A $25, Three Pen Case For The Overly-Protective (Pelican Inside...)

[Au_Fait]

I hope I'm not re-stating what others already have ad nauseum, if so apologies in advance!

 

I'll try to keep this short: I wanted an EDC case & for one reason or another wasn't crazy about what's available, so I decided to make my own. I found a few posts where larger Pelican cases / Otterbox cases were used, being familiar with Pelican products that's what I used but in a smaller form factor. I figured I'd post what I did for anyone out there also wanting a more custom / gobs of protection carry solution, but may be hesitant due to a lack of familiarity. If that describes you, don't worry: Pelican makes it both easy & affordable.

 

The Pelican 1040 case fits perfectly into the outside pocket of my messenger bag in a vertical, nibs-up orientation. A visit to Pelican's website will give you all the sizing info you need for their products, pay particular attention to the cases' interior dimensions. As you can see below, there is a considerable difference between the inside & outside dimensions due to the rubber material along the bottom & sides of the case. There is no material lining the clear lid. I purchased the 1040 from Amazon for around $19.

 

 

I didn't want my pens loose in the case, which is where Pelican's pick & pluck foam comes in. The foam has a grid of pre-cut squares you can remove to customize slots to your liking. When sizing, keep in mind that the foam will further reduce the amount of interior space available for your pens. I selected the 1042 Pick & Pluck Foam, purchased from Amazon for less than $5.

 

 

A closer look at the foam's grid pattern:

 

 

Being confident in the rubber lining the case & the foam insert, my only concern was if the pens would fit securely enough in the foam to not fall out of their slots (making this whole endeavor worthless). So I started by only removing one row of foam, making sure to leave one square's width of foam at the ends of each row. Doing so will give you a slot length of 5.5 inches, depending on your pens' sizes you may or may not find this an issue.

 

The foam of course fits perfectly into the case:

 

 

I'm glad I didn't start by removing two rows! There is enough compressive force from the foam against the bodies of my pens to hold them VERY snugly. I've held the case upside down & shaken it like crazy, and they didn't budge. However, it's not at all difficult to get pens into & out of the slots (of course not as easily / smoothly as a nice leather pouch). My largest pen to date is a Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze, for it I cut one channel in the foam a little deeper than the other two. Pictured in the case are it, a Pilot Vanishing Point & TWSBI Mini:

 

 

 

Despite how snugly they're held in the case, I thought it'd be nice to put something between the lid & the pens. Didn't want to glue anything to the lid because it's clear (and that would look ugly), but it happens that the cheap-o rag I use to wipe off excess inkfolds nicely & fits perfectly in that space. Problem solved, and my pens are (extremely) well protected in this $25 EDC case. Not the sexiest option, but extremely functional. I love it.

 

Thus concludes my first post here on FPN, I hope it was useful!

 

[Ceilidh]

What a great idea.

[da vinci]

Very helpful and interesting review - thanks

[dfollett_98]

Au Fait:

 

Thanks so much for posting this review. That's a very clever idea and a great way to protect your beautiful pens. Your review is much appreciated.

 

Enjoy your pens and inks.

 

Don

[senzen]

Amazing review!

[FOUR X FOUR]

Nice case. Could even serve as a cigar humidor

[tinta]

Thank you for posting your Pelican three pen case. These Lexan cases are extremely durable.

Since I carry a soft tear-drop backpack with few inside divisions, I often use a Pelican Micro Case 1030 that perfectly holds two of my pens in their individual Pelikan leather cases.

Crush proof, waterproof super protection. Enjoy.

Edited September 8, 2016 by tinta

[inkstainedruth]

I've looked at smaller Pelican cases for carrying ink samples. Hadn't really looked at the larger sized cases, but I like the idea of being able to remove just the sections of foam for your needs.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth