Pen Rolls vs. Pen Cases: A Review of the Rickshaw Bagworks Deluxe 6 Pen Roll

August 31, 2019

Up until this past year, I was firmly in the “pen case” camp. While I had a few fabric pen wraps, most were handmade, small batch products made by friends and acquaintances that I used to transport un-inked pens to local pen meets and pen shows. For casual carry these are fine, but they don’t offer enough protection for the rigors of everyday commuting, especially when the pens are sitting in my bag with a laptop, briefcase, binders, and who-knows-what-else.

The elastic cord (pictured here with lock) ensures that your pen roll remains closed, and allows you to roll your pens as tightly as possible both to prevent the pens from rattling around and to maximize space in your bag.

Pen wraps and rolls, however, have a couple of distinct advantages over pen cases. First, they can take up much less space in a bag. If you’re someone who regular carries five or six pens, a roll is much more compact and can slide easily into the corner of a briefcase, whereas a comparable fabric or leather pen case with hard sides and a zippered or snap closure typically takes up more space. Second, a properly designed pen roll can better protect your pens from dings and scratches, provided the interior uses a soft enough liner and leaves enough space between slots so that the pens don’t touch.

This particular Deluxe Pen Roll holds six pens, which I is Rickshaw’s typical size. On the Rickshaw website, however, you can order a custom Deluxe Pen Roll that holds 6, 8, 10, or even 12 pens, though I expect that would be quite large when closed.… — This particular Deluxe Pen Roll holds six pens, which I is Rickshaw’s typical size. On the Rickshaw website, however, you can order a custom Deluxe Pen Roll that holds 6, 8, 10, or even 12 pens, though I expect that would be quite large when closed. For that many pens, I’m probably still going with a pen case.

San Francisco-based Rickshaw Bagworks makes the best pen roll for my personal needs. Specifically, I’ve been carrying this “Deluxe” six pen roll that I picked up at the Los Angeles Pen Show in February, which is a special edition collaboration with LA-based artist Joey Feldman and retailer Vanness Pens. Rickshaw also has collaborated with Leigh Reyes on a previous edition, also sold through Vanness. These Deluxe Pen Rolls feature a durable Cordura exterior with a plush interior to protect your pens. (The liner is referred to as “Royal Plush” on the Rickshaw website, and it feels like microfleece.) I like how the Deluxe Pen Roll has an interior flap that keeps your pens from sliding out the top, and all Rickshaw pen rolls feature an elastic cord with adjustable “cord lock”, which keeps your pen roll closed much better than fabric or leather ties.

Size comparison: The Rickshaw Bagworks Deluxe Six Pen Roll next to my Galen Leather A5 Zippered Portfolio. The Pen Roll is shown here loaded with six pens.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

This year at work has been quite busy on multiple fronts, meaning that space in my briefcase is a premium. For that reason I’ve found myself carrying my Rickshaw pen roll more frequently, to the point where it’s become a fixture in my bag. I’ve even thrown Joey’s crazy art out into the center of a conference room table at work, but didn’t get any reaction. Apparently I’m no longer a novelty and people now expect these things from me. Sigh.

A shot of Joey Feldman’s artwork on the reverse side.

If you’re interested in the Joey Feldman collaboration, Vanness still has several of these limited edition Deluxe Pen Rolls in stock, along with some standard pen rolls (no interior flap) and utility pouches. Otherwise you can visit the Rickshaw Bagworks website to design your own. Prices start at $50 for the Joey Feldman/Vanness limited edition and $49 on the Rickshaw Bagworks website.

Note: For more information on large-capacity pen storage, including album-style cases and and pen display boxes, check out this post here.

Disclaimer: Vanness Pens is a sponsor of this website, and I received the Deluxe Pen Roll featured in this review at no charge. (Well, not really at “no charge,” since I paid with my own blood, sweat, and tears behind the table at the 2019 LA Pen Show. You can read about that experience here.)

The Franklin-Christoph Covered Pen Tray is my overall favorite storage system, with an excellent combination of looks and functionality.

