I am from Turkey and I met Galen by their pen pouch that was produced exclusively for our local Fountain pen community. They were kind enough to produce it with the logo of the community. I still Use it. But as mentioned one has to be carefull of the zippers not to scratch the pen :) I am happy that they are being more widely recognized.
I have spent many hours searching for the perfect planner cover. Now, I know it's because I had to find this company. I'm totally excited by the product and touched by the story. I'm a 2x cancer survivor so the history has heartfelt meaning.
Great review David! I've started listening to my channels on the car while commuting, and I didn't need the visuals because your descriptions were vivid without being laborious. Thank you!
I bought my 40 pen case in the same color in June shortly before Zayeb passed and learned about her passing in the email note they sent. Great company, great products and I heard Vanness has their products for sale. Great reviews, and great rubix set up.
Dear David, thank you for telling us the background story of the company.. What a smart, strong, and unstoppable young woman she was! (at 2:19) She seems very proud of their excellent creations
I've owned the Writer's Box for some time and just received the journal case in Forest Green today and Galen always delivers, such high quality products to last a lifetime. Great review!
I had the opportunity to visit the Galen Leather table in San Francisco, and it was a delight. Love their products and wasn't disappointed by the writing box. Did you see the prototype Medic bag?
I'm glad to see people sharing information about Galen Leather Company from the D.C. Pen Show. I have admired their products for a while. I recently purchased two of their wooden desk accessories--a pen stand and a brush and pen holder. These also are well made and attractive additions to the desk landscape. An evil eye is also included with mail orders.
Thanks, David, for the very touching information about how the company started, it's such a sad story but the way the family are sharing and trading is very inspiring. I've been aware of the company for a while now, and certainly their products are receiving very strong reviews. They look beautiful and practical. In some ways I think they are works of art as much as practical tools. Their presentation is very skilled too, and seems to reflect a personal philosophy of quality and care. I wish them ever success, and am confident they will thrive.
Hi David!, I'm a near-neighbor, from over near Concord; we met briefly in passing at the TPS back in June. You nailed it with the concerns about that metal zipper. I've pored over Galen's product line for some time now, lusting after several items in their line, where that big honking metal zipper kept me from making the purchase. I've bought from them before - a couple of times, so have personally seen their goods & its quality, and wondered why they don't use the softer (& very well made) plastic zippers I've seen on similar products. If they had these softer zippers I'd be buying the heck out of other items they make! I plan to contact them about that -- & any requests backing up my concern couldn't but be helpful! Others who agree are invited to contact & ask them as well! Thx & C U L8r!
Timely review for me, as I have a Galen 10 Pen Case ordered through ESTY, on its way to me. I don't recall the TH-camr that had a similar experience to yours at the DC show, but the results were the same, and I started looking for Galens products. Well made leather just seems to add that touch of class, that I wanted to hold my modest collection of fountain pens. Many thanks for your opinion. Edit: FYI, The "Eval Eye" plays a part in nearly every culture imaginable, amulets and paintings are found in Ancient Egyptan Culture ranging as far as the American Indians. It's a fascinating subject, and one well worth the time of a Google search. What's that seen on the United States One Dollar Bill?
I saw them in San Francisco and was very impressed with all their items and had to buy several notebooks. I want to get the leather briefcase/pen case when it is available, its so innovative. Their back story is very inspiring, heartbreaking, and inspiring.
Thank you David for telling the sad but inspired history of the company. The products seem to be high quality and reasonably priced. I like your creation of Turkish flag with the rubik's cubes in the background. Actually the story of the evil eye is, in mediterranean folklore people have this superstition of wearing this pendant or beads for protection from the evil eye, usually from jealous looks.:)) Cheers for the excellent review!
I’ve got a few Galen cases now, including the A5 zippered folio which is now my daily carry at work. I took the key fob off as well, for the same reasons. Very happy with the utility of the folio, and it gets comments regularly when I bring it to meetings.
Thank you David.. my wife discovered Galen early on.. we bought my brother-in-law a pen case that he loves.. I think I'd like a case like yours.. or a writing box.. well done on the story! Frank from Boulder, Colorado
I love pens and ink and have been watching your videos for a long time. And I appreciate the Daniel Johnston picture in the background as a big fan of his work. Thank you for this video!
I thought those were actually protection from evil (I have a large one in my car that was given to me). I only got a quick look at these at the show, since the table was so crowded. I definitely have to check them out.
