How I Roll in 2026: Pen Cases vs. Pen Rolls vs. Pen Sleeves vs. Pouches

March 4, 2026

Pen storage sparks almost as much debate as the pens themselves. Once you’ve accumulated more than a handful of pens, the questions multiply: How do you store/protect your pens when they’re not in use? How do you carry your pens when you travel? Should pens ever be allowed to “touch” in the case? Not helping the matter is the recent proliferation of pen cases, wraps, rolls, albums, briefcases, display boxes, and more. This topic can be confusing, so I figured it might be helpful to talk a bit about the various categories of storage solutions and how I personally store my pens, both longer-term and day-to-day.

My Nagasawa Kip Leather 5-Pen Case that I picked up in California. I wonder why I chose this particular one? A five pen zippered case with soft interior is a great way to protect more valuable pens when traveling.

Pen Cases

The most represented form of pen storage in my personal collection is by far the classic zippered pen case. I have cases ranging from 40-pen albums to three-pen wallets. Because my needs aren’t limited to personal pen storage - I own a pen store and maintain a large archive of product samples, prototypes, photo props, and other “business” assets - I likely use far more large pen cases than the average enthusiast and I’m certainly not recommending that everyone needs to own this much storage capacity. That said, I’m in a unique position to compare various brands. My current favorites for high-capacity storage are the Galen Leather 40 slot pen cases (sturdy, secure storage in a relatively compact format) and KACO 40-pen albums (less sturdy but very inexpensive for less valuable pens).

Pen Storage Albums Stacked on Top Of One Another — This isn’t all of them….

Three-tier pen display box — I’ve sold off most of my pen boxes, since they take up too much room, but I do keep one three-drawer display in my home office. My Toyooka Craft Trays are being used as shop displays in-store.

On the more compact side, for everyday transport and work use, I favor Rickshaw Bagworks Fillmore and Sinclair cases, as well as smaller leather cases like those from Galen Leather and Nagasawa. The Rickshaws are sturdy and feature a wide range of fun designs (we even have our own series!), while leather cases age well and lend a classic look to your everyday carry. Personally, I like cases that can double as trays on your desk, which nudges the Rickshaw Fillmore and Galen Leather Magnum Opus to the top of rotation.

Galen Leather Magnum Opus and Rickshaw Fillmore — The large Galen Leather Magnum Opus case/tray, which currently houses our shop testing station, along side my Rickshaw Fillmore, which is my EDC Pen Case du jour.

Pen Rolls

I tend to use pen rolls for situations like meetups or pen shows. You can carry a surprisingly large number of pens in many roll-style cases, and some even include room for accessories. Roll-style cases can also be a better fit for longer pens or when you want to mix in different tools like brushes, dip pens, or calligraphy pens such as the Pilot Parallel. Best of all, when rolled up, you can fit multiple pen rolls in a relatively compact bag like a Rickshaw Banzai bag, which is important at a show or meetup because you don’t want to be the one with the giant backpack knocking into tables and displays (or other people).

Lochby Tool Roll Open, with accumulated stains and wear — Certain pen rolls like the Lochby Tool Roll shown here are more “utility” cases, in that they’re designed to be able to hold more than just nice pens. This one has pockets in the back where I keep things like gel pens and fineliners.

Pen Sleeves

For more casual sessions where I am bringing two pens to work or to a coffee shop for a journaling session, I sometimes opt for a simple pen sleeve. Rickshaw has even designed its "Coozy" case system to fit one, two, or three-pen sleeves inside the zippered case, allowing you to expand the storage capacity of your case beyond the built-in slots while still protecting pens from scratches. (See the pictures below.)

Pen/Pencil Pouches

I think of stationery pouches as separate and apart from the cases that house my nice pens, since I sometimes don’t even use them for stationery but rather chargers, cords, etc. All of my gel pens, ballpoints, multipens, and even less expensive mechanical pencils are typically carried in a zippered pouch, together in a single compartment. I usually have some book darts, document flags or sticky notes, mechanical pencil leads, and erasers thrown in for good measure. Lately I’ve been opting for something fairly minimal. Shown below is a slim Japanese leather pen/pencil pouch by Craft Design Technology, which I brought with me to the CA Pen Show, and which is starting to patina nicely after only two weeks or so!

Current Everyday Setup and Final Thoughts

If I had to pick one case that I’ve been carrying more frequently than any other, it would be the Rickshaw Fillmore in a 3+3 layout (3 pens on each side). Because I value versatility above all else, I love that I can use it as a zippered case, a pen tray when the case is fully unzipped, and even a zippered pouch. While I have many different rolls and cases that I rotate in and out regularly, the Fillmore has replaced the Rickshaw Sinclair as my everyday driver for fountain pens and I can see it becoming my “case of the year”. Because I also have a soft spot for leather, I’ve really enjoyed discovering Nagasawa’s line of kip leather pen cases, as well as the Craft Design Technology and Superior Labor leather products.