Top 5 Pen Storage Solutions: Pen Boxes and Folios

May 22, 2019

As you might imagine, pen storage becomes an issue around the TGS office. Between my own personal collection and the archive of pens that I keep on hand for review and comparison purposes, space is at a premium, and I’m constantly on the lookout for ways to upgrade my storage game. Back in 2016, when I first wrote about storage options and ways to organize your pen collection, I relied heavily on multiple three-to-five pen “daily carry” style cases and wraps, which quickly became unmanageable as my collection grew. Over the years, I’ve moved towards pen boxes and “album-style” folios that not only protect my pens a bit better but allow me to organize things while taking up less space overall. So what do I use? Let’s take a look.

Pen Chalet Pen Display Cases (via Pen Chalet). If you’re looking for a classic padded pen display box with a glass top, you can’t beat these relatively inexpensive wood-veneer pen boxes. Available in 10, 20, 30, and 60-pen sizes, Pen Chalet’s “house brand” cases feature sturdy construction with lined padded inserts. The only drawback to these boxes is that the slots in the drawers on the larger-capacity models might be a bit tight for larger pens such as Montblanc 149s, Pelikan M800s and M1000s, etc. I personally own the 10-pen case, which sits on my desk, as well as the 30-pen model, which I have on my bookshelves.
Franklin-Christoph Covered Pen Tray (via Franklin-Christoph). For a premium, ultra-classy look, you can’t go wrong with the Covered Pen Tray. I acquired my black leather model nearly three years ago, and it’s held my “currently inked” pens ever since. One advantage to the Covered Pen Tray over a wooden box is portability - Franklin-Christoph created this display box as a way to transport pens to shows and display them without having to remove them from their travel case. It’s perfect for a pen meetup or smaller gathering of friends where you don’t want to bring your entire collection.
Monteverde 36-Pen Zippered Case (via Pen Chalet). Most of my more expensive pens live in the Pen Chalet Display Cases or the Covered Pen Tray, what about the rest? To conserve storage space, I have these pens “archived” in album-style cases on my bookshelves. By far, the most cost-effect means of storing pens in this way is Monteverde’s spacious 36-pen zippered case. The quality is excellent for the price point, and if you need high-volume, low-cost storage, this is definitely the way to go. As the pics below show, it’s not the most visually appealing storage option, but it won’t kill your wallet.
Galen Leather Zippered 40-Pen Leather Case (via Galen Leather). Zeynep at Galen Leather reached out recently and asked whether I would be interested in reviewing one of their 40 pen leather cases. Though I only recently received this item, I have a lot of experience with Galen Leather products and have always enjoyed their work. This zippered pen case is no exception, and while it’s more expensive than the Monteverde option, it’s also more compact, holds a few more pens, and will look quite nice as the leather ages.
Aston Leather 10 Pen Carrying Cases (via Pen Chalet). While my pens don’t live permanently in these cases, the Aston Leather 10 Pen cases are my choice for transporting pens to pen shows. The leather has held up well over time - the one pictured here is nearly ten years old - and the soft insert protects your pens well. I’ve also been able to get up to 14 pens into one of these cases, as there is extra elastic that can hold 4 more pens as long as they’re not too big.

You won’t go wrong with any of these options, and you should pick one that matches up with your needs. If you carry pens around frequently to shows and meetups, an album-style case will likely be the best option. But if you want to spruce up your workspace or display your pens openly, I’ve been very happy with both the Pen Chalet pen boxes and the Franklin-Christoph Covered Pen Tray.

Disclaimer: The only product featured here that I received free for review purposes is the Galen Leather Zippered 40-Pen Case, though I may have used store credit to purchase some of these items over the years. (I’ve had most of them for some time - I can’t remember.)

The Penwell Desktop Pen Holder

November 29, 2017

Penwell Co. was formed this year “with the simple goal of making and selling a useful, attractive, and well-built product.” That product is the eponymous Penwell, a pen stand that “turns any pen into a desk pen” and not only comes in quite handy, but looks great at your workspace.

Based in Wallace, South Dakota and run by pen enthusiast Dan Keller, Penwell Co. is “Singularly Focused, Singularly Named.” The company aims to do one thing very well, and by this standard has not only succeeded but should have a bright future.

