Hagi & Craft Pueblo Round Zip Pen Case Review: Leather Craftsmanship That Keeps Evolving

Introduction

Hagi & Craft started as a crowdfunded project built around the concept of adding small moments of happiness to everyday life, with each leather item handmade by artisans. Since the original pen case launched, the lineup has grown considerably, and the brand now offers round zip, tofu-style, and arch-shaped cases in a widening range of leathers and colors. This review focuses on the current Pueblo leather round zip pen case in green, with regular comparisons to the earlier crazy horse leather model.

First Impressions and Build

The green colorway sits lighter than olive, with a vintage-leaning character that gives the case real presence straight out of the box. It arrives in simple packaging with a handwritten message included, a small touch that reflects the brand’s handmade approach.

The exterior uses Italian leather finished as Pueblo: the surface is vegetable-tanned, rubbed to raise a nap, polished with a brass brush, and then soaked with plenty of natural oil. That process creates the distinctive leather-like texture Pueblo is known for, and it also gives the case a pleasant, genuine leather scent that the previous crazy horse version did not have. The gold zipper and gold pull match the green leather particularly well, and the YKK zipper runs smoothly.

How It Compares to the Original Model

The current model has shifted to a slightly taller, narrower form. The original measured 195mm long and 95mm wide, while the current case is 200mm by 85mm. The brown leather trim on the current version also makes the gold hardware pop more than on the original.

The biggest change is inside. The earlier model used crazy horse leather throughout, inside and out, which was fairly easy to scratch. The current case pairs a brown suede-style lining with sturdier leather pen holders, so it resists wear much better. The interior logo placement and the four pen holders plus two pocket layout remain the same as before.

Interior Design and Pen Protection

The interior is unified in a deep brown, and the exact lining color varies by exterior colorway. On the right side there are four pen holders sized for two 13mm pens on the left pair and two 15mm pens on the right. The left pocket fits a 15cm ruler, and it starts out snug before softening with use. The right pocket is deliberately shallow, which makes small items like sticky notes easy to grab.

The pen holders include flaps, which serve two purposes: they protect pen clips from scratching, and they keep pens from touching the zipper when sliding them in and out. It is a thoughtful detail that lets you store favorite pens with confidence.

Everyday Use and Aging

After about a week of use, three things stood out. First, the appearance: it looks sharp at a glance and carries a genuine sense of quality, and the Pueblo texture is excellent. Second, the leather scent, which the previous crazy horse model lacked. Third, the fact that this leather will develop deeper character over time, which is genuinely something to look forward to.

Inside, favorite pens can be stored without worry of scratches, and four pen slots feels like the right number, a kind of small-but-curated approach. No real drawbacks came up during the testing period.

Buying Advice

This case pairs well with a wide range of pens, not just one brand, so it works for anyone who wants to store a small selection of favorites in style. If you value materials that age gracefully and interiors designed to protect your pens, the current generation is a clear step up from the original. Availability has also improved as production volumes have grown, so it is easier to find than it used to be.

Conclusion

Hagi & Craft keeps refining everything: materials, color options, and lineup quality have all improved while the products have become easier to obtain. The Pueblo round zip pen case in green is a handsome, well-protected home for your favorite pens, and the promise of a rich patina over time makes it a purchase you can grow into rather than out of.