Though it initially struck me as a somewhat odd question, I get asked from time to time what pen case material is “safer” for your pens. There are two main options in today’s market - leather and cloth - and each has its own set of considerations. I’ll talk a bit about the advantages and disadvantages of each material, though I don’t believe that either one presents any serious risk of actually causing damage to a pen. I’ll also talk a bit about the difference between “damage” and the normal inevitable wear and tear resulting from using a pen as intended.
If I had to choose a favorite leather color, it would be cognac or saddle.
Leather Cases and Covers
Most leather pen cases, and other stationery items such as notebook covers and pouches, are made from cow or goat hide. Leather is durable, patinas as it ages, and hides dirt well. It also offers a classic “professional” look for those who want to carry their pens to a traditional office. Leather is a “safe” choice in the sense that it offers good protection from drops, and I’ve never had it fail to protect more fragile items.
Any downsides mainly involve the nature of leather itself. Some people don’t like to use animal products. Others dislike the harder feel of most leather, and it can be heavier than fabric alternatives. Leather will also accumulate scuffs and scrapes, and while many people prefer leather exactly for this reason - it shows character and develops “patina” as it wears - others prefer materials that can be washed and more easily cleaned.
Fabric cases such as the Soolla Studio Pouch and Rickshaw Fillmore 6-pen Case feature multiple slots for organizing gear. I tend to use both for modular carry (i.e., bag-in-a-bag) and move them between backpacks and briefcases.
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.
Yes, I leave fountain pens on the outside of my Soolla Studio Pouch, even when it’s in my backpack.
I generally advise people that if there is a pen in your collection that you do not want to risk getting scratched, marked, modified, or otherwise rendered “non mint condition” in any way, you simply shouldn’t use it. There’s simply no way to guarantee that “microscratches” or the like won’t happen, and you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Keep it in the box for posterity.
What I Personally Use
For my own collection, I use a wide range of different fabric and leather cases, pen sleeves, rolls, and folios. If forced to choose, I will usually opt for a leather notebook cover or folio, and a fabric (typically canvas or cordura) pen case. Notebook covers get handled more, and I enjoy how they age as the leather darkens and wears smooth over time. Fabric pen cases tend to be lighter weight and feature more slots and pockets, all of which I value in my everyday life since I carry a lot of pens. I don’t worry at all about whether a case will scratch a pen - if I’ve decided to ink a pen and use it, whether or not a pen will eventually show signs of wear doesn’t really cross my mind.
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