ปีที่แล้ว +1
Yes as a Turkish folk my understanding is that the gaze of an evil person might bring you misfortune (which we call nazar). And This blue thing (we call it nazar boncuğu which is nazar trinket) will reflect back the gaze from a person will ill intents or looking at you enviously. This is blue because people with lighter eye colors are believed to be able to manifest this better. Also uttering some words to show that you are not envious but happy for them is also common which is believed to also prevent the malign gaze. I always find this topic fascinating because although it is obvious that it is supersitious it is somehow embedded in culture and language in a way that it can effect your life even if you know it is a superstition.
Thank you for an excellent review David, I thought it very balanced. I’ve just taken delivery of an A5 Zipfolio and can also attest to the Company’s customer friendly service. I’m not sure you mentioned it but Galen will also stamp your initials onto the face of the Zipfolio and I very happy with the way it stands out on the cover, well worth the additional $10. As you mention in review, I’ve already taken out the key ring (and replaced it with the evil eye) for fear of damaging one or other of my pens. The only other criticism I have of the item is that when I fill it out the removable pen slots with my EDCs I’m straining the zip, even with smaller pens such as a Pelikan 100N or a 101N - a HomoSapiens (or two - I wish) would, in my view, be a no go. On the plus side however, the two slots toward the open center fold of the Zipfolio are an excellent spot for holding a travelling inkwell.
Thanks as always, David. I'm loving my 5 pen/ A6 notebook case and have ordered an A5 case and pen "cube" as well. Galen's postage is very fast with excellent tracking.
Galen is fantastic! I have an a6 hobonichi cover and the zip folio in their crazyhorse green and it's the best green leather I've ever come across. Great review! I've been eyeballing their writing box as well and need to take the plunge.
Fantastic review! Great seeing you at the DC show as well. I loved their products and I want the 40 pen case. I was seriously contemplating their 10 pen case but it’s so tight and that heavy duty zipper is so sharp, I didn’t wasn’t to risk it damaging pens as I slip them in and out. Were it about 1 inch larger it would give one enough clearance. Your review makes me want the A5 notebook cover now, haha Penabling at it’s best 😂
I’ve just discovered them and the products look so beautiful. Not to mention they are actually fairly priced. So many of the leather covers I’ve been looking for are overpriced.
I have an evil eye here in the house. The day I obtained it in Turkey I attached it to my rugsack to ward off evil salesmen trying to rip me off. It worked: they didn't try stop me in the streets anymore to sell me more stuff. These items from Galen Leather look fantastic btw.
As usual a great vid, highly interesting. I have two suggestions how you could improve your videos even further. 1. Maybe you could fix the white balance on your camera 2, it adapts a bit to you opening the pen box. 2. A lighter and less reflective background would probably result in more consistent exposure as well. Just as an idea, I hope I didn't offend you.
Why do these time reviews (all reviewers) not show writing in the notebook. Especially on the backside of the paper? Other very in formative and well done review. I have the 10 pen case and really enjoy using it.
Hey, David! Enjoyed your video as always. I thought the Hi, How Are You graphic on your shelf was a really nice touch. Not sure if anyone has yet noticed, but I was a bit touched. Hope your card magic is coming along well!
Thanks for another excellent review and bringing the company to the online community's attention! Quick qn: what are your thoughts on using the notebook cover with a Hippo Noto notebook?
I have the 40 pen case in lovely green. It’s amazing. Thank you for the back storey. I thought I would not need another but my pen fetish doesn’t seem to abate. The pen case came in the sack inside a box. The case sits in my bookcase.
I bought some items from Galen before the show. I had an issue and attempted to reach out. After waiting about a month I got a dismissive response that conveyed that nothing would be done. I will never buy from Galen leather again and I will always try to keep people from buying their products.
Very nice. I’ve been following them for awhile. I’ve been pouring over reviews for hours now. Looking for the best FP between $75-$100. I’m debating a Pelikan M200-M205. Something acrylic resin.
Thanks for the video. But I will pass on Galen. I've heard and experienced lousy customer service from them. I am surprised you would recommend such a merchant. Thanks anyway.
The company history is touching, and inspiring. If they maintain the quality, that would be the lasting tribute to the memory of the founder. Incidentally, they could use leather from naturally dying animals, and take care about the chemicals used in tanning.
man i just got a case and im only using every other loop cause im worried about my pens rubbing agaisnt each other. is there a case for fountain pens that can assure i wont have this issue.
