I got a stack of pen cases about a year ago and two quickly became my every day carry cases. The others have sat unused–mostly.

The pen cases are from Nock Co, a small company in Atlanta, Georgia. I ordered their entire line–at the time anyway–of seven cases.

Although they are all well made, the Sassafras and the Lookout were the ones I liked the best. (Note: all Nock Co cases are named after mountains in Georgia.)

I started with the three pen Lookout but, me being me, quickly found that three pens were not enough. I started using the five slot Sassafras to carry a flashlight, pens, pencils and erasers. It opens like a book and has a pair of flaps to protect the pens from each other and keep them from falling out in a bag. Eventually I started carrying a different flashlight to make room for more pens. I even, and this will horrify some pen addicts, let the pens touch.

Of the two, the Sassfras has been used the most. I carry it to work and when I head down to Tokyo. I’ve been impressed by how durable it is. There’s a little fraying and I can already tell which corner will give up the ghost first but it looks in better shape than the much more durable Maxpedition Mini I used to use. Also, the Midnight Blue exterior doesn’t get as grungy as the khaki Mini did. (The Nock Co label, though, has begun to look a little off color.)

I was also impressed at how well it keeps the pens in place. I was worried that as it got jostled around the pens would fall out but that hasn’t been a problem at all.

The Lookout, because of the way it’s sewn, feels sturdier and feels as if it will keep the pens safer. It’s Steel exterior (Steel is a fancy word for dark gray) still looks good. My biggest complaint with the Lookout is that it can only hold three pens. It’s something designed to fit in your pocket not be flexible to all your pen needs. I use it mostly for pen overflow or as everyday carry on days I know I won’t need many pens.

The only problems I’ve had with the cases is the problem I have with all nylon products: they are not leather and will not age as well as leather. The dark color helps but I can see the nylon starting to wear and get slightly fuzzy. I looks like gray dust on the surface of the nylon. It’s also begun to feel a bit more floppy than it was before.

The Sassafrass could use a zipper to close it all the way, but I fear that would add the dangly bits I didn’t like with the Maxpedition Mini. (Note: Nock Co has been teasing zippered folios for what seems like several years now, putting the zippered folios in the realm of vapor wear.)

I still look at the other cases and try to think of uses for them. I may swap the Lookout for a Hightower that holds three pens and a small notebook. The zippered roll case Brasstown has become my pen overflow, temporary storage case, but I leave it at home and don’t carry it around.

I encourage everyone to check out the Nock Co cases. Even if you only have few pens you’ll be able to carry them in style.