2 Sizes of the Nagasawa Kip Leather Pen Cases — The Nagasawa Kip Leather Pen Cases come in two sizes: 5-pen and 10-pen.

In short, storage is highly personal, and dependent on (1) how many pens you own; (2) how many pens you need to carry with you at any given time; (3) how hard you are on pens and how much protection you think you need; and countless other factors that will vary among users. I’ve cycled through dozens of cases over the years and tend to return to the more classic styles, though there’s an endless number of fun designs and experimental concepts out there. It’s what makes this hobby so great - chances are that no matter how specific your needs, there is a case for you!

The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. You can also come visit us at our physical stationery store in Nashville, Tennessee.

Raymay Patalino Pen and Stationery Cases

New Arrivals: Raymay Patalino Cases and SlideNote Covers!

May 14, 2024

We’ve had some requests for additional pen and pencil cases, and have been looking at bringing in reasonably priced options appropriate for everyday carry. While at NYNow back in January, I came across this line of flat stationery cases by Raymay, from their “Patalino” line. Available in three colors and two different sizes, these cases will hold your pens, mechanical pencils, scissors, rulers, and even feature a pocket to hold a large eraser or case of mechanical pencil leads. I like these cases because they pack flat at only 1” thick, making them very convenient for travel and modular packing that you can easily move between bags. The “Small” case starts at $15, and the “Large” sizes at $21. We also have higher-capacity rectangular pouches from the “Kept” line.

Raymay Patalino Cases On Desk Closed in Three Colors — All three colors are currently available in the large size, with black and blue available in the smaller size.

We’ve also had some requests to bring in binders and covers that fit the Clairefontaine looseleaf french-ruled sheets (as well as the other A4 looseleaf and pad-bound paper that we carry). We now have SlideNote covers in the A4 size, which will hold approximately 30 sheets of most A4 paper using a convenient clip binding that allows you to easily swap out and/or rearrange pages.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. Many thanks for all your support!

Pagebase Slidenote Binder Open with Clairefontaine French-Ruled Paper

Pen Show Discoveries: NFP Design "Tile" Series

November 1, 2023

Though I tend to focus on practicality when it comes to pens and their accessories, I also pay attention to design. Well-crafted accessories - especially those made by small makers - always have a home on my desk. From the Toyooka Craft pen trays that I use to hold pens at my workstation(s), to Superior Labor Pen Rolls and Roterfaden Organizers, lately I’ve been enjoying accessorizing my core workhorse tools more than adding to my personal accumulation. This week, as everyone enjoys the promotional pomp of Fountain Pen Day, I thought it might be fun to take a look at a new maker that recently came on my radar: NFP Design.

NFP Design Pens In Box — The slots in the NFP Design cases are large, and will accommodate most pens. The two shown here are the TWSBI Kai fountain pen (which is a fairly thick piston filler) and a TWSBI ECO-T in Rosso. The pen slots are soft, and the inside of the lid features foam padding to protect your pens if you need to transport them in the case.

Based in Turkey, NFP Design attended the 2023 D.C. Pen Show and was located in the third ballroom close to Galen Leather. They specialize in woodwork, namely wood pen boxes and inlaid pen rests featuring traditional lacquer and tile work. They were kind enough to gift me a two-pen “Tile” box to take home for review, and while the case itself is fairly self-explanatory as far as the product’s function is concerned, I absolutely love the lid inlaid with traditional Turkish artwork.

NFP Design includes a slip of paper with each tile case, explaining a bit of history:

“Within traditional Turkish art, tiles have been prominent both in the Seljuk and in the Ottoman eras, appearing both in daily objects and as a plating material in architectural surfaces. Today, whilst maintaining these functions, they make a scene for themselves as artistic or decorative products combined with various mediums.”

— NFP Design

Lately I’ve been trying to reduce the number of objects that I have in my office and on my desk, so those pieces that I do choose to keep need to tell a story, preferably about the place where each item was made. Here, not only is this box inlaid with Turkish tile art specific to the place of its creation, but the painted and glazed tile is adorned with a bird that reminds me of a blue heron, which is common in the area where I live.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I’ve enjoyed spending time with the NFP Design product line since first having the opportunity to meet them at the D.C. Pen Show this past August. In addition to the “Tile” 2-pen box shown here, NFP Design offers a wide range of different storage options, including some beautiful lacquered boxes in various sizes. (I see a “Blok11” in my future as soon as the orange or yellow color options come back in stock.) Currently, NFP Design sells directly through their online shop, and I believe our friends at Vanness Pens have certain of their cases in stock as well, though they may not be listed on the site quite yet. I spent most of the Dallas Pen Show behind their table working with the “Blok” series, so inquire directly at Vanness if you are interested.

