Writing Folder?

[damien]

Out of curiosity, how many fpners use a writing folder on the go?

 

I've been browsing for the perfect one for some time and have limited the selection to two:

1. Smythson panama A4 writing folder

http://www.smythson.com/navy-panama-a4-folder.html

 

Isn't this gorgeous? Love the design, and really really love the dark red interior.

 

2. Moore and Giles

Moore and Giles has a bespoke service where I can custom make my writing folder. I will probably end up with a design similar to smythson, but with some personalization and I get to select the leather. Downside? It's not a smythson.

 

So, which would you choose, and why?

[Shangas]

I would, but it takes up too much space in my bag. If I had one that was A5 size, I might be interested, though.

[inkypete]

I tend to use A5 notebooks and covers. Have a few Gfeller that I love, some denim tag from Muji, a few of the Rhodia covers, and a few more. I am addicted to the covers as much as I am the notebooks.

[Pen Nut]

I use an A4 sized Montblanc folder which has stood the test of time very well and still looks great

[migo984]

For writing "on the go" I use A5 folders, of which I have a wide selection, from cheap and cheerful to expensive handcrafted leather.

At home I have a vintage A4 leather writng folder which belonged to my dad.

 

Of your 2 options, I'd go for the Smythson; sleek, professional, good design, gorgeous colour inside & out & looks like a practical sized pen loop. Expensive though.

 

Marie

Edited October 12, 2013 by migo984

[Shangas]

I used to do a lot of writing on public transport, for which I had an A4 writing-folder. But since I don't do that as often as I used to, having something that big inside my daily bag is just too much room.

 

I should start searching for a smaller one. I wonder if anyone makes them?

[damien]

Thanks for the responses.

 

Well smythson does make an A5 sized folder

http://www.smythson.com/navy-panama-a5-folder.html

 

I tend to use the A4 size paper, though I can see that it is too large to be convenient.

 

Anyone owns a smythson? Is it worth the price?

[damien]

Marie: please tell us more about the expensive handcrafted folders!

 

Shagas: I don't plan to carry the folder with me all the time... Just when I'm planning to write a letter.

[RGH]

A bit late to the party, here are my tuppeny'orth

 

The looks are, of course, beautiful. In terms of design :

 

I like the fact that there is not much overlap from the pad. They often make these things annoyingly large. Slimness to me is a big deal. On the other hand I often find that that means I can;t put anything worthwhile in the left-hand pocket. I had one folder that wouldn't sit a 10 page contract very comfortably.

 

I'm not wild about the lack of enclosure. I do like some sort of a snap or hook or something to ensure it stays closed.

The final comment is that pen loops are ALWYS problematic. I don't much like them on the edge - the folder is then often too large, and of course there is the danger of scuffing. The problem with having a pen loop in the centre fold is that if you put anything larger than a Targa, or a small Pelikan in it, it usually means the folder doesn't close properly - and if it doesn't the folder probably isn't slim enough for me!

Of course if you have a pen roll or use particularly nice pens, you'll probably never use that pen loop, so the point may be moot.

 

Anyway, a few things for you to think about.

[inkstainedruth]

I'll admit that I don't use things like this -- these are very nice looking, BTW, but -- for me -- fall into the category of "extraneous frou frou that isn't in the budget".

Instead, I use an inexpensive clipboard for loose paper, or have notebooks or sketchpads that are sturdy enough (or small enough) that I can write with them in my lap or in my hand. For some applications, I will bring a lap desk along, but again, it's a cheap one -- and then it will be used at a table at my destination, not en route.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstaindruth

[Keyless Works]

I like them but they are too heavy to carry around.

 

I love Smythson's paper and their leather products are decent but I don't care for their stitching...its durable but I always would rather spend a little bit more and get something hand stitched. If you can stretch the budget at bit check out http://www.aprilinparis.us/

Béatrice is a master leather craftsman trained by Hermes. Swaine Adeney Brigg would be another good choice but I am not sure if they do small leather goods anymore.

