Case Review: Galen Leather Magnum Opus 12-Pen Case in Two Different Options

Lately, one of my favorite high-capacity pen cases has been Galen Leather’s “Magnum Opus,” specifically the 12-pen version. After this year’s D.C. Pen Show, I’m lucky enough to have two of them: the original hardshell version with the fold-over magnetic flap, and a new zippered version introduced this year, which includes some useful new features that I’ll highlight today.

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The zippered Magnum Opus in “pen stand” mode. The “stand-up mode” generally works well, unless you’re on a particularly slick surface.

The main benefit of the “Magnum Opus” is the combination of capacity and protection. This hardshell case will not only allow you to carry a large number of pens, but it will protect them well, something that’s especially important to me when I’m attending events like weekly pen club or pen shows. (My “Magnum Opus” in natural undyed leather - shown at top - is what I had with me at the table in D.C., and used as a display for the “tester” pens I had available.)

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Yunus from Galen Leather wanted me to point out that those concerned about the zipper coming into contact with larger pens can reverse the tray for extra protection.

This year’s release, the zippered version of the Magnum Opus, adds two new features: a magnetic front flap that folds down and a back flap that lets you stand the case upright. The zippered case still contains a removable tray - some people prefer removing this tray while they’re working, or when they’re displaying pens at a show/swap meet/sale.

Both 12-pen Magnum Opus cases are the same size and hold the same number of pens. You’re not making any sacrifices in capacity choosing one or the other.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

After teasing the original hard-case design during the 2021 pen show season, Galen decided to make it part of their standard lineup, and I’m happy it stuck around. While I love the original case, the zippered version is likely to serve as my go-to carry when I want to bring 12+ pens along in a backpack, especially on an airplane. The zipper offers just a bit more security, and if I want to work with multiple pens, I love the opportunity for “stand mode”.

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I’m still working on accumulating a nice collection of ink stains on my natural undyed leather case. You people are much too careful at pen shows. :)

Currently, you can order the Magnum Opus pen cases directly from Galen Leather, or from select retailers including our friends at Vanness Pens. The zippered model is shown here in “Crazy Horse Smoky” leather, and the standard 12-slot hard case is shown in undyed natural leather. Each of these cases will develop its own unique patina as it ages, with the natural leather taking on the most scuffs, stains, and discoloration. (Be aware of this before you purchase - undyed leather is SUPPOSED to get dirty/stained/worn/whatever, and you can read about this further here.) At $159 for either case, it’s not an inexpensive purchase but all of my Galen Leather products have been well made and hold up over time.

Disclaimer: Galen Leather provided me with the grey case featured in this review, and Vanness Pens provided me with the undyed leather case, free of charge for review purposes. Otherwise, this post does not contain paid affiliate links. The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program.

Pen Roll vs. Pen Case: Why Consider One Over The Other?

I’m in the process of cleaning up/cleaning out my office here at “T.G.S. HQ,” in advance of some work we’re having done on the house, and part of the process has been taking an inventory of everything I have in my personal collection as well as items for the review queue that have never made their way onto the blog. One surprising find includes a large number of pen wraps and pen rolls, something I don’t believe I’ve ever written about at length. Pen rolls have grown in popularity to the point where most major brands have at least one in their lineup, and like pen cases, pen rolls come in a variety of designs and materials across a wide range of price points. I thought it might be helpful to offer my thoughts on pen rolls and why you might want to choose (or not choose) this type of carry over a traditional case.

The main advantage of a pen roll, for me, is the combination of capacity and compact size in your bag. Both the Lochby Tool Roll (top) and the Superior Labor Leather Pen Roll (bottom) can hold a LOT of writing instruments, especially if you double (or quintuple) up. The Lochby also has pockets behind the elastic loops, so you can really cram it full if you need to.

Advantages of a Pen Roll Over a Pen Case

Compact Size without Sacrificing Capacity. For me, the main advantage of a pen roll over a traditional zippered, sleeve-style, or hard case is the ability to carry a larger number of pens without having the case completely take over your bag. For example, I love my 12-pen Galen Leather Hard Case, but if I need to carry a large volume of pens in my briefcase or another bag where space is at a premium, I’m probably going to opt for something like the Superior Labor Leather Pen Roll or the Lochby Tool Roll (or both - see below). If you’re well-organized, you can fit two dozen pens into two pen rolls and still take up less space in your bag than a single larger 12-pen case (a huge advantage for traveling to pen shows).

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Pen rolls lie flat when open on your desk, yet roll up to a compact size for storage.