The Penwell is ingeniously simple, and has only four parts: (1) the base, currently available in either walnut, aluminum, or brass; (2) an internal clip, which grips the pen; (3) a foam insert, which protects and pads the pen cap; and (4) a microsuction pad that adheres to your desk or other surface. The Penwell does not use any sort of adhesive, but rather thousands of tiny microscopic suction cups. The microsuction system works incredibly well. It stays put, and I’ve moved my Penwells multiple times without damaging the finish on my wood desk.

To turn your pen into a desk pen using the Penwell, simply insert the pen cap-first into the foam insert until it’s fully secured. Larger pens and slip cap pens may require further adjustment, and Penwell Co. offers detailed use and care instructions on its website, including pointers on how to make these pens fit. For the record, I’ve had no issues with any of my pens not fitting in the Penwell, including larger pens like the Montblanc 146 and my Kanilea pens (which look absolutely gorgeous in the Walnut version).

Kanilea Pen Co. Nui Nalu fountain pen in the Walnut Penwell. The Penwell matches the wooden box that comes with all Kanilea pens.

The great thing about this product is that it creates versatility. I love desk pens, but I don’t like the fact that a dedicated fountain pen desk set has to stay parked on your desk all the time. I’ve had issues with the ink drying up from disuse. Penwell solves this problem by making it easy to grab your "desk pen" out of the Penwell and go - to a coffee shop or my downtown office, for example - and then re-park the pen in the Penwell once I get home.

Another thing I love about the Penwell: it helps me out with those pens that won't post at all or are too long posted to use comfortably. (Parker’s Modern Duofold and Conklin’s Duragraph are two that recently crossed my desk.) I generally prefer to post my pens, in part because I have so much stuff sitting on my desk at any given time that I tend to lose track of caps or drop them on the floor. These longer, "unpostable" pens are perfect for the Penwell, which will hold the cap while I'm writing. Another problem solved!

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Many thanks to Dan at Penwell Co. for sending me these two Penwells and making this review possible. This is one of those well made, thoughtful products that makes you smile and which I have been using every day. Since the Penwell was released just in time for the holiday season, it made its way directly into my 2017 Holiday Gift Guide, and would make a great present for any pen enthusiast.

You can purchase the Penwell directly from the Penwell website. The walnut version costs $49, the aluminum version $59, and the brass $89. These prices are more than fair, given the quality, originality, and obvious effort that went into finalizing and packaging this product.

Disclaimer: Penwell Co. sent me the products featured in this review free of charge, for review purposes.

Pen Case Review: Dee Charles Designs Double Pen Sleeve

July 15, 2017

If there's one thing I don't lack, it's pen cases, pen boxes, pen stands, and other storage options. Once you fall deep into this hobby, you become unnaturally preoccupied with the best way to store, carry, and display your collection. As interest in fountain pens and other high-end writing instruments has experienced a resurgence in recent years, companies have not only begun to product more pens and ink, but also accessories to go along with them. Aston Leather, Franklin-Christoph, Tom Barrington, and now Dee Charles Designs, all make some excellent leather pen sleeves and pen cases. In this review, I'll look at a black leather two-pen sleeve from Dee Charles that Ron at Pen Chalet was kind enough to send me.

Each case features the Dee Charles Designs logo branded onto the front, and comes with the option of colored thread. I opted for red, of course.

What's perhaps most notable about the Dee Charles leather pen sleeve is its simplicity. It's basically two pieces of black leather stitched together to form a pouch, with a line of stitching down the middle to divide the case so the two pens don't touch. Unlike a more expensive case such as those from Tom Barrington, the edges on the Dee Charles pen sleeve are left rough and unfinished. There's also no lining on the inside. To be honest, when I initially received this case, the leather felt extremely stiff, and I worried that it looked a bit "plasticky."

You can see the unfinished edges and interior of this pen case, which I guess is appropriate for the rugged style as well as the price point.