NFP Design Blue Heron Tile Inlaid into Wood Box — I chose the tile with an inlaid blue heron (or what looks like a blue heron), since we have so many of them in my neighborhood.

NFP Design products are competitively priced, with the “Tile” design shown here selling for the equivalent of around $40 USD. If you’d like to add one of these beautiful pieces to your own desk setup, the barrier to entry is very low!

Many thanks to NFP Design for providing this item to me for review, free of charge. I was not otherwise compensated for this review. 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 Trays and Accessories: Toyooka Craft and the Beauty of Simplicity

September 6, 2023

I would venture that the most popular draw at both the D.C. and San Francisco Pen Shows was the Toyooka Craft table. Toyooka Craft Co. is a family-run woodworking company founded in Hamamatsu, Japan, and while their business extends beyond desk accessories and stationery products, they are known in the pen community for their simple - yet beautiful - pen trays, chests, pen rests, and other items. I really can’t overstate the popularity of their products. In San Francisco, for example, a long line formed on both Friday and Saturday mornings, and persisted until at least midday. For those who have seen videos of the Friday morning attendees lining up and racing to the back of the show in San Francisco, many of these people headed directly to the Toyooka Craft table.

Toyooka Craft Hinoki Blue Covered Pen Tray

Toyooka Craft uses the "kumi-ki" metal-free construction method, discussed in more detail on their website. Woods used include a combination of Alder and plywood, with liners made from soft rayon that won't scratch your pens. I went into the month of August with zero Toyooka Craft products in my personal collection and began September with three: two of the small stackable pen trays in a black/burgundy combination, and one larger covered pen tray in Hinoki Blue, a color I didn't expect to love as much as I did when I saw it in person.

Toyooka Craft Hinoki Blue Covered Tray with lid — My Hinoki Blue Tray holds 15 pens and features a non-attached, removable lid. I like this because it means I can stack the tray with others should I (or, “when I”) purchase more in the future.

Toyooka Craft Joints and Blue Lacquer — The seams/joints are nearly invisible, and I love how the blue lacquer still allows the wood grain to show through.

Toyooka Craft Small Pen Tray — I keep one of these small six-pen trays at each of my workstations. Partitions in the small pen trays are raised enough to keep the pens separated without destroying the sleek aesthetic. In other words, these trays look flat, and there's no fumbling with "slots" whenever you need to pick up a pen to write. While extremely lightweight, the trays also have rubber pads on the bottom so they will remain stationary and not slide around.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

I find that many "traditional" pen chests and trays sold in the U.S. lack a sense of subtlety - they’re either too large for my taste or overly ornate. These Toyooka Craft trays are so sleek that they essentially disappear on your desk, despite my having chosen relatively loud design choices such as the blue lacquer and red lining.

TGS Pen Show Table Display — I’ve been using Toyooka Craft Pen Trays as part of my pen show table display. They really look great with demonstrator fountain pens like the Pilot Custom 74.

Unless you plan on waiting until next year's D.C. or San Francisco Pen Show, the best way to obtain a Toyooka Craft product is by direct order through their website. While some products are likely ready to ship, depending on stock, there may be a slightly delay in the event the item you order needs to be made.

I find Toyooka Craft products reasonably priced given the quality. The small pen trays shown here list at 4,500 Yen (roughly $30), and the larger pen tray with the separated lid at 1200 Yen ($80), though adding the Hinoki Blue lacquer will increase the cost. Pen show pricing was roughly double what is listed on the website, presumably to reflect freight, import duties, and the expense of attending the show. Some, but not all, of these costs will need to be added to your online order as well, so don't expect the website price to be inclusive.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases through the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. This post does not contain paid advertising or third-party affiliate links. I purchased the products featured in this review with my own funds for my own use.

First Impressions: Nock Co. x Rickshaw Bagworks Sinclair "Model R" Pen Case

September 7, 2022

Compared to most pen addicts, I don’t have all that many bags and pen cases. (Sure, I have more than the average “civilian”, but let’s check our comparisons, shall we?) I’ve often asked myself why I’ve never been able to bring myself to sample cases and bags the same way I do writing instruments and paper, and it comes down to two things: attachment, and to a lesser degree, the storage space these things take up.