I don’t know if you’d be interested, but you might enjoy this lofi album from my old band, badmilk: badmilk.bandcamp.com/album/sad-faces-the-alligator-died
dAVID- THE eVIL eYE IS ALSO QUITE A THING IN iNDIAN CULTURE. tRADITIONAL PEOPLE REALLY BELIEVE IN THIS CONCEPT. aGAIN, LIKE YOUR OTHER REVIEWS, THANKS FOR DOING A WONDERFUL REVIEW OF A VERY DESERVING COMPANY. tHANKS.
He should keep the stories for the end, after the review. ... and stop going on and on about the fucking Emperor. But you can speed the video to 1,25 or 1,5
I am from Turkey and I met Galen by their pen pouch that was produced exclusively for our local Fountain pen community. They were kind enough to produce it with the logo of the community. I still Use it. But as mentioned one has to be carefull of the zippers not to scratch the pen :) I am happy that they are being more widely recognized.
I have spent many hours searching for the perfect planner cover. Now, I know it's because I had to find this company. I'm totally excited by the product and touched by the story. I'm a 2x cancer survivor so the history has heartfelt meaning.
God bless
Great review David! I've started listening to my channels on the car while commuting, and I didn't need the visuals because your descriptions were vivid without being laborious.
Thank you!
I bought my 40 pen case in the same color in June shortly before Zayeb passed and learned about her passing in the email note they sent. Great company, great products and I heard Vanness has their products for sale.
Great reviews, and great rubix set up.
Dear David, thank you for telling us the background story of the company.. What a smart, strong, and unstoppable young woman she was! (at 2:19) She seems very proud of their excellent creations
I've owned the Writer's Box for some time and just received the journal case in Forest Green today and Galen always delivers, such high quality products to last a lifetime. Great review!
Very thorough and interesting review; thanks for a thoughtful spotlight on a deserving vendor.
I had the opportunity to visit the Galen Leather table in San Francisco, and it was a delight. Love their products and wasn't disappointed by the writing box. Did you see the prototype Medic bag?
I'm glad to see people sharing information about Galen Leather Company from the D.C. Pen Show. I have admired their products for a while. I recently purchased two of their wooden desk accessories--a pen stand and a brush and pen holder. These also are well made and attractive additions to the desk landscape. An evil eye is also included with mail orders.
Thanks, David, for the very touching information about how the company started, it's such a sad story but the way the family are sharing and trading is very inspiring.
I've been aware of the company for a while now, and certainly their products are receiving very strong reviews. They look beautiful and practical. In some ways I think they are works of art as much as practical tools. Their presentation is very skilled too, and seems to reflect a personal philosophy of quality and care. I wish them ever success, and am confident they will thrive.
Hi David!,
I'm a near-neighbor, from over near Concord; we met briefly in passing at the TPS back in June.
You nailed it with the concerns about that metal zipper. I've pored over Galen's product line for some time now, lusting after several items in their line, where that big honking metal zipper kept me from making the purchase. I've bought from them before - a couple of times, so have personally seen their goods & its quality, and wondered why they don't use the softer (& very well made) plastic zippers I've seen on similar products. If they had these softer zippers I'd be buying the heck out of other items they make!
I plan to contact them about that -- & any requests backing up my concern couldn't but be helpful! Others who agree are invited to contact & ask them as well!
Thx & C U L8r!
Timely review for me, as I have a Galen 10 Pen Case ordered through ESTY, on its way to me. I don't recall the TH-camr that had a similar experience to yours at the DC show, but the results were the same, and I started looking for Galens products. Well made leather just seems to add that touch of class, that I wanted to hold my modest collection of fountain pens. Many thanks for your opinion. Edit: FYI, The "Eval Eye" plays a part in nearly every culture imaginable, amulets and paintings are found in Ancient Egyptan Culture ranging as far as the American Indians. It's a fascinating subject, and one well worth the time of a Google search. What's that seen on the United States One Dollar Bill?
I saw them in San Francisco and was very impressed with all their items and had to buy several notebooks. I want to get the leather briefcase/pen case when it is available, its so innovative. Their back story is very inspiring, heartbreaking, and inspiring.
Where in San Francisco, at a pen show?
