I know a lot of people say "I never write reviews," but I really don't. However, this bag is so good that it's worth taking the time to review.
I was looking for something to hold all the basic drawing supplies I need for full-time living on the road: 72 Prismacolor Premier pencils, a dozen or so graphite pencils, charcoal, Inktense pencils, a set of Sakura Micron pens, a variety of erasers, a ruler, sharpening tools, a roll of tape, etc. You get the idea -- I need it to hold basically *everything* except paper & drawing board in an organized, easy-to-work-from way. I love the way the bag opens out flat so everything is immediately accessible and it's easy for me to put things back where they belong. (The only things I don't keep in the bag are ink and fixative spray, just in case they leak.)
I know I am not alone in my frustration (to put it politely) that Prismacolor Premiers come in those useless tins with layers of flimsy trays. Sure, they look nice in the store, but anyone who buys 72, 120, 132, or 150 colored pencils obviously wants them to be organized and easily accessible. C'mon, Prismacolor -- why not package the Premiers in the same functional stand-up cardboard box that the Verithins come in, with all colors visible?
The leaves in this carry-all bag go a long way toward organizing your colored pencil collection. Some reviewers have complained that there are only 11 elastic slots per side, each designed to hold 2 pencils. (I don't mind that, but in case you do, you should probably know before purchasing.) Also, to avoid broken pencils, I use the slots closest to the binder rings and the outside edge of the bag for blending stumps and tortillons, so I only fit 18 pencils per side. Even so, the bag seems roomy enough to add the two extra leaves Derwent sells if you need them.
I have only a couple of (minor) complaints about the bag. First, I think a second zippered compartment would be more useful than the elastic band that's intended to hold a small sketchbook. On occasions when I'm using a sketchbook that small, I only need a couple of pens or pencils with me and don't need to lug all my supplies. So, instead of using the elastic band to hold a sketchbook, I use it to hold a small case with my most frequently used items (a sandpaper pencil pointer, a couple of erasers, etc.) so I don't have to dig through the mesh zipper section to find them.
The only other features I could live without are the shoulder strap (easily removed) and the padded handle wrap (which is not removable).
All in all, I would say this bag does everything I need it to do -- which is a lot -- better than any other product out there. Considering how well it serves its purpose, it is well worth the price. I will be buying another one soon as a Christmas gift for my son.
| Manufacturer | ACCO |
|---|---|
| Brand | Derwent |
| Item Weight | 3.84 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 7.88 x 1.85 x 3.74 inches |
| Item model number | 0700434 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Brown |
| Closure | Snap |
| Pencil Lead Degree (Hardness) | H |
| Material Type | Leather |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Ink Color | Brown |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 0700434 |
