Do I really need another pen case? That’s sort of like asking myself whether I really need another pen. Of course I do! After all, where am I going to put the pens? If you’re looking for a classy pen storage option that not only looks nice on a desktop but is secure enough to double as a daily carry, you should consider the Esterbrook Pen Nook.
The “New Esterbrook” Expands Its Offerings
Since Kenro Industries acquired the Esterbrook brand a couple of years ago, the company has released a steady stream of well-received products, all of which are targeted at the rapidly expanding $150-200 fountain pen segment. These include the Esterbrook “Estie” fountain pen, the “Camden” fountain pen (check out the new “Composition” edition for one of my favorite releases of the past few months), the Phaeton, and now, the “Pen Nook” pen case.
The Nook represents Esterbrook’s first foray into accessories, and I have to say, like all of their other releases, it’s well-conceived, well-designed, and well-executed. Instead of leather, Esterbrook went with what it refers to as “saddle fabric,” which has the appearance of tan saddle leather but the feel and durability of the material that they use to make car interiors. My guess is nuluxe or another vinyl derivative - I have no inside information here. Either way, it’s quite soft and looks nice.
I opted to showcase the Esterbrook Pen Nook with pens in a range of different sizes. From left: Lamy 2000; TWSBI 580; Montblanc 149; Lamy 2000 Stainless Steel; TWSBI ECO Yellow; and Platinum Curidas.
The inside of the Pen Nook is lined with paisley-patterned fabric and holds six pens in individual slots, which are large enough to accommodate pens as fat as a Montblanc 149 and as long as a Platinum Curidas. The fabric liner, which feels like cotton or silk, gives me a bit of pause, but so far it has held up well. The true test will come after the pen nook has seen a year or so of use, and whether the friction from opening and closing the case causes the fabric to wear.
Takeaways and Where to Buy
The Esterbrook Pen Nook comes in multiple sizes, and can be purchased from most Esterbrook retailers, including site sponsor Pen Chalet (where I purchased this one). At $150 MSRP / $120 retail for the six-pen version, the Nook is not inexpensive, which places it in direct competition with Franklin-Christoph’s Covered Pen Tray, a similar product that I love, features real Napa leather, and holds 12 pens. Which case works for you will likely depend on (1) whether you like the “saddle leather” look of the Esterbrook and (2) how you want to use the pen case. To me, the Covered Pen Tray is the clear winner if you’re looking for desktop storage because the lid folds back for use as a desktop “display.” The Pen Nook, however, would be much more secure in a bag, and is the option I’d recommend for daily carry.
Disclaimer: This post contains links to paid sponsors and affiliates. The Gentleman Stationer is a participant in Pen Chalet’s affiliate program, which generates store credit that I use to acquire pens and other products for review. It’s one of several ways I support the blog.