Versatility. While most pen cases are sized for pens, pen rolls can be repurposed to carry other things, whether it’s other writing instruments such as mechanical pencils, ruling pens, or Pilot Parallels (shown above on the right), or even things like pen repair equipment, crafting knives, wrenches, and/or bike tools. Many pen rolls also fit a wide range of pen sizes (in terms of both length and diameter), and if you’re not squeamish about your pens touching, you can often double the stated capacity of the pen roll by sticking multiple pens in a single slot, especially with more slender writing instruments like ballpoints and gel pens.

Disadvantages of a Pen Roll (or Why You Might Prefer a Pen Case)

Security. While some pen rolls come with straps and secure closures, others need to be tied or rely on elastics, which are arguably less secure in the sense that it’s easier for them to fall open inadvertently. Some designs that don’t have a flap across the top leave your pens at risk of falling out. If you carry expensive pens, be sure to evaluate the security of a pen roll before you invest. (As an aside, items like the now-discontinued Nock Co. “Brasstown” drew on elements of both the pen roll and the pen case, allowing you to tuck a six-pen roll into a compact outer zippered case.) Likewise, if you’re going to be transporting pens inside checked luggage or another situation where they might be crushed, a pen roll might not be the best choice over a case with more structure.

If you value protection over all else, then a pen case is the way to go. Both the Galen Leather “Magnum Opus” 12 Pen Hard Case (bottom) and the Franklin-Christoph Covered Pen Tray (top) are excellent.

Scratch Protection. If you’re one of “those people” who freak out at the slightest prospect of your pens rubbing together or touching, pen rolls are probably not for you. While many designs incorporate flaps to minimize contact, it’s hard to avoid entirely and somewhat inherent in how pen rolls are designed. For this reason, I’d recommend pen rolls for those who use their pens regularly on the go, aren’t overly concerned with wear and tear, and who are mainly looking for a compact way to tote around a larger volume of “daily writers”, as opposed to rare collectibles. (I will say that in all the years I’ve been using pen cases and pen wraps, I’ve not experienced any damage to my pens from daily carry beyond micro-scratches. I’ll also say that if you’re NOT squeamish about pens touching, a pen wrap will generally offer more protection than overstuffing a traditional pen case or pen pouch.)

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The two pen rolls contain the same number of pens (24) as the two hard pen cases. I mainly use my pen rolls for transportation, while I use the larger pen cases for long-term storage and organization at home.

Takeaways

There’s no categorical recommendation here - I regularly carry both traditional pen cases and pen rolls, depending on where I’m going and what I’m doing. That said, for situations where I want to carry a larger number of pens with me in a smaller bag, such as a pen show or a local pen club meetup, I’m going with a pen roll (or “rolls,” plural) more often than not. Two current favorites, shown here in photos, are the Superior Labor Leather Pen Roll and the Lochby Tool Roll, which I just added to the T.G.S. Curated Shop. Other great options, which I’ve reviewed in the past, are the Nock Co. Brasstown if you can find one on the secondary market, as well as options from Rickshaw Bagworks. Also, many smaller makers craft their own pen wraps and rolls, and these make excellent pen show souvenirs, especially if you can snag one in a one-off material or fabric!

This post does not contain paid third-party affiliate links, though the T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of Lochby and other brands we stock. By shopping with us directly, you are supporting original content, pen reviews, pen show events, etc. from The Gentleman Stationer. If you would like to support us even further, please consider checking out the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which offers access to online meetups, exclusive discounts and pre-orders, and more!

Pen Review: Kaweco x Galen Leather Classic Sport

Ok, so I’ve been teasing pictures of this pen for a couple of weeks now, and it’s only fair that I go ahead and write up this new fountain pen from Galen Leather. As Galen expands their retail offerings outside of traditional leather goods into desk accessories, paper, and now fountain pens, what better way to launch a new product category than a collaboration with Kaweco!

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The Galen Leather + Kaweco release is a special edition from the Classic Sport “Transparent” line, meaning that it’s a demonstrator version of Kaweco’s Classic Sport workhorse. Galen has chosen a “cognac” acrylic, which Kaweco has paired with their gold-plated trim. I’ve never owned one of the transparent Sports, so this is a first for me and I’m enjoying the look.

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In addition to the standard Kaweco logo, Galen Leather has included their own branding.

I’ve previously reviewed the Kaweco Sport fountain pen in multiple iterations on this blog (additional links below), so I’ll only briefly recap the specs. The Sport is intended as a pocket pen, and it lives up to Kaweco’s slogan, “small in the pocket; large in the hand.” Once you unscrew the cap and post the Sport, it becomes a full-size writing instrument that’s as comfortable as any standard fountain pen, even for long periods of time. Kaweco Sports use a small No. 4 Bock nib, which over the years has had its share of quality control issues, but recently Kaweco and Bock seem to have figured things out and the last few Kaweco nibs I’ve used, ranging from EF to B, have been solid. The medium nib on this particular pen is an excellent writer, and I will go ahead and mention that the best Kaweco nibs I’ve used have all been mediums. It’s become my default for this brand.

