I admit it. I am always looking for the perfect case. I must have dozens of pencil cases, pen cases, sleeves, pouches, etc. I always think the next one will be “the one.” One pen case to rule them all! I’m not alone in this, right? So, when I saw the Raymay Clam Pencase in violet ($12.50) it clearly looked different.
It’s a wide flat box from the exterior. It’s roughly 2″ (5cm) x 8″ (20cm) x 4″ (10cm). It features a snap closure instead of a zipper.
The snap is actually a magnet which makes closure easier than I expected.
The most unique aspect of this case is the rigid frame around the opening like a doctor’s bag.
Once open, the case will sit open like a tray with a mesh pocket on the lid for smaller items. The mesh pocket on the lid contains small items like erasers and a pencil sharpener. If you are someone who likes to have your tools all out in front of you when you work, this case provides a perfect, travelling “desk sprawl”.
It’s exactly the kind of interior access I’ve always wanted. I don’t have to pull everything out to get to the one pen in the bottom of a zippered case. I can just roll my fingers through the open tray and select the pen, pencil or brush I need.
It’s open shape means I can fit a new Blackwing or a regular pencil with a ridiculously long point protector in the case at an angle. Regular-sized pencils fit fine and all the various gel pens, brush pens and travel water brushes also fit.
When I’m done working, I just snap the case shut. The magnet catches the latch shut and I can stick it all back in my bag.
The only negative is the color choices for the Clam Pencase. With the exception of the navy blue, all the colors are very pastel and pale. I like having bright color options but since I tend to use these sorts of cases for art making supplies, darker colors are a lot less likely to show dirt, graphite dust and accidental pen leaks. It would be perfect if it was available in some darker colors with a darker lining. And I never want a dark lining in anything but I’m making an exception here for practical reasons.
The Raymay Clam Pencase has moved to the top of my list of favorite pen cases. The case is also non-leather which is a bonus.
DISCLAIMER: The items included in this review were provided free of charge by JetPens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.
I got one of these, which had been in my Wish List, after I heard you say in the Christmas Pen Addict podcast that they were looking like they were harder to find. (Don’t remember exactly how you put it). At that point light blue and yellow were available. I had wanted yellow, so I got it and a Uni Style Fit 5 body and refills.
It is so cool how it is like a briefcase. The tray part is nice and wide, and can hold a Field Notes size notebook. I’ve had it a few days, and like to keep it around to look at and inside. It’s holding multi pens right now. I’m glad I heard you talk about them. Now only yellow is left. Sadly the yellow isn’t really yellow. A reviewer called it chartreuse, and I’d say that’s right.