The Pen Guardian Review
I recently had the privilege to visit the Pen Guardian workshop to see how this amazing product is made. I was also given one to take on a field test. The Pen Guardian, patent pending, was created by Tom Harvey when he was looking for an easy, effective, and safe way to carry multiple pens with him. He examined the existing market and could not find a product that fit his exact needs, so he began experimenting with his own designs. He met Clay Rosenbarker, owner of MacClay Leather in East Petersburg, PA, who helped him develop the first iteration of the Pen Guardian. The current versions are produced by Clay’s son Brain Rosenbarker, owner of Homestead Leather LLC. Brian cuts, treats, dyes, stamps, stiches, glues, and forms each case by hand right here in Pennsylvania. The cases are made from Kipskin leather, which is thinner, more flexible, and softer than traditional leather. Each piece is oak tanned which helps make the leather firmer and hold its shape better. The Pen Guardian name and logo are heat stamped into the leather before being hand-dyed with alcohol based dyes applied with sheep’s wool to ensure an even coverage of the dye. After this, clear acrylic is brushed over the dyed leather, adding water resistance to the product. All of the cases are then treated to neutralize the acid levels from the leather and dyes. Without this step, the finish or color of the pens could be damaged. The inserts that hold the pens are wet molded into the shape of the pens. Then, Brian uses a skiver machine that thins the edges of the leather, making it easier to fold and stitch. Finally, the cases are glued and stitched using nylon thread, which adds to the durability of the case and makes it designed to last a lifetime. The cases are closed securely via a magnetic clasp. There are 11 vibrant color options to choose from to personalize your Pen Guardian. I highly recommend looking at the Pen Guardian website to view all the options available or, even better, stop by Tom’s table at a pen show to try one out for yourself. In addition, check out Brian’s company Homestead Leather LLC, and all the amazing leather products he makes, including; journal cases, pocket notebook covers, bags, gameboards, and more.
Design: I received a Pen Guardian in the blue finish. The Pen Guardian is available in a 2-pen or 4-pen configuration; I received the 2-pen configuration for my review. The blue is darker on the front and back and lighter on the sides of the case and can only be compared to the color of the ocean after a storm. The top flap has a fleur-de-lis heat stamped with the word “Pen” above it and the word “Guardian” below it. There is a magnetic closure that holds the flap closed securely. The stitching around the case matches the color of the case perfectly. Inside the case is a removable 2-pen pocket case which, is a slightly lighter blue. Each pen slot has a cut-out at the top, allowing the clip of the pen to be exposed so it can clip onto your pocket while the case protects the body of the pen. To protect the pens further, the two slots are separated with a line of stitching down the middle to prevent the pens from rubbing against each other.Value: The Pen Guardian 2-pen case retails for $139 USD online and the 4-pen Case retails for $169.99 USD with free U.S. shipping. Tom often runs pen show specials, as well.Overall: When I first heard the price of the Pen Guardian, I thought, “It’s just a case; there is no way it’s worth that.” There have been very few times that I can think of in my life where I have had to eat my words – this is one of them. After seeing the amount of time, care, and quality materials that go into the creation of these cases, I can clearly see the value. These are cases that you buy once and they will outlast you. If you are going to spend money buying quality pens, you want/need a quality product to protect those pens and ensure they will last a lifetime, as well. This product will not be in every pen enthusiasts price range, but I recommend saving up and investing in one. You won’t regret it and your pens will thank you.