Thank you, David. Very good to have a review of not only a product or two but of the company itself.
Thank you David for telling the sad but inspired history of the company. The products seem to be high quality and reasonably priced. I like your creation of Turkish flag with the rubik's cubes in the background. Actually the story of the evil eye is, in mediterranean folklore people have this superstition of wearing this pendant or beads for protection from the evil eye, usually from jealous looks.:)) Cheers for the excellent review!
I’ve got a few Galen cases now, including the A5 zippered folio which is now my daily carry at work. I took the key fob off as well, for the same reasons. Very happy with the utility of the folio, and it gets comments regularly when I bring it to meetings.
Thank you David.. my wife discovered Galen early on.. we bought my brother-in-law a pen case that he loves.. I think I'd like a case like yours.. or a writing box.. well done on the story!
Frank from Boulder, Colorado
Very nice products. It looks like a lot of thought was put into these. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful review rich in clarity, detailed observations and humanity. Thank you - this is good.
I love pens and ink and have been watching your videos for a long time. And I appreciate the Daniel Johnston picture in the background as a big fan of his work. Thank you for this video!
I thought those were actually protection from evil (I have a large one in my car that was given to me). I only got a quick look at these at the show, since the table was so crowded. I definitely have to check them out.
Yes as a Turkish folk my understanding is that the gaze of an evil person might bring you misfortune (which we call nazar). And This blue thing (we call it nazar boncuğu which is nazar trinket) will reflect back the gaze from a person will ill intents or looking at you enviously. This is blue because people with lighter eye colors are believed to be able to manifest this better. Also uttering some words to show that you are not envious but happy for them is also common which is believed to also prevent the malign gaze.
I always find this topic fascinating because although it is obvious that it is supersitious it is somehow embedded in culture and language in a way that it can effect your life even if you know it is a superstition.
Thank you for an excellent review David, I thought it very balanced. I’ve just taken delivery of an A5 Zipfolio and can also attest to the Company’s customer friendly service. I’m not sure you mentioned it but Galen will also stamp your initials onto the face of the Zipfolio and I very happy with the way it stands out on the cover, well worth the additional $10. As you mention in review, I’ve already taken out the key ring (and replaced it with the evil eye) for fear of damaging one or other of my pens. The only other criticism I have of the item is that when I fill it out the removable pen slots with my EDCs I’m straining the zip, even with smaller pens such as a Pelikan 100N or a 101N - a HomoSapiens (or two - I wish) would, in my view, be a no go. On the plus side however, the two slots toward the open center fold of the Zipfolio are an excellent spot for holding a travelling inkwell.
Thanks as always, David. I'm loving my 5 pen/ A6 notebook case and have ordered an A5 case and pen "cube" as well. Galen's postage is very fast with excellent tracking.
Galen is fantastic! I have an a6 hobonichi cover and the zip folio in their crazyhorse green and it's the best green leather I've ever come across. Great review! I've been eyeballing their writing box as well and need to take the plunge.
Great review David and thorough as usual. The history of the company is really interesting, thanks.
I believe that's crazy horse brown. Mine has the exact same texture and color.
Fantastic review! Great seeing you at the DC show as well. I loved their products and I want the 40 pen case. I was seriously contemplating their 10 pen case but it’s so tight and that heavy duty zipper is so sharp, I didn’t wasn’t to risk it damaging pens as I slip them in and out. Were it about 1 inch larger it would give one enough clearance. Your review makes me want the A5 notebook cover now, haha Penabling at it’s best 😂
nice to see the daniel johnston poster
I’ve just discovered them and the products look so beautiful. Not to mention they are actually fairly priced. So many of the leather covers I’ve been looking for are overpriced.
I have an evil eye here in the house. The day I obtained it in Turkey I attached it to my rugsack to ward off evil salesmen trying to rip me off. It worked: they didn't try stop me in the streets anymore to sell me more stuff. These items from Galen Leather look fantastic btw.
Their pricing is as impressive as the quality. Very nice. Thank you for sharing.
As usual a great vid, highly interesting. I have two suggestions how you could improve your videos even further. 1. Maybe you could fix the white balance on your camera 2, it adapts a bit to you opening the pen box. 2. A lighter and less reflective background would probably result in more consistent exposure as well. Just as an idea, I hope I didn't offend you.
Why do these time reviews (all reviewers) not show writing in the notebook. Especially on the backside of the paper?
