Lochby Field Journal and Pen Cases: Field-Ready Kit for Fountain Pen Users

Introduction

Lochby has built a small but focused line of field gear for people who carry notebooks and fountain pens into places where things get knocked around. The brand’s products are minimal, well-crafted, and clearly designed with a function for every part. This roundup looks at three of them: the Lochby Field Journal, the Quattro pen case, and the Duo pen case.

The Lochby Story and Design Philosophy

Lochby was founded by Chris Elfing, an army veteran accustomed to tough, dependable field kits during his service. After returning to civilian life, he started a line of travel gear known as Bond Travel Gear, and later found himself drawn into fountain pens. Frustrated by the lack of kit that was tough, water resistant, and backed by decent paper, he built his own.

That solution shows up in the details. The journals use Tomoe River paper, a favorite among fountain pen users for how it handles ink. The covers use wax cotton, a material with a long association with field jackets. Done poorly, wax cotton can feel sticky and cheaply finished. Done well, as here, it is tough, no-nonsense, and ages wonderfully while still looking sophisticated. The result is gear with a bit of stealth: something you can pull out in a museum or library without drawing attention to itself.

The Field Journal itself is easy to live with. It is the perfect size to slip into a back pocket or stuff into a bag, with a great wax cotton finish that suits both outdoor note-taking and more refined settings.

Lochby Quattro Pen Case: The Daily Carry

The Quattro holds four pens, which in practice is more than most people carry. Three pens is a comfortable load, with room to spare. The case protects pens from getting scratched, which matters far more than rigid structural support. Rigid cases trade away portability; a soft case like this slides into a pocket or bag easily, and most pen owners already treat their pens with care anyway.

The original version used a suede-feel lining and light, tough ballistic nylon on the outside. Version two makes two meaningful changes: the lining is now a softer, more velvety material that feels genuinely cushy, and the overall case is a few millimeters larger. It is no wider, just slightly longer, which matters for anyone carrying longer pens.

Sizing, Fit, and the Long Pen Problem

Long pens are the honest weak point worth knowing about before buying. The Quattro handles about 95% of fountain pens brilliantly, but an oversized pen like the Pilot Custom Urushi sticks out of the original version. Version two just about manages it, though the fit is tight where the zipper runs, so a dedicated case remains the safer choice for very large pens. Longer pens like the S.T. Dupont fit more comfortably on the outer slots of version two.

The Duo, by contrast, passed the long pen test without complaint. An oversized pen fits inside with room to spare, which makes it a genuine option even for people with larger pens in their rotation.

One practical tip with the Duo: the outer pockets can hold extra pens, but clips left out will rub together and mark each other over time. Keep clips inside the slots. Also, unzip carefully and keep the case upright, since loose pens can slide out.

Value and Practicality

These cases sit at reasonable price points. The Duo is around $29 and the Quattro around $35, which is fair for something reliable, tough, and water resistant that fits into a proper field kit. The cases are designed in the United States, with materials sourced partly from Vietnam, and made in Taiwan to high specs, which keeps prices down without making the products feel cheap.

Which One Fits Your Kit

The Field Journal suits anyone who wants a pocketable notebook with Tomoe River paper and a cover that looks like a well-worn field jacket. The Quattro is the natural daily carry for three or four pens, especially with the softer velvet lining of the newer version. The Duo is ideal for the one-pen carry, and it is generous enough for longer pens that defeat most compact cases.

They share a distinct personality: a bit Indiana Jones, a bit English countryside journaling under a tree. If your writing kit tends to travel with you, all three fit that lifestyle well.

Conclusion

Lochby’s field gear works because every design choice serves a purpose: wax cotton that ages gracefully, soft protective linings, water resistance, and pocket-friendly sizing. The Quattro and Duo pen cases are affordable, dependable, and thoughtfully sized for everyday fountain pen carry, while the Field Journal remains a standout for anyone who wants serious paper in a rugged, portable package.