I need something to keep my pens in, at least until I build something nice. But I've got other projects to finish (some major fine cabinets in the office room!), so I'm thinking of something that might make a good portable case that I'll still use as such when my collection outgrows it.

Any suggestions?

What do you look for? What is important?

--John

Padding is important.

Pens can scratch easily. Find some nice padding, I suggest leather or felt. Or cotton. If you put the pen just straight on wood, no matter how polished it might be, there's a chance of scratching.

I've been making my own pen cases out of cigar boxes and felt. They end up being pretty attractive:

I have purchased some 'high-end' converted cigar box pen storage cases (as in >$40), and been disappointed, the thin and porous wood is susceptible to humidity and the box will not close or clasp tightly. If you are going to use the pens and don't particularly care about use/wear marks I can attest that a fistful looks nice in a WWI issue officer's coffee mug.

I went to a local tobacco shop, got a decent cigar box that closes nicely (it even had the cigar divider still in it) and did some work on it. I've got a proper pen tray on order that will replace the red cigar divider, but otherwise I used some green self adhesive felt from the craft aisle at walmart and an old broken watch chain to throw this together for the time being until I get something better.

Click to view attachment

cheers

david

I was reading that the materials can be problematic. For example, the flocking I would normally use to line a nice box is made from nylon, and I specifically read about using "real" felt not nylon. Also what about adhesives and such?

Is leather OK for long-term storage? Or is that only suitable for carrying around for a short time?

I see no reason why leather cannot be used. It's nice and smooth and non-rough. But it may be prone to staining. So perhaps only use black leather.

David: What kind of case is that/where do you get them?

Leather (on the liner) can out gas and corrode pens
How are the leather Libelle cases that hold with elastic? Will the pens hit each other?

From my understanding of it, it is not leather that is problematic, but vinyl (fake leather) that will cause corrosion.

Garageboy, I've got one of those Libelle 2-pen wraps. I really like it. I'll take some pictures in a bit, but the answer is no - they don't typically allow the pens to touch each other. The leather is UBER-soft, too!

I purchased a jewelry box from here (not affiliated) added flocked pen trays from here (not affiliated), and turned it all into this..

Dollar investment under $80, including shipping charges. The experience, priceless (with no apologies to Mastercard).

Donnie

Hi Donnie:

Do you have the measures?

Please,

Julio

This is what you need for portable storage:



Buy from here.

Now that I read it again, I totally missed that you wanted something portable. In that case, I suggest this. (Not affiliated, just a happy repeat customer). If you come to the Dallas Pen Club Breakfast this coming Saturday at 9:00 AM at the Sheraton Galleria, you can see mine in person and know why I am so happy with the seller.

Donnie

If I am not wrong, they are available for sale on Davids website.


.........................without the pens.

Here's a few shots of my Libelle case. For visual reference, the pens are a Levenger Plumpster and a Pelikan M805. I tried to get a couple of shots showing the texture, too. It's not as good as being able to hold it, but maybe it helps. This is REALLY nice leather.

The jewelry box is 12 3/4 wide, 12 3/4 deep, and 9 high. I recommend if you do it, that you remove the drawers, and trim the pen trays to fit the drawers exactly. I trimmed mine shorter, and regretted it. i may go back and order more pen trays and do it right. I used the gray slotters, as they are fairly neutral, and black pens won't disappear sitting in them.

Donnie