Laura N
July 15th, 2015, 10:31 PM
I was fortunate to receive a hand-crafted leather pen case from fellow member MY63 (Michael). He has his own thread here (http://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread.php/4940-Pen-cases) detailing the beautiful notebook covers and pen cases he has been making. And Crazyorange has a thread here (http://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread.php/12559-Pen-bag) about a gorgeous pen suitcase Michael made for her.
I’ve been using my single pen case for a few weeks, and I’d like to do a little review and show everyone Michael’s amazing work.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1141_zpstdrnabpc.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1141_zpstdrnabpc.jpg.html)
It’s just a great case. Michael’s design is really neat. It’s not like anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s almost tubular in shape, and of good size. Mine is about 7 ¾ inches long closed. He designed the case, and he makes each one by hand, and sizes it for your pen.
Every part of the case is beautifully detailed and superbly finished. The exterior is a smooth leather that Michael hand-dyes. It even smells great. My case is a red-brown called mahogany, with yellow stitching.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1146_zpszyswm74n.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1146_zpszyswm74n.jpg.html)
I’ll try to show how unique it is, and how it works. The case design is essentially two halves, attached by a leather lace.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1156_zpsavohiy8q.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1156_zpsavohiy8q.jpg.html)
The thinner part of the case is long enough to hold the entire pen. Michael sized mine to hold my Montblanc LeGrand.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1135_zpsnzvamhay.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1135_zpsnzvamhay.jpg.html)
The interior of this thinner part of the case is a soft suede, to cradle the pen. The pen fits perfectly inside, and slides in or out with ease, but the suede has enough texture that the pen won't fly out before you are ready.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1134_zpsklcq09na.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1134_zpsklcq09na.jpg.html)
I’m guessing that the reason the pen sits entirely within this half of the case is to protect it. You can’t tell by looking at the leather and suede, but that part of the case is a hard shell. It feels so sturdy, like medieval leather armor for your pen. Hold it in your hand, squeeze it even, and it feels like you couldn’t crush it even if you stepped on it. Not that I’m going to test that. But there’s certainly no worry from ordinary bumps and bruises in a purse, backpack, briefcase or luggage. You feel if it dropped to the floor the pen would be perfectly fine. I'll no doubt test that numerous times, never on purpose.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1138_zpsiq9eiljd.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1138_zpsiq9eiljd.jpg.html)
When you want to close the pen case, you pull the leather laces taut and then cinch the little leather stopper piece against the case. That “locks” it, so even if you grasp each half and try to pull, it won’t come apart.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1131_zpspks8wcxr.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1131_zpspks8wcxr.jpg.html)
To open the case, you simply slide the leather stopper away from the case, all the way to the end of the laces, which terminate in tiny decorative stoppers.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1127_zpsqobrstdc.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1127_zpsqobrstdc.jpg.html)
The thicker part of the case is the case’s cap, and its diameter is about the size of a film canister.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1153_zpsr6fqby4i.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1153_zpsr6fqby4i.jpg.html)
I really appreciate how much thought Michael put into every element of the design to perfect it. You can tell that it’s a case that been designed by a pen user, and by someone who really thinks out every detail. For example, the two halves of the pen case are attached by the leather laces; there is nothing that can detach or get lost.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1170_zpszkz2oxhs.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1170_zpszkz2oxhs.jpg.html)
I love this case. It works so well, and it's so beautiful that I affirmatively enjoy putting the pen in the case and carrying it with me.
But let's talk about Michael, finally, the man behind the case. I don't want to embarrass him. But in addition to being an incredible craftsman and designer, Michael is a tremendously nice guy, very generous and kind. Talking to him about this case, and other things, has been pure delight. I’ve never seen such an amazing case, so having one is a privilege. But getting to know Michael is even better. He’s a true treasure on this forum.
I’ve been using my single pen case for a few weeks, and I’d like to do a little review and show everyone Michael’s amazing work.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1141_zpstdrnabpc.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1141_zpstdrnabpc.jpg.html)
It’s just a great case. Michael’s design is really neat. It’s not like anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s almost tubular in shape, and of good size. Mine is about 7 ¾ inches long closed. He designed the case, and he makes each one by hand, and sizes it for your pen.
Every part of the case is beautifully detailed and superbly finished. The exterior is a smooth leather that Michael hand-dyes. It even smells great. My case is a red-brown called mahogany, with yellow stitching.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1146_zpszyswm74n.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1146_zpszyswm74n.jpg.html)
I’ll try to show how unique it is, and how it works. The case design is essentially two halves, attached by a leather lace.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1156_zpsavohiy8q.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1156_zpsavohiy8q.jpg.html)
The thinner part of the case is long enough to hold the entire pen. Michael sized mine to hold my Montblanc LeGrand.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1135_zpsnzvamhay.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1135_zpsnzvamhay.jpg.html)
The interior of this thinner part of the case is a soft suede, to cradle the pen. The pen fits perfectly inside, and slides in or out with ease, but the suede has enough texture that the pen won't fly out before you are ready.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1134_zpsklcq09na.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1134_zpsklcq09na.jpg.html)
I’m guessing that the reason the pen sits entirely within this half of the case is to protect it. You can’t tell by looking at the leather and suede, but that part of the case is a hard shell. It feels so sturdy, like medieval leather armor for your pen. Hold it in your hand, squeeze it even, and it feels like you couldn’t crush it even if you stepped on it. Not that I’m going to test that. But there’s certainly no worry from ordinary bumps and bruises in a purse, backpack, briefcase or luggage. You feel if it dropped to the floor the pen would be perfectly fine. I'll no doubt test that numerous times, never on purpose.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1138_zpsiq9eiljd.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1138_zpsiq9eiljd.jpg.html)
When you want to close the pen case, you pull the leather laces taut and then cinch the little leather stopper piece against the case. That “locks” it, so even if you grasp each half and try to pull, it won’t come apart.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1131_zpspks8wcxr.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1131_zpspks8wcxr.jpg.html)
To open the case, you simply slide the leather stopper away from the case, all the way to the end of the laces, which terminate in tiny decorative stoppers.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1127_zpsqobrstdc.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1127_zpsqobrstdc.jpg.html)
The thicker part of the case is the case’s cap, and its diameter is about the size of a film canister.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1153_zpsr6fqby4i.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1153_zpsr6fqby4i.jpg.html)
I really appreciate how much thought Michael put into every element of the design to perfect it. You can tell that it’s a case that been designed by a pen user, and by someone who really thinks out every detail. For example, the two halves of the pen case are attached by the leather laces; there is nothing that can detach or get lost.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/mochasolo/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1170_zpszkz2oxhs.jpg (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/mochasolo/media/Misc%20Pens%20and%20Inks/DSC_1170_zpszkz2oxhs.jpg.html)
I love this case. It works so well, and it's so beautiful that I affirmatively enjoy putting the pen in the case and carrying it with me.
But let's talk about Michael, finally, the man behind the case. I don't want to embarrass him. But in addition to being an incredible craftsman and designer, Michael is a tremendously nice guy, very generous and kind. Talking to him about this case, and other things, has been pure delight. I’ve never seen such an amazing case, so having one is a privilege. But getting to know Michael is even better. He’s a true treasure on this forum.