Compared to most pen addicts, I don’t have all that many bags and pen cases. (Sure, I have more than the average “civilian”, but let’s check our comparisons, shall we?) I’ve often asked myself why I’ve never been able to bring myself to sample cases and bags the same way I do writing instruments and paper, and it comes down to two things: attachment, and to a lesser degree, the storage space these things take up.
Nock Co. x Rickshaw Bagworks Sinclair Model R in Saffron
Most people - myself included - can only truly carry one bag and maybe a couple of cases at a time while really using them. Since that’s the case for me (pun intended), I get accustomed to two, maybe three pen cases as part of my own personal carry, and become attached to them. Among those in regular rotation is a single original Nock Co. Sinclair in black waxed canvas with burgundy interior, which I acquired at a past Atlanta Pen Show as a pen-show exclusive design. While none of the other original Nock Co. cases stuck with me, the Sinclair did, and for this reason I called it “The Most Practical Pen Case.” Because it is. Given that this Sinclair has been a near-constant daily companion for going on seven years, I was overjoyed to hear that Nock Co. is collaborating with San Francisco-based Rickshaw Bagworks to create the Sinclair Model R - a slightly modified, or perhaps more accurately, “evolved” - version of the Sinclair.
The original Sinclair holds three pens in separate interior slots, opposite a single larger pocket intended to hold notecards or a pocket notebook. (I use the word “intended” loosely - many people who don’t care about their pens touching have crammed upwards of 20+ pens and other accessories into this case, or stuffed it with multiple pocket notebooks, post-its, and other paper products. Hence “the most versatile pen case.”) The Model R keeps this same configuration.
Just how much can the Sinclair Model R hold? See below to find out!
The key differences between the original Sinclair and the Sinclair Model R are as follows:
Size. The Sinclair Model R is larger, and while it might not appear bulkier, it’s a significantly bigger case. For starters, the case is taller, meaning that there should be more clearance between the top of your pens and the zipper than in the original Sinclair. This was never an issue for me, but for those who carry oversized pens it could be. The Model R is also thicker. How much? You can actually fit the original Sinclair, loaded with three pens, inside the Model R, even if the Model R has pens in the slots. See photos below.
Plush Lining. The Model R includes Rickshaw’s signature soft interior to protect your pens and other accessories from scratches. Again, I never had this issue - or never paid attention to it - with the original Nock Co. cases, but cordura/nylon does have a propensity for “micro scratching” the shiny finishes on some polished pens. Rickshaw cases are known for providing an added layer of protection.
Exterior Pocket. Arguably my favorite addition, the Model R includes an exterior pocket that fits my standard-sized iPhone 12 Pro. Anything that adds to the versatility of a pen case is a plus for me, especially since this particular feature transforms the Model R into a case that I can use for “stand-alone carry” as a mini-bag, not just a pen case or “bag-within-a-bag.”
Paracord Pulls and Optional Pen Loop. You may have noticed that the case I am giving away (check out Monday’s post) features a small loop that you can use to attach the Sinclair Model R to a lanyard, carabiner, pelican clip, etc. The loop currently is not a standard feature, but I understand that it can be added via customization at some point in the future. Personally, I love this detail because the exterior pocket on my twill Filson briefcase has a built-in clip that I would absolutely use to add further security to my pen case. My Rickshaw Model R also has paracord loops on the zippers, a nice touch that may not be necessary but is an added convenience.
With the exception of my eyeglasses, everything in the previous photo fits into the Sinclair Model R: the Plotter Mini-5, three pens, and my iPhone 12 Pro.
I’m not sure if I’ll ever actually use the cases in this manner, but maybe for consolidated pen show travel?
I’ve already checked - the Sinclair Model R zips shut in this “configuration” with plenty of zipper clearance.
The paracord loop that can be added to the back of the Sinclair Model R.
Takeaways and Where to Buy
The Sinclair Model R is a worthy successor - and in many ways arguably an improvement upon - prior iterations of the Nock Co. Sinclair pen case. I’m especially glad to see that Rickshaw plans to make the case available in their full array of colors and patterns, and they certainly had some stunners on display at the San Francisco Pen Show.
You can really see the size difference when the cases are side-by-side. Original Sinclair (right) shown with the Model R (left).
You can currently purchase the Sinclair Model R in certain select colors on the Rickshaw Bags website, for the San Francisco Pen Show promotional price of $40. (Standard pricing will be $59 - still a relative bargain in today’s market.) At some point, you will be able to custom configure the colors and design of the case like most other Rickshaw products (including adding the loop discussed above), and I understand the plan is to also allow retailers to stock this design in their own custom patterns and configurations.
I purchased the Saffron Sinclair Model R and the original Sinclair featured in this post with my own funds, for my own use. The black Sinclair Model R show in the first picture was donated by Nock Co. and Rickshaw for giveaway purposes, and you can enter the giveaway here! This post does not contain affiliate links or paid sponsorships.
