalling and for … Continue reading Carry in style with the Galen Medic Bag
My new companion: the Nock Burton
Nock cases are, to me, a high water mark of design in pen carry. While I dally with other brands (from Franklin-Christoph, Esterbrook, Hurlestone and others), I return to Nock for my daily users. I have accumulated quite a few... I like the robust, colourful materials. I like the fact they're lightweight and flexible, with … Continue reading My new companion: the Nock Burton
Esterbrook Pen Nooks: bringing some pizzazz to pen storage
I was really excited about the Pen Nooks when Esterbrook parent company Kenro shared images of them with me a while ago. It's always good to see a new entry to any market, and I hoped these products would be a fresh competitor to cases from the likes of Nock, Hurlestone and Franklin-Christoph. And phwoar, … Continue reading Esterbrook Pen Nooks: bringing some pizzazz to pen storage
Nock Tallulah: two’s company
Yep, two days, two pen-case reviews (in case you missed it, yesterday I posted about my first experiences with New Zealand-based Hurlestone). Up today is the Tallulah two-pen case from my perennial favourites, Nock. The Tallulah is, like most Nock cases, crafted from colourful nylon. Mine's a rather lovely terracotta orange on the outside, and … Continue reading Nock Tallulah: two’s company
Quick review: Hurlestone pen cases
I came across Hurlestone on Instagram. It had everything I need to be immediately suckered in: small, new maker based out of somewhere unusual (in this case, New Zealand); pen cases in a variety of sizes; and unusual textile materials in a range of colours. I placed an order for two pen cases: a two-pen … Continue reading Quick review: Hurlestone pen cases
Suited and booted: Franklin-Christoph Penvelope 6
Most "fancy" pen cases are leather. I get that. Leather is durable, attractive, and has a premium reputation. But for whatever reason, some of us want an alternative: something made of non-leather material that still protects our precious pens and that looks great, too. There are plenty of fabric cases out there, but few of … Continue reading Suited and booted: Franklin-Christoph Penvelope 6
