Last I checked, the Kickstarter for the Nock Co. Lanier briefcase was only about $1500 short of unlocking the first stretch goal: new Nock side-stapled notebooks! If you haven't yet backed this project, I'd strongly recommend checking it out, and definitely don't miss Matthew Morse's review over at Nib and Ink.
I'm currently leaning towards the black and aqua colorway, but probably won't make up my mind until I get the backer survey.
Other Projects and New Products to Keep an Eye on:
Pen Vise Kickstarter. An interesting concept out of Japan, but it looks like too much of a specialty drafting tool as opposed to a writing implement that I would get much use out of. The project is about 30% backed with 24 days to go.
Jinhao 599A Fountain Pen (via PenChalet). Despite a somewhat spotty history with Jinhao in the past, I've been very impressed with this $4 pen that Ron is now stocking at Pen Chalet. I have one of the clear demonstrator models, and while I have no idea how durable it will actually be over the long term, it's a more than serviceable knockaround pen that writes well. I've been using it on and off this week for editing and testing inks. (Affiliate Link).
All photos in this review are courtesy of Nock Co.