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As you might expect, the “special” attribute on this edition is the cognac acrylic. Kaweco absolutely killed it, and the pen is stunning to look at. For whatever reason, I like to pair translucent brown pens with dark red or burgundy ink, and I inked this one up with a Diamine Oxblood cartridge. It’s a perfect pairing, and Oxblood might be the ink for this pen (at least until my cartridges run out).

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For a cognac or whiskey-colored pen, gold trim is really the only option.

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Takeaways and Where to Buy

You can’t go wrong with a Kaweco Sport, and if you’re looking to rejuvenate your office space with some elegant wood and leather accessories from Galen Leather, I would encourage you to consider adding one of these pens to your order before they sell out. Currently, you can purchase the Galen Leather + Kaweco special edition fountain pen directly from Galen Leather in their online store, as part of their growing selection of fountain pens. Since this is a special edition, pricing is slightly higher ($30) than you would otherwise find on a standard Sport, but still reasonable.

Many thanks to Galen Leather for providing this item for review!

Further Reading

I’ve previously reviewed several iterations of the Kaweco Sport, including not only the Classic but also the Art Sport, the AL Sport (aluminum), the AC Sport (Carbon Fiber), and the all-metal Brass Sport. I even reviewed a vintage Kaweco Sport with a piston filler a couple of months ago. Check out these reviews to learn more about Kaweco’s Sport series.

Disclaimer: I received the pen featured in this review from Galen Leather for review purposes, free of charge. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

Mahogany Desk Accessories from Galen Leather

Although they started out making leather goods, Galen Leather has expanded their lineup to include a line of handcrafted brass and wood desk accessories. Previously, I’ve written on the Galen Leather Writing Box and how I’ve used that particular product as “home base” for my journaling setup. I recently received a box of additional samples from Galen Leather, including their mahogany pen rest and brush stand, as well as the “ToolComb” pen and brush holder.

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Both are examples of well-made, useful products that look great on your desk and don’t cost an arm and a leg. The pen rest/brush stand is a small wooden block containing three grooves large enough to accommodate pens of various sizes (though if you try to use it to hold larger pens, they may touch). It’s perfect for those who keep three or fewer pens inked at any given time, or have pens that live permanently on the desk.

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The Mahogany Three-Pen Stand, shown here with three Fisher Space Pens.

The ToolComb is also handcrafted from solid mahogany, and per the Galen Leather website inspired by a mid-century Danish design. Come to think of it, the ToolComb does have a vintage-meets-modern flair that I very much appreciate, and it looks exceptional on a desk, especially paired with my Dudek Modern Goods “Divide.” The ToolComb holds up to 13 pens or artist’s tools (Galen specifically mentions paintbrushes), and with a hole size of 15mm most pens will fit.

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Many have used the Galen Leather ToolComb to showcase their collections of 13+ Kaweco Sports. I don’t have that many Kawecos, but you can see that it fits the both the Sport and the Schon DSGN Pocket Six quite well.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I look forward to enjoying these two mahogany pen stands for a long time to come. You can purchase both products directly from Galen Leather’s online shop. The Mahogany Pen Rest/Brush Stand is priced at $16, with the ToolComb slightly more expensive at $30. Other options from Galen include a larger Desk Organizer, a Washi Tape Dispenser, and of course the Writing Box. Many thanks to Galen Leather for making these products available for review!

Disclaimer: I received these products from Galen Leather, free of charge, for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

Updating the EDC: Galen Leather A5 Zipfolio

Some people have bag problems, some people have pen problems, some people have pencil problems. I have all of the above, but my main weakness is portfolios. I’ve tried a huge swath of them, from the super-inexpensive Lihit Labs “Bag in a Bag” to the pricier Bellroy A5 Zipfolio. The thing I love about portfolios is that you can own several of them and use them all, because they each come in various sizes and therefore have different use cases: a larger one that holds a legal or A4 pad to take to a meeting; an A5 portfolio that’s a bit more portable for journaling in a coffee shop or toting around your planner; or even smaller “pocket-sized” portfolios like the Nock Co. Hightower designed to hold a pocket notebook and a few pens. Portfolios slide easily into a bag, or if they have a zipper, you can carry them alone as your bag if you just want to grab something small and head out the door. Options truly are endless!

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An overview of the A5 Zipfolio on my desk at work, complete with three pens and a Jibun Techo Planner System.

So what have I been using lately? Zeynep at Galen Leather was kind enough to send me one of their A5 Zipfolios in “Crazy Horse” brown leather, which is a rough-looking (in a good way) material that I’ve been lusting after for a long time. Though I love the pocket-sized Traveler’s-style notebook covers she sent me a couple years ago, Galen Leather has flown under my radar since and I’ve not taken the opportunity to explore their expanded product line. The company has absolutely exploded in popularity over the past few years. They’ve even begun to offer a range of wood products in collaboration with Walden Woodworkers’ Co., including a Writing Box and a Covered Pen Tray and other desk accessories.

