Posts filed under Esterbrook

Esterbrook Cube Pen Case Review

Esterbrook Cube Pen Case 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 Bluesky. And her latest book, The Atropine Tree, is now available!)

Your trinkets, gadgets, and doodads have a new ride. This new pouch, The Cube, from Esterbrook is a library of pockets, offering some top-tier organization in a design that looks both fun and classic.

Esterbrook Cube Box

First of all, look at that box. Esterbrook is always good with their packaging, and here, again, they have provided us with another box that's too good to throw away. More than one drawer in my house is organized with repurposed Esterbrook packaging. This one is definitely a keeper.

The butter yellow nylon of the case makes a fantastic impression on first sight. It's such a good color, and the styling is very retro. Maybe it's the windbreaker, track-suit fabric that's taking me back to the early 90s--but I'm happy to go there. The case is also available in blue and dark green, though all have the bright orange interior.

Esterbrook Cube Front

On the front of the pouch, there is a zipper pocket with a soft interior perfect for keeping glasses scratch-free. Behind that is a slip pocket (though the two pockets share volume, so if you put something fragile in one, you wouldn't want to use the other). Below it is a stretchy band that could serve as a handle, or a way to affix the pouch to another bag.

On the back, there are two voluminous pockets with elastic tops. One is nylon and one is mesh. They hold a surprising amount, and are the perfect size for a charger or earbud case.

The main part of the case opens like a clamshell with a smooth zipper. The inside right has divided pen trays for up to six sizeable pens. They are held in place by an elastic band that stretches across the width, threading through the walls of the soft tray.

Esterbrook Cube Open

There is a flap that divides the main compartment in two, and on the side of the flap facing the pens, there is a clear folder pocket perfect for stickers or a small notepad. On the other side of the flap there is a zipper mesh pocket for keeping any loose bits secured.

On the other side of the clamshell opening, there is a mesh pocket and a length of elastic across the width that is sewn into small segments.

Esterbrook Cube Inner Pockets

The roomy interior also allows for a slim pocket or A6 notebook to be placed on either side of the central flap, or in some of the larger elastic pockets.

Every inch of this case is full of storage. A lot of it is cleverly laid out so that it can all be used, though some pockets interfere with the use of others.

There's so much versatility that it takes a little while to figure out how to use it. Is it a tech pouch? And EDC case? Just for pens and stationery? You could even use it as a makeup or toiletry case, or for other craft supplies. This is one of those cases that might end up in my knitting bag.

EDC items

Will it fit?

I decided to see how much of my daily carry items I could fit inside it. The answer was, most of them! However... When fully packed out, it may not fit in your bag. It gets thick! If you're carrying a good backpack, you'll be fine, but it doesn't fit in an average purse, which makes its use as a daily carry pouch a bit un-useful, for me.

Esterbrook Cube Pen Case Filled

But that does not worry me, because it has a thousand uses other than as a daily carry pouch. It would be perfect as a pen show kit! Bring some pens to show off, leave some spaces empty to fill with new pens. Collect business cards and stickers. Gather paper swatches, and bring a testing notebook. Fill the elastics with ink sample vials. Everything you need in one cube!

Esterbrook Cube Pen Case Full Pockets

Because of the endless possibilities, I've had a lot of fun unpacking and repacking it for different purposes.

One downside to the case is the price, which did shock me a bit when I saw it. The MSRP is $65, though you might find it for less. It's more than I'd expect to pay for a nylon case, but it does have a lot of construction and design to it. I don't think it's extremely overpriced, just a bit more than I was expecting. That being said, if I hadn't been sent one, I'd buy one. I might have to buy one, anyway, because my husband, who typically goes glassy-eyed whenever I start talking about anything pen-related, actually tried to claim this one.

Esterbrook Cube Pen Case Full Closed

The retro vibe and bright colors certainly won't be for everyone, but I think this is another great accessory from Esterbrook. I'd actually love to see these design elements and materials used in a full-sized bag. Like the Cube as a messenger briefcase, chock full of stationery organization? If you do that, Esterbrook, please call me.

(Disclaimer: Brad bought this case from Florida Fountain Pen at the 2025 Atlanta Pen Show.)


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Esterbrook Cube Pen Case Pocket
Posted on July 10, 2025 and filed under Esterbrook, Pen Case, Accessories Review.

Esterbrook 2GO Pen Cup 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!)

I'm all over the place this month—in a different city every weekend, and all over the map in between, so my "desk" needs to be on the move with me. Transporting a pleasant variety of pens is an essential part of that portable office, which makes for the perfect opportunity to try out clever new pen case designs.

The new drawstring 2GO Pen Cup from Esterbrook has been my carry for the past week, and it has been wonderful in some ways, and falls a bit short in others.

First of all, to get the obvious out of the way, it's super cute. I love the cotton canvas fabric, the classic stenciling, and the color, which happens to perfectly match my planner cover and purse. It's sturdy and well-made, and feels like it will last a long time, even with regular use. In fact, the fabric feels like it will only get better with use, like a comfy pair of jeans. The leather drawstring gives it a rustic vibe, and the suede interior is very soft. The ribbed knit cuff at the top of the case brings a cosy feel to the leather and canvas.

The case is designed so that you can use it as one big open space, or use the included divider to keep pens separate inside. It's a bit fiddly getting the insert aligned correctly—it keeps wanting to fold on itself—but once the pens are in place, they help it keep its shape. The flexibility of it does allow it to cushion pens of various sizes, so I can put narrow pencils next to beefy fountain pens and the insert will adjust itself accordingly. It also lends the case some structure, so it can stand up like a pen cup, and the top fabric folds down so that the pens are easily visible and accessible.

As far as its shortcomings, the first is exactly that—it's a bit short, so it can't fit taller pencils, and even some pens may not be the best fit. Standard ballpoint or gel pen length works best. I also wasn't able to cinch the top cord shut all the way, due to the thickness of the fabric. So there's always an open gap at the top, wide enough for a pen to slip through if I were to tip it upside down. For me, that means it's not the right case for any of my more delicate pens. But most of my favorite pens are delicate ones, which means I either need to bring them in a second, separate case, or I need to just use a different case altogether, which is ultimately what I did.

Another issue is that this case retails for $59.95, which surprised me a bit. That seems quite high. Yes, the materials are very nice and the construction and design are well done, but oof. That's a very high-end price, and as much as I like it, I'm not sure I'd pay that much for it. I've paid that much for cases before, but there was usually a clear reason why it cost so much--like small-batch handmade pieces in exclusive materials.

While this case didn't work for my daily carry, it still makes a good case for keeping on the desk at home. And it would be a great choice for when I'm bringing a handful of gel pens or fineliners to a friend's house so we can decorate planners together. While it has a few negatives, overall I do think it's a nice case, and I'll enjoy using it.

(Brad purchased this case from Dromgoole’s at the 2023 Atlanta Pen Show.)


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, for which I am very grateful.

Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!

Posted on May 18, 2023 and filed under Esterbrook, Pen Case, Accessories Review.