Sonnenleder Pencil Case "Simmel" natural

The Sonnenleder Simmel pen case in natural is a handcrafted leather case for up to five pens. The leather comes from selected southern German cattle hides and is tanned using traditional vegetable pit tanning — a time-honoured process that gives the material a lively, breathing surface. The smell of freshly tanned leather and the warm, slightly rough feel are immediately apparent when you first open it.

Features

• Vegetable pit tanning: Southern German cattle hides are processed without synthetic tanning agents. The result is a dense, firm leather structure that regulates moisture and develops its own patina over time.
• Lively surface: The ecological processing forgoes any evening out — visible pores, small scars and colour variations are part of the surface and are signs of untreated natural leather.
• Patina through use: Rain, sun and heat change the colour and feel of the leather over months and years. No two cases age identically.
• Quality zip: The surrounding zip fastens the case securely and protects your pens from falling out and from dust.
• Space for around 5 pens: The format is designed for everyday use — fountain pens, mechanical pencils, fineliners or ballpoints sit comfortably side by side.
• Pure handcraft: Each case is individually made, cut and sewn. Size, colouring and surface structure can vary slightly between examples.

Use & Tips

• Condition the leather: Natural leather from pit tanning benefits from occasional care with a colourless, wax-based leather conditioner — this keeps the fibres supple and deepens the patina evenly.
• Transport fountain pens safely: The surrounding zip holds nibs and clips in position; ink stains from loose rolling are avoided this way.
• What fits inside: Five writing instruments of medium thickness fit comfortably — with very thick grips (such as wide triangular pencils), plan for around four pieces.
• Shape the patina deliberately: If you carry the case regularly in a trouser pocket, body heat and friction accelerate patination. Carrying it in a rucksack produces a slower, more even change.

For Leather Enthusiasts

Pit tanning is the slowest and most resource-efficient tanning method: the hides lie in pits with vegetable tanning solutions (usually oak bark or spruce bark) for months until the fibres are completely saturated. The result is leather with higher density and better shape stability than rapid chrome tanning — and without heavy metal residues. The natural grain is preserved because no grinding or coating stage evens out the surface. It is precisely this surface that reacts so directly to oils, fats and weather, enabling the individual ageing of each piece.

Technical Specifications