(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.)
The Kokuyo Neo Critz is a cleverly designed nylon case great for taking a fistful of pens or pencils on the go. It works well in bags and converts to a pen cup, so you can perch it on your worktop of choice and have easy access to all of your tools.
The case is made of lightweight nylon fabric with a foam core that adds a bit of padding to protect the contents. The bottom half of the case has extra reinforcement so that it remains sturdy when acting as a pencil/pen cup. There is one main compartment that holds a good twelve to fifteen pens or pencils, and a smaller pocket that can hold an eraser, lead box, and sharpener. The case zips shut along the top and side. The zipper works from either end--so you can access the pens by just opening the top of the case if it is tucked in a bag. To fully open the case, unzip from the bottom. When zipped, it has a teardrop-shaped profile that is slim enough that it fits well along other items without being too bulky.
To convert it to a pen or pencil cup, unzip it from the bottom and fold back the softer upper half of the case. It's a clever, convenient design. I think it would work very well for colored pencils, journaling supplies, or for urban or nature sketchers who need their tools handy in a variety of locales. The thing I've actually found it to be most handy for is knitting and crochet supplies. The wee pocket is great for holding stitch markers and small notions, and the main compartment holds plenty of hooks and double-pointed needles. It's slim enough that it doesn't take up too much space on the table, but still gives you fast access to your tools.
All of Kokuyo's cases focus on efficient, convenient design. Their styles address a multitude of needs, but I think this one is the most promising for carrying a larger number of pens or pencils. It would even work well for fountain pens, with its easily-identifiable top and padded sides--but of course the pens would be touching, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
There are lots of fun colors to choose from, and they're a decent price. I have a feeling my eldest kiddo is after this, so I may have to grab another.
(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, which I am very grateful for.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
