Posts filed under Accessories Review

Kirby 30th Anniversary Kaima Japan 2 Pocket Clear File Folder Review

(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Twitter. And check out her latest book, Out of Water, now available where books are sold!)

Kirby is the most popular...person?...in my house, if you ask my eight-year-old. Anything with Kirby on it is the best thing ever. To test that theory, I decided to give this Kirby 30th Anniversary folder a try. It was tricky, because I had to keep it hidden. Once spotted, it would be claimed by the tiny Kirby fan.

The folder is made of clear and pink die-cut plastic. It has a bubbly-edged flap that folds over on the right side, which fastens with Velcro, so your papers are extra secure inside. The front of the folder and the closure flap are covered in adorable portraits of our hero, Kirby, in various of his cute guises. In the center is a yellow star that marks the celebration of Kirby's 30th anniversary. He's looking good for his age.

The edges of the plastic sheets are stamp-melted together, creating secure seams that feel sturdy even when the folder is stuffed with papers. It can hold A4 or letter sized paper. The folder is very floppy when empty, but the flap gives it extra structure, and it does very well at keeping papers nice in transport. It does not work well as a writing surface, however, as sturdier folders might do.

The back shows three more Kirbys celebrating the rescue of some treasure with the motto "Pink Puffy Power!"

Have I felt silly carrying my papers to and from work in this Kirby folder? A little. But considering my usual everyday folder is a Howl's Moving Castle one (also from JetPens), I don't have much room to talk. Ultimately, this folder works very well, and it looks cute while doing it. The closure flap makes a surprising difference, adding both security and structure. It's enough to justify the steep price for the folder, which is $7.75. I'm sure the Nintendo brand is driving that price up a bit, but if you ask my eight-year-old, no amount is too much to pay for Kirby stuff.

Epilogue:

After I had the chance to try it for a while, I casually left it on the couch to be discovered. It was immediately added to Tiny Kirby Fan's backpack and now serves the purpose of carrying song sheets for music class (young one's favorite subject). It did get a small bend in it after rigorous use. I would suggest, if you intend to treat the folder as a first grader does, that you put a pencil board in one pocket to give it a little extra armor. I don't fault the folder, in this case. They've yet to invent a folder that can withstand a grade school backpack.

(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Posted on April 20, 2023 by Sarah Read and filed under Accessories Review, Folder.

Rickshaw Bagworks Peter Pen Ocean Blue 6-Pen Coozy Roll Review

(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)

Carrying multiple high-value pens can be more difficult than it sounds. The ideal bag or pouch is something that can offer sufficient protection from the outside world as well as from the other pens inside, but you also want something that is easy to handle and stow. There are plenty of options out there, which gives us, the consumers, our pick of aesthetic and function.

The Rickshaw Bagworks Peter Pen Ocean Blue 6-Pen Coozy Roll is a lovely little pen roll that uses fun materials to carry your pens in style. While the name of this product isn't exactly simple, the design and functionality is. There are six discreet slots for full-size pens, and the case rolls up and stays closed with an elastic drawstring closure. It's cute, holds a nice variety of pens, and keeps your pens safe.

While it's not a "bomb-proof" storage solution that you can use in harsh environments, it does an excellent job of storing and carrying pens for the other 99% of us that just need a neat package to toss in another bag. There isn't a closure or flap to cover the pouch opening where the pens go in and out, but I've found that the pens are really snug and secure once you've rolled the case up — the elastic closure makes it all even more snug and compact. I was a little worried that pens would easily slide out of the pouch when it was upside down, but I can verify that even vigorous shaking while holding the bag upside down isn't enough to jostle the pens loose from their snug compartments.

The inner lining reminds me of the type of material you find on the inside of a super comfortable jacket or a soft blanket. It's very soft and luxurious, and doesn't leave any micro-scratches or scuffs on your pens. As an added bonus, the bright blue color makes it easy to see what you've stowed in each compartment.

The outer material is a durable Cordura nylon material that features the artwork of Peter Draws — an illustrator with a large YouTube presence. This pattern is also used on the Nahvalur Original Ocean Blue fountain pen! The outer seams of the bag are finished with a sturdy black trim piece as an added measure against wear and tear. Overall, the bag feels really solid and well made all around. All the stitches are tidy and strong, there aren't any stray threads or loose material, and it feels substantial in your hands even when there aren't any pens inside.

The elastic closure works by looping the elastic cord over the rolled case, and then cinching it tight with the spring clasp. After a little practice, it's pretty easy to use, and I've been really happy with how secure it is. I favor simple closure mechanisms over fiddly ones, and this one makes me happy to use.

In the little while I've had to use this case, I've reached for it more often than not. It's easy for me to find six pens that I want to carry with me, and this case is aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian in all the right ways.

At $49.00, it's a little more expensive than other fabric cases, but this case uses premium materials and premium manufacturing. When you hold it in your hand and use it, it feels like it should be worth the price. It feels thick and durable and like it will last decades to come. For a unique and well-made product like this, the price to value ratio is fantastic.

You can pick up your own Rickshaw Coozy Roll in a variety of colors, and there are also different sizes and designs for all types of carry needs you might have. If you haven't delved into what Rickshaw Bagworks offers yet, get on it!

(Goldspot provided this product at a discount to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Posted on April 19, 2023 by Jeff Abbott and filed under Rickshaw, Pen Case, Accessories Review.

Traveler's Company Notebook Accessory 030 Brass Clip Review

When I ordered my pile of Traveler's Company accessories to build out my kit, there were definitely some accessories I didn't fully understand. The Brass Clip was one of them. Why add something heavy and bulky to a minimal design? I get it, now that I've had some time to put it to use.

The first great thing that the brass clip does is that it keeps things secure inside my notebook. It holds the folder shut, and it adds friction to the wallet insert so I know my cards and important papers are secure inside the pockets. I've never had anything slip out of the notebook, but having the clip there feels like extra security, which is especially welcome when I tuck notes and bits of paper inside, which is most of the time.

The clip also serves as a bit of a flag. It sticks up above the top edge of the notebook, making the notebook easier to find inside my bag, and the clip is strong enough that I can even pull the notebook out by the clip. This has been extra handy, since I'm currently using the notebook as my wallet. My necessary purse of the moment is a cavernous tote bag, so anything that helps me locate and grab ahold of my wallet/planner is hugely appreciated.

And of course, the clip's primary and most useful feature is that it holds the notebook open for you, so the whole thing can lie open flat while you work. It works so well in this regard that I've begun migrating it between all my notebooks--it's now a daily essential for all my stationery. It serves as a bookmark when the book is closed, and a holder when it's open, and it has quickly become my favorite Traveler's Company accessory.

The clip opens very wide, so it can easily fit the whole notebook in its maw. It has a simple but sturdy coil construction. It has a very strong jaw, but it doesn't hurt when you clip it on your finger. Yes, I tested this just for you, because I care. It does hurt if you clip it on your ear, though, so do exercise some caution.

All this usefulness! It makes it worth the weight that the brass adds to the notebook setup. The heaviness actually makes it work better. And it's even worth the price.

I felt a bit silly when I first bought it. $21 is a lot for a clip, even a snazzy brass one, and I wondered if I was just buying it for its looks. Because it does look good! It's a classy bit of bling to an otherwise austere lineup. But this is way more than just a pretty accessory--it's a multipurpose stationery game-changer. No regrets (except for the clipping it on my ear bit).

(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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