My initial impressions appear to be wrong, and this case has "broken in" nicely. While long-term durability remains to be seen, it's held up well over the past month (during which I've carried it every day) and the leather has definitely become more supple with use. Once it accumulates the creases and scuffs that naturally come with actually using any leather product, the unfinished edges and interior blend a bit and actually lend this case a rugged charm.

On the left, a Montegrappa Fortuna in white/ruthenium, and on the right, my Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black. The Fortuna is a relatively fat pen, and fits.

Another thing I appreciate is that this double sleeve can hold two big pens fairly easily. At first, the fit was tight, but now that the leather has softened up it can easily hold a TWSBI 580 and my Kanilea Pen Co. Mauna Kea. The Tom Barrington case is a touch too short to hold either of these pens.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

This Dee Charles double pen sleeve is a sturdy option to protect your daily carry pens, and is available at an accessible price. Curiously, I've been able to find very little information about Dee Charle s Designs as a company, and would be interested in learning more. From what I can tell, they're new, and their product line is currently limited to one and two-pen sleeves and a pocket notebook cover. All three products are available in black, "sunrise" (tan), or rawhide leather, and you can choose colored stitching with red, blue, or gold thread to give your case a bit of character. I immediately opted for the black leather with red thread combination, and it's sharp.

You can purchase Dee Charles pen cases from Pen Chalet, priced at just under $20 for a single pen sleeve, $25 for a double sleeve, and $50 for the pocket notebook case. To sweeten the deal, for a limited time Pen Chalet is offering a free pen with your purchase of one of the Dee Charles cases. You will have your choice of a Lamy Logo, a Parker Jotter, or a Pelikan Belle ballpoint pen.

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me by Pen Chalet free of charge for review purposes. This post contains affiliate links.

The Dudek Divide, right, and the Dudek Block, left.

Pen Storage Options: "The Divide" by Dudek Modern Goods

February 25, 2017

Well, I was planning blog content for the next couple of months and I realized that I had never written about one of my primary tools for pen (and pencil) storage: Mike Dudek’s handmade wooden pen stands. You may also know Mike from his blog, The Clicky Post, but if you've not had the opportunity to check out his creations over at Dudek Modern Goods, do so now. I’ve owned a few of Mike’s pieces over the years, but my most recent acquisition, The Divide, is by far my favorite.

Pens, Pencils, and Notebooks, Together!

The Divide holds up to six pencils on one side, six pens on the other, with a slot in the middle for pocket notebooks and/or index cards. For me, the Divide serves as the "dock" that holds whatever primary writing tools I'm using at the moment. It's a larger pen stand, measuring H 2.5" x W 5.25 " x D 3", and exact details, such as the diameter of the pen slots, are customizable. For example, if you favor larger fountain pens, Mike can drill the holes a bit wider. Here, I have three larger-gauge holes that can fit fountain pens as big as the Pelikan M800, Montblanc 146, or Visconti Homo Sapiens. The other three spots on the pen side are designed to hold slimmer pens like the Parker Sonnet or Pilot Metropolitan. For pencils, the Divide can keep three "Jumbos" and three standard pencils sharpened and ready to go.

Like all of Mike’s other products, the Divide is handmade from solid walnut, “finished with a smooth satin poly finish,” and branded with the Dudek Modern Goods logo on the bottom. These pen stands are versatile and classy looking, and probably receive the most compliments of any item I keep on my desk.

Of course, my standard Dudek "Cube" has special meaning, since I won it in the raffle at last year's Atlanta Pen Show!

How to Order

If you’re interested in adding one of Mike’s pen stands to your collection - and every true pen/pencil addict should own one of these, IMHO - head on over to Dudek Modern Goods and place your order now. Each of Mike’s handmade pen stands is made to order, so turnaround time may take up to 3-5 weeks. The Divide runs $65 + shipping, with other models ranging from $45 for the standard “Cube,” all the way up to $99 for the “Workspace.” Given that these are classic pieces that will last forever, Mike's prices are a bargain.

Disclaimer: Mike Dudek is a friend of mine and sponsor of the blog, and he provided me with the Divide featured in this review free of charge. That said, I was a customer of Mike’s long before I knew him personally, and have always recommended his work.