Edited October 16, 2013 by Keyless Works

[Gloucesterman]

Have used a Bosca (Cognac) "folder" for more than ten years. If I am going to be at a meeting and don't want to carry a larger bag with "stuff". this is definitely the way to go for me.

 

Yes, it can and does get scuffed. Unless it's really abused, it takes on a classic, vintage appearance (again, imho). BTW, if one is using a good quality leather folder, maintaining its appearance is as important as polished shoes and a well pressed shirt.

 

As for the pen loop/pocket, my perspective is that the loop should be used as a back-up only, unless you do have a slim fountain pen. My first line pen is always in my pocket whether it be my shirt or my jacket pocket. The only variance might be that, if I were a woman and was not wearing a jacket or shirt the offered the neat AND convenient storage of (several) pens, I would keep my pens in my purse or some other professional appearing accessory.

 

And to share a bit of humor (or humour), for a long time I thought that any pen had to fit the pen portion in that VERY slim little pocket where the front and back covers met. And granted, there are few pens that would fit comfortably in such a confined space. One time I was mentioning this to a more knowledgeable pen person who pointed out to me that I could simply use the pen clip section to attach it to the pocket. Obviously not as secure and still quite adequate for most people's needs.

[Gloucesterman]

I like them but they are too heavy to carry around.

 

I love Smythson's paper and their leather products are decent but I don't care for their stitching...its durable but I always would rather spend a little bit more and get something hand stitched. If you can stretch the budget at bit check out http://www.aprilinparis.us/index.html Béatrice is a master leather craftsman trained by Hermes. Swaine Adeney Brigg would be another good choice but I am not sure if they do small leather goods anymore.

 

Link not connected to anything! Any chance of an updated connection?

[Keyless Works]

 

Link not connected to anything! Any chance of an updated connection?

Sorry about that:

http://www.aprilinparis.us/

[orsetto]

I like the zipped writing folders from Smythson but decided against as I rarely use notepads, which is what their folders are primarily designed. So it depends on what you're going to use it for. I'm still looking for a way to carry letter sheets, correspondence cards, and envelopes. If you go for the bespoke folder, I'd like to know how it turns out. Good luck!

[damien]

Thanks for all the suggestions! As it is, I'm still waffling between getting the Smythson versus going the bespoke route. I do not need the folder anytime soon, and it's more of a luxury purchase, so I figure I will be waffling for quite a while.

 

Things going for the Smythson is the clean, professional look, though the cross-grain leather is getting quite common in other small leather designer products. I'm also eyeing a card case and passport cover from Berluti. They make lovely leather products with a gorgeous brown patina, and I'm not sure if April is able to replicate the design and patina of the leather. If she is, I would probably go the bespoke route.

 

As an aside, the writings on the Berluti wallet was from an 18th century manuscript that the original founder of Berluti bought at an auction and replicated sections of it on the leather products. I thought the manuscript writing makes an apt cover design for a writing folder, no?

[Keyless Works]

Berluti makes some of the finest shoes out there and the wallet will no doubt be hand stitched. I don't know if April in pairs could replicate that style of leather you would have to call and ask. I haven't seen anything like that from them nor Hermes.

[Lord of Crocodiles]

On 10/12/2013 at 11:59 AM, damien said:

Anyone owns a smythson? Is it worth the price?

 

Ultimately, yes.

 

The quality has the capacity to see you out.

 

Buy once, buy well.

 

[Beechwood]

The Smythson is top drawer stuff, the best quality. 

 

The only problem that I had with mine was the metal rings which were annoying to that bit of your hand below your thumb when writing on the left of the page, ultimately I prefer a top hinge, I think some people call it a Reporter Style notebook.

 

There are some ebay bargains of letter writing cases from the 40s and 50s when everyone and their dog had a writing case and wrote several letters a day, they passed on and house clearance companies and inheritors sell them cheaply.

 

 

[Lord of Crocodiles]

I convert mine to Atoma binding. It's much more flexible.