Fabric (Cloth, Canvas, Etc.)
These days, pen enthusiasts can choose from a wide variety of fabric pen cases, which can include both natural materials such as soft cotton or canvas as well as synthetic fabrics such as nylon or cordura. The main benefits to fabric are (1) variety, in that you can choose from a wide range of different colors, prints, and textures; (2) light weight; and (3) washability, as well as the fact that you don’t need to worry as much about getting your case wet due to rain, spills, etc. Fabric has its own downsides, in that it can get dirty easily, and apart from sturdier materials like waxed canvas, probably won’t age or patina like well-made leather goods.
Now for the “safety” question. Neither fabric nor leather has a distinct advantage in terms of being “safer” for pens. Provided they are thick enough and at least moderately padded, most cases will protect pens from drops and other physical damage. That said, I’m often asked whether the actual act of taking pens in and out of a case will harm the pens, and whether it will cause so-called “microscratches” on the finish. We talked a bit about this in On The Paper Trail, Episode 10, and my general response is that yes, any sort of friction with material other than a polishing cloth runs the risk of altering the finish on your fountain pen in some way. I do not, however, consider this “damage” because it’s part of actually using the pen. Setting the pen down on a wooden desk, posting the cap, uncapping and recapping the pen, etc. also might create some sort of mark on your pen - just look at vintage pens that have been used for 75-100 years. Personally, I consider this normal wear-and-tear, and a pen that has been used as intended ultimately develops its own unique patina similar to well-aged leather goods. If you like a pristine shiny finish, that can often be restored by polishing.