Other very in formative and well done review.
I have the 10 pen case and really enjoy using it.
Always look for the puzzle installation first. ❤️❤️❤️
You sold me at the "evil eye". I could so use that at meetings....
Some great stuff there David.
I doubt there's any case that can handle the massiveness of the Emperor.
Only problem with your comment is that he's shown you a case that can, duh 🥴
Hey, David! Enjoyed your video as always. I thought the Hi, How Are You graphic on your shelf was a really nice touch. Not sure if anyone has yet noticed, but I was a bit touched. Hope your card magic is coming along well!
RIP DJ...
Thanks for another excellent review and bringing the company to the online community's attention! Quick qn: what are your thoughts on using the notebook cover with a Hippo Noto notebook?
The 500-page Hippo Noto is unfortunately too thick to use with this particular cover.
What a heartwarming story about the penshow
I have the 40 pen case in lovely green. It’s amazing. Thank you for the back storey. I thought I would not need another but my pen fetish doesn’t seem to abate. The pen case came in the sack inside a box. The case sits in my bookcase.
you are absolutely good at rubik's cubes.
How does it suit 'normal' size pens - eg. Parker 51s (all of your pens are insanely large) - it looks like 'normal' pens might slip out.
I have the galen 5 pen slot case and it's quite nice.
Beautiful intro and story. Thank You again for sharing
Still watching the video, but thanks for telling their story.
Hi David. I was wondering what that pen was all the way to he left at 12:49?? Thanks
It is a Custom pen from the Carolina Pen Company.
I bought some items from Galen before the show. I had an issue and attempted to reach out. After waiting about a month I got a dismissive response that conveyed that nothing would be done. I will never buy from Galen leather again and I will always try to keep people from buying their products.
Thanks for the heads up. It seems to be the common trend with this company. Poor service.
Very nice. I’ve been following them for awhile. I’ve been pouring over reviews for hours now. Looking for the best FP between $75-$100. I’m debating a Pelikan M200-M205. Something acrylic resin.
Thanks for the video. But I will pass on Galen. I've heard and experienced lousy customer service from them. I am surprised you would recommend such a merchant. Thanks anyway.
There's no question that there are downsides to leather which is a pity.
The company history is touching, and inspiring. If they maintain the quality, that would be the lasting tribute to the memory of the founder. Incidentally, they could use leather from naturally dying animals, and take care about the chemicals used in tanning.
Do I spot a Commodore Logo formed by the Rubiks Cubes? Which one did you have the VC20 or C64?
Borna Cisar Vic20 for the win!
It's a Turkish flag... :-)
@@FigbootonPens ROFL.... I guess one sees, what one knows :)
They make pens larger than the Emperor? Mercy.
Agree! Besides Shaquille O'Neal who wood need those giant pens?
man i just got a case and im only using every other loop cause im worried about my pens rubbing agaisnt each other. is there a case for fountain pens that can assure i wont have this issue.
Hi, how are you. Nice little tribute there.
love the leather weathering on the cases!
Quick question, what is the model of the pen at the far right at 11:49 called?
I really like the look of it.
That is a Nakaya Dorsal Fin 2. You can see a review of the pen here: th-cam.com/video/KICR-Hvc_fQ/w-d-xo.html
Is this the crazy horse leather version of the zip folio?
Just subscribed
Holy (walking the) cow, I just noticed the Daniel Johnston picture/poster behind ya... what a good little record :)
I don’t know if you’d be interested, but you might enjoy this lofi album from my old band, badmilk:
badmilk.bandcamp.com/album/sad-faces-the-alligator-died
Of course the seams look perfect because it's machine stitched :) not handmade
dAVID- THE eVIL eYE IS ALSO QUITE A THING IN iNDIAN CULTURE. tRADITIONAL PEOPLE REALLY BELIEVE IN THIS CONCEPT. aGAIN, LIKE YOUR OTHER REVIEWS, THANKS FOR DOING A WONDERFUL REVIEW OF A VERY DESERVING COMPANY. tHANKS.
Wow. Nice
Very nice
I lost my voice for 10 years
Hi how are you!? Nice poster
Are you slow motion? Your videos are so long.
He should keep the stories for the end, after the review. ... and stop going on and on about the fucking Emperor.
But you can speed the video to 1,25 or 1,5
He’s an over talker
Poorly designed
Bulky and awkward for me.