Review: Kolhabi Inabel Pen Cases

When we were younger, Tatay's (Father) work brought him to different places in the country. From his trips to the far south, he brought batik, marang, and curacha. From the north, he always buys our favorite sweet and spicy chichacorn and Mama's treasured inabel and binakol fabrics. That was a long time ago, but I still remember the colorful fabrics and their patterns. 

In January this year, two members of our local fountain pen group teamed up with a group of weavers in Ilocos Norte and came up with pen cases and pen wraps using traditional binakol fabrics. Calvin and Miko kindly sent samples of the Kolhabi Inabel Pen Cases for review and I am so happy to see that the products are well-done and durable and that they highlight binakol's beauty. Seeing the products also brought back memories of the time when Tatay comes home from his trips full of pasalubongs for everyone in the family.

Kolhabi Inabel Pen Cases are made by weavers from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.

The Kolhabi Inabel Pen Cases are available in three-pen cases and eight-pen rolls. They are made in partnership with the weavers of Kolhabi from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, and available in different patterns of binakol (or binakul) in five colors: green, orange, black/gray, red, and blue. Binakol, a variation of inabel, is a traditional textile pattern woven by hand using wooden looms in the Ilocos province in the Philippines. It is easily recognized by its geometric, interlocked colorful patterns. The dizzying pattern is said to ward off and distract evil spirits and protect the wearer. The Kolhabi pen cases and pen rolls are unique and exquisite as the weaving technique of binakol is an ancient tradition passed down to generations.

The Kolhabi three-pen case, a perfect EDC (everyday carry), measures 4 in x 6.25 in. The pen slots measure 1.5 in x 5 in, and the long flap allows standard-sized and longer pens to fit inside the pen case. The Kolhabi three-pen case is available in orange, blue, purple, and dark violet binakol fabric.

Kolhabi three-pen case in green. Perfect for our EDC.

The Kolhabi three-pen case's pen slots are sewn only to one side, so there is space for other stuff. A passport size notebook fits in, as well as a mobile phone.

The pen slots are wide enough to accommodate big pens. I placed my pens inside the three-pen case with their clips sideways so there's enough space for a passport size notebook and other bits of paper. 

The three-pen case with three pens, a notebook, and some folded paper inside. The strap holds the flap securely and helps adjust to the thickness of the pen case contents.

The second product from Kolhabi Inabel Pen Cases is the Kolhabi pen roll which has slots for eight pens. Each slot measures 1.5 in x 4 in. The pen roll is 11.25 in wide and 11.75 in tall, which fits not only standard size pens, but also the longer ones because the flap or cover adjusts to the height of the pens inside. A thick elastic band secures the roll as it is fastened to the small button on the pen roll's cover. The Kolhabi eight-pen roll is available in orange, blue, purple, and dark violet binakol fabric.

Kolhabi eight-pen roll fits standard size and long pens as the flap adjusts to the height of the pens inside.

The Kolhabi eight-pen roll is very neatly made. The black lining and white muslin for the pen slots look great as they are sewn expertly.

The pen roll accommodates standard size pens as well as longer ones. I wish the pen slots were wider because bigger pens are quite tight inside the slots. 

The pen roll's flap adjusts to the height (or length) of the pens inside.

Folding the Kolhabi eight-pen roll: 1. fold the roll after the second pen slot; 2. fold again after the fifth pen slot; and 3. secure the roll by locking the elastic band on the button on top of the roll's cover. 

The Kolhabi three-pen case is the perfect companion to my Traveler's Notebook.

The eight-pen roll is also perfect to go with bigger notebooks such as my A5 Starbucks diary/planner.

The Kolhabi Inabel Pen Cases are nice-looking unique, sturdy, and well-done products that ensure our pens are protected while kept inside either for everyday carry or for storage. They are functional and beautiful and I am always reminded of the historical and cultural value of the binakol whenever I use them to carry my pens. 

I am happy and proud to see Filipino artisans making excellent, world-class products such as this pen cases using local handwoven fabric. They are well-done and designed carefully to be useful for a long period of time. Get both for your pens!

Rants of The Archer thanks Kolhabi Pen Cases and the weavers of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte for providing the pen cases in this review. For more details about their products, follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolhabipencases/

Review: NATIVIDAD Leather Three-Pen Case Dark Blue

When I started using and collecting fountain pens in 2008, fountain pens and inks were not the only hard to find items in the Philippines. Fountain pen accessories—pen cases, pen wraps, paper friendly notebooks—were even harder to find. Most of us had to get some of these items abroad. In recent years, pen accessories and related products have become available in the country, with some accessories being handcrafted by local makers. Pen wraps, pen rolls, and pen cases made by expert Filipino artisans are now available locally. One such product is the three-pen case by the local leathermaker NATIVIDAD Leather. 

I first saw the leather pen cases by NATIVIDAD Leather in our local fountain pen group. I got a three-pen case in the newly-released dark blue color, and I was very impressed the moment I opened the box. The pen case has a simple design but is well-crafted and tough for daily use. The leather is smooth, supple, and clean. I found a new pen case for my everyday carry. 

NATIVIDAD Leather Three-Pen Case in dark blue

NATIVIDAD Leather's pen cases are handcrafted in the Philippines using locally sourced leather and materials. They are semi-hard cases made from durable full-grain vegetable-tanned leather designed to protect pens. The outer side of the leather is shiny and smooth and will surely develop a patina over time. The inner part is grainy but soft and supple with an earthy leather scent. 

NATIVIDAD Leather pen cases are safe for pens as they do not have any metal hardware such as snap buttons or fasteners that could potentially scratch or damage pens. The adjustable closure of the pen case is also made from leather to make sure it is safe for even the most delicate pens.

I got a dark blue leather pen case, but this three-pen case is also available in black, tan, olive, and teal. Colors vary from time to time depending on available materials.

The semi-hard pen cases from NATIVIDAD Leather have separate slots for individual pens, so they will not scratch one another. The pen slots are designed to be shorter than those in regular pen cases so that pens do not need to be clipped over the leather. This reduces stress on the cap and prevents breakage. The short pen slots also provide more space to grip pens so they are easier to pull out of the pen case. 

The pen case has individual slots for three pens.

The individual slots ensure pens are safe inside.

The slots can fit pens up to 5.70 in (14.5 cm) long, and ~1.9 in (5 cm) in barrel diameter, but the leathermakers at NATIVIDAD Leather can easily customize their pen cases to fit longer and larger pens. Having local makers create accessories for us ensures that product customization is always possible. Aside from three-pen cases, NATIVIDAD Leather can also make single pen sleeves and four- and six-pen leather cases.

The semi-hard three-pen leather case fits longer pens such as a Conklin Duragraph or a Leonardo Momento Zero, and large pens such as the BENU Tessera.

It's perfect for Lamy Safaris...

...and TWSBI ECOs.

The short pen slots of this pen case also fit pocket pens such as the Kaweco Sport. The flap can be pulled further down for a more secure fit.

It's the perfect companion to my blue Traveler's Notebook.

I am happy and proud to see Filipino artisans making excellent, world-class products such as this three-pen case. It's well-built and designed carefully to be useful for a long period of time and promotes local leather craftsmanship. NATIVIDAD Leather products are fully customizable to fit different pens. The only additional feature I was looking for in this pen case is a logo or any markings to indicate the leathermaker's branding.

Rants of The Archer thanks NATIVIDAD Leather for providing the pen case in this review. If you want to purchase their pen cases, you can send NATIVIDAD Leather an email at natividad.leather@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natividad.leather/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natividad_leather/ to get updates on new product offers.