How To Choose The Best Pencil Cases for Your EDC Collection?

This is a blog post about pencil cases, but let’s talk about wallets for a second. You can absolutely carry your cash and cards right in your pocket; however, we actively make the decision not to, for security or organisational purposes, perhaps even both. We spend time looking for just the right kind of wallet—one that looks and feels right, has the desired space and texture, and fits within our budget. The same logic applies to a pencil case; it's merely a wallet for your stationery on a fundamental level. In this blog post, let’s discover the world of pencil cases.

Who’s the Target Audience?

Pencil cases are an essential part of most stationery nerds’ EDC kit. After all, you don’t want your bolt action pen flying around without a designated spot to put it in. For those who love a well-organised and practical Everyday Carry (EDC) collection—whether you’re an artist, student, or someone who enjoys having a bit of extra organisation in your bag—wanting nothing but the best pencil cases in your collection comes naturally.

How to Select the Best Pencil Cases?

Paralysis of choice is a real phenomenon, and it plagues the best of us. When there are too many options to choose from, selecting one becomes a challenge in itself. So, it’s best to establish a criteria for judgment, so you pick out only the best pencil cases for your EDC collection.

Size and Capacity

If your pencil case fails to store all your items, it defeats its primary purpose, no matter how aesthetically pleasing it may appear. The ideal size of a pencil case varies from individual to individual. For example, an artist would carry a different set of tools, perhaps some extra-thick pencils with a paintbrush or two, whereas a corporate employee might keep EDC pens within their case.

Personal philosophy and psychology also play a role here. A minimalist might opt for a small pencil case, capable of only storing a pencil or two, whereas those who like being more prepared would appreciate a pencil case with a bigger capacity so they can not only carry backups but also other items such as a ruler (scale), eraser, sharpener, etc.

Durability and Material

It's hard to be included in the list of the best pencil cases if you fail some basic durability tests and checks. A pencil case goes through a lot of abuse, being thrown around in backpacks and on desks. You’d want something that can tolerate the wear and tear that comes with daily use so it doesn’t break. An item that is flimsy and weak doesn’t deserve a spot in your EDC collection, for EDC items are almost synonymous with durability.

Style and Aesthetic

An EDC collection is a representation of your sense of style and aesthetic. The desire for the best pencil case, and the best bolt action pen, displays an aspect of our personality that words fail to convey. Thanks to individualism, there is no shortage of variety, pencils cases, both extravengant and minimalist, exist in the maret. From retro leather to soft plushies; something for everybody.

Pencil Case Types

Pencil cases come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Let’s take a look at the most commonly available options out there:

1. Zippered Pencil Cases: These are the most common type of pencil case. They feature a zipper to securely close the case, keeping your pens, pencils, and other items safe inside.
2. Pouch-Style Pencil Cases: Simple, flexible, and often featuring a soft design, these cases are typically made of fabric or leather and have an open or drawstring closure.
3. Tray Pencil Case: As the name suggests, this type of pencil case opens like a small drawer or tray, providing a flat, open surface to easily access your items.
4. Box-Style Pencil Cases: These resemble small boxes and typically feature a hard or semi-rigid exterior with a flip-open lid. They are perfect for those who want a more structured storage solution and usually come with dividers to keep items organized.
5. Book-Style Pencil Case: Similar to how a book opens, this case features a hinge mechanism and often includes multiple flaps or pages inside that organize your stationery. Very classy, it fits the “stationery decor” quite well.

Cases are usually made of either hard materials like plastic or metal, or soft ones like leather, fabric, silicone, or vinyl.

Hard cases are great for protecting the items inside from blunt-force damage caused by external forces. You can chuck one of these against the wall, and everything inside will be just fine. They might rattle and fly around, as these often lack any organising compartments, but they do their job well.

On the other hand, soft cases are much better suited for being tossed into any bag and forgotten about. They take up little space and are usually soft on the inside, protecting your tools from scratches.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it’s all about striking the right balance between durability, aesthetics, budget, and practicality when picking out a pencil case for your EDC collection. Pencil cases tend to be an investment as they last a fairly long time, so research well and opt for the best pencil case that suits your individual requirements.

FAQs

HOW DO I KEEP A PENCIL CASE CLEAN?

The cleaning instructions would vary based upon the material of your pencil case. Fabric pencil cases for email can be wiped down with a damp cloth whereas a plastic one can just be washed outright. Leather requires a bit more care so do read material care instructions beforehand.

CAN PENCIL CASES STORE MORE THAN JUST PENS AND PENCILS

Why yes, they can. On a fundamental level, they’re a container that many pencil cases have an extra storage compartment for stuff like rulers, erasers, sharpeners, paperclips, etc.

HOW DO I ORGANISE MY PENCIL CASE?

Most cases have compartments to solve the issue of organization. Use the loops and pockets provided to keep things nearly organized.