Nock Co. x Rickshaw Bagworks Sinclair Model R in Saffron

Most people - myself included - can only truly carry one bag and maybe a couple of cases at a time while really using them. Since that’s the case for me (pun intended), I get accustomed to two, maybe three pen cases as part of my own personal carry, and become attached to them. Among those in regular rotation is a single original Nock Co. Sinclair in black waxed canvas with burgundy interior, which I acquired at a past Atlanta Pen Show as a pen-show exclusive design. While none of the other original Nock Co. cases stuck with me, the Sinclair did, and for this reason I called it “The Most Practical Pen Case.” Because it is. Given that this Sinclair has been a near-constant daily companion for going on seven years, I was overjoyed to hear that Nock Co. is collaborating with San Francisco-based Rickshaw Bagworks to create the Sinclair Model R - a slightly modified, or perhaps more accurately, “evolved” - version of the Sinclair.

The original Sinclair holds three pens in separate interior slots, opposite a single larger pocket intended to hold notecards or a pocket notebook. (I use the word “intended” loosely - many people who don’t care about their pens touching have crammed upwards of 20+ pens and other accessories into this case, or stuffed it with multiple pocket notebooks, post-its, and other paper products. Hence “the most versatile pen case.”) The Model R keeps this same configuration.

Just how much can the Sinclair Model R hold? See below to find out!

The key differences between the original Sinclair and the Sinclair Model R are as follows:

Size. The Sinclair Model R is larger, and while it might not appear bulkier, it’s a significantly bigger case. For starters, the case is taller, meaning that there should be more clearance between the top of your pens and the zipper than in the original Sinclair. This was never an issue for me, but for those who carry oversized pens it could be. The Model R is also thicker. How much? You can actually fit the original Sinclair, loaded with three pens, inside the Model R, even if the Model R has pens in the slots. See photos below.
Plush Lining. The Model R includes Rickshaw’s signature soft interior to protect your pens and other accessories from scratches. Again, I never had this issue - or never paid attention to it - with the original Nock Co. cases, but cordura/nylon does have a propensity for “micro scratching” the shiny finishes on some polished pens. Rickshaw cases are known for providing an added layer of protection.
Exterior Pocket. Arguably my favorite addition, the Model R includes an exterior pocket that fits my standard-sized iPhone 12 Pro. Anything that adds to the versatility of a pen case is a plus for me, especially since this particular feature transforms the Model R into a case that I can use for “stand-alone carry” as a mini-bag, not just a pen case or “bag-within-a-bag.”
Paracord Pulls and Optional Pen Loop. You may have noticed that the case I am giving away (check out Monday’s post) features a small loop that you can use to attach the Sinclair Model R to a lanyard, carabiner, pelican clip, etc. The loop currently is not a standard feature, but I understand that it can be added via customization at some point in the future. Personally, I love this detail because the exterior pocket on my twill Filson briefcase has a built-in clip that I would absolutely use to add further security to my pen case. My Rickshaw Model R also has paracord loops on the zippers, a nice touch that may not be necessary but is an added convenience.

With the exception of my eyeglasses, everything in the previous photo fits into the Sinclair Model R: the Plotter Mini-5, three pens, and my iPhone 12 Pro.

Sinclair Inside Sinclair Model R — I’m not sure if I’ll ever actually use the cases in this manner, but maybe for consolidated pen show travel?

I’ve already checked - the Sinclair Model R zips shut in this “configuration” with plenty of zipper clearance.

The paracord loop that can be added to the back of the Sinclair Model R.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

The Sinclair Model R is a worthy successor - and in many ways arguably an improvement upon - prior iterations of the Nock Co. Sinclair pen case. I’m especially glad to see that Rickshaw plans to make the case available in their full array of colors and patterns, and they certainly had some stunners on display at the San Francisco Pen Show.

You can really see the size difference when the cases are side-by-side. Original Sinclair (right) shown with the Model R (left).

You can currently purchase the Sinclair Model R in certain select colors on the Rickshaw Bags website, for the San Francisco Pen Show promotional price of $40. (Standard pricing will be $59 - still a relative bargain in today’s market.) At some point, you will be able to custom configure the colors and design of the case like most other Rickshaw products (including adding the loop discussed above), and I understand the plan is to also allow retailers to stock this design in their own custom patterns and configurations.

I purchased the Saffron Sinclair Model R and the original Sinclair featured in this post with my own funds, for my own use. The black Sinclair Model R show in the first picture was donated by Nock Co. and Rickshaw for giveaway purposes, and you can enter the giveaway here! This post does not contain affiliate links or paid sponsorships.