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The Zipfolio also comes with a removable keychain. Since the keys I carry are pretty bulky, I’m not sure how much use this particular feature will get, but it’s nice to have. The position of the keychain is such that they shouldn’t rub up against your pens as long as you keep them in the removable pen insert.

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Another loadout from this week, where I threw in a highlighter, Airpods, and glasses cleaning cloth.

So let’s take a closer look at the Zipfolio, and what distinguishes it from other available options. For starters, a key attraction for me is the size. A5 notebooks are my personal sweet-spot, which I use for most writing both at work and at home. Other sizes will fit, however, including the Jibun Techo 3-in-1, which is my current primary journal/planner/notebook that I’ve been using since January. A few other attributes that make the Zipfolio a no-brainer recommendation for me include:

• Sturdy Construction. Galen Leather’s take on the Zipfolio provides thick-yet-supple leather and a sturdy zipper for a relatively inexpensive $119. It may not be as polished or “corporate” looking as something from Bellroy, but that’s the aesthetic, and in any event you will get a ton of mileage out of this portfolio. If you tend to be rough on your leather products, go with Galen, and consider Crazy Horse leather, because it hides scratches well. Scuffs and dings are part of the look!

• Practical Modular Layout. This portfolio strike a balance between customizability and capacity, on the one hand, and practicality on the other. It holds just enough stuff to allow you to use it as a true grab ‘n go daily carry without getting silly, like other modular systems I’ve seen where you can pack so much stuff into them that the portfolio not only becomes too fat but risks damage to your pens and other items because it’s so crammed full of stuff that rubs together. Here, you have seven elastic loops that are well spaced: four of them are attached to a removable panel and plainly intended for pens or mechanical pencils, with the other three larger and more versatile. As you can see from the pictures, I’ve used them to carry anything from highlighters to headphones/Airpods to a microfiber cleaning cloth.

• Extra Space for Added Notebook Versatility. One drawback to the Bellroy A5 Workfolio was the relatively tight fit if you wanted to use a standard hardcover A5 notebook such as a Leuchtturm or a Midori. Since I don’t regularly use the slim softcover notebooks, the Galen Leather Zipfolio works better for me. (Galen Leather designs most of their products specifically to fit Leuchtturm, Baron Fig Confidant, Hobonichi Cousin A5, etc.) Even though it’s not A5, this Zipfolio fits my Jibun Techo well.

• Versatile Left-Side Pocket. The Zipfolio is marketed as an “A5 Notebook and iPad Mini Folio”, with a lined pocket on the left-hand side that will protect small tablets such as a Kindle Fire 7 or an iPad Mini. While I might slide in a tablet for a trip, I think this would bulk up the Zipfolio too much in an everyday carry situation. Fortunately, the left-hand slot can also easily hold a pocket notebook, folded sheets of writing paper, or even a soft-cover notebook like the recently released Studio Neat Totebook!

• A Brand with a Great Story. While I may not write about the people behind the products as much as the products themselves, Galen Leather has a compelling story. I won’t spoil it for you but please do make the time to read it. (Link here to their site.)

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Zipfolio with the Jibun Techo open to the week-on-two-pages layout. This has been my go-to carry for work over the past few weeks.

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The pen-holder insert is removable, if you don’t want to carry pens in your Zipfolio or just want to carry one or two pens in the larger loops.

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Notebooks are easy to switch out. The back of the Zipfolio contains a soft leather flap, under which you insert the back cover of your notebook.

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Galen Leather A5 Zipfolio, loaded up and ready to go!

Takeaways and Where to Buy

All Galen Leather products I have owned over the years have thoroughly impressed me, from Traveler’s-style notebook covers, to a 40-pen zippered album-style case, to this Zipfolio. What I really like about Galen’s overall product line is their rugged durability. Compared to the Bellroy Workfolio, the Galen Leather Zipfolio just feels more durable and a bit less fussy, even though Bellroy products are also designed to last and age better than most smooth leather. If you’re someone who obsesses over gouges and scratches on your smooth leather products, however (like yours truly), the Crazy Horse leather option is excellent.

To view their full range of goods, visit the Galen Leather website. They are a family-owned business located in Instanbul, Turkey, and many of their products are made to order, so shipping will not be immediate, but my Zipfolio did arrive fairly quickly. For those who would rather go a more familiar route, Galen Leather also maintains an Amazon store, and the A5 Zipfolio is one of the products featured there.

Disclaimer: I received the product featured in this review free of charge, for review purposes. This post contains affiliate links. Many thanks to Galen Leather for providing this product for review, and making this post possible!