About Us
At LOCHBY (pronounced 'Lock-Bee'), we’re driven by a simple mission: to help you unlock your creativity and potential. We craft rugged, functional journals, notebooks and accessories designed not just to go wherever you go, but to inspire and support your creative process every step of the way.
From Battlefields to Pen Strokes
Our story didn’t start with notebooks. It started with a simple thought: This could be so much better.
Before LOCHBY, our founder Chris Elfering was an Army officer, where he learned firsthand that gear needs to be tough—really tough. When you’re in the field, your equipment can’t fail you. That mindset stuck with him long after his service, driving him to create BOND Travel Gear, a brand dedicated to making ultra-durable bags and accessories. Think military-grade materials, water-resistant fabrics, and zippers so strong they could probably survive the apocalypse.
And then… something unexpected happened.
A Discovery That Changed Everything
Somewhere along the way, Chris discovered fountain pens. Yes, those classic writing instruments that turn a scribble into something magical. The problem? Regular paper wasn’t up to the task. Ink feathered, bled through, and turned every attempt at a crisp line into a mess.
Enter Tomoe River paper—the gold standard for fountain pen lovers. Lightweight, smooth, and ridiculously good at handling ink, it was a game-changer. But while the paper was amazing, the notebooks available at the time? Not so much. They weren’t durable, they weren’t travel-friendly, and they certainly didn’t match the level of craftsmanship Chris was used to.
So he thought, Why not make something better?
The Birth of LOCHBY
That idea sparked the birth of LOCHBY (pronounced LOCK-bee), a name inspired by Chris’s hometown, Minneapolis—also known as the City of Lakes. What started as a passion project quickly became a mission: to design the best fountain pen-friendly notebooks and everyday carry essentials for creators, adventurers, and thinkers.
The first two products? The Field Journal and the Tool Roll—a notebook system and an organizer built to withstand anything life throws at them. They weren’t just functional; they were a direct response to what Chris (and so many others) needed: rugged, beautiful tools designed to inspire creativity wherever you go.
The Field Journal quickly became a trusted companion for creators on the go—a rugged, refillable notebook built for journaling, sketching, and capturing big ideas anywhere inspiration strikes. The Tool Roll? Originally designed for pens, it didn’t take long for artists, adventurers, and travelers to make it their own, turning it into the perfect way to organize essentials for any journey.
A Community of Creators
But we didn’t stop there. Every new LOCHBY design is built with the same mission in mind—to fuel creativity and adventure. Whether you're jotting down a sudden spark of inspiration, sketching out your next big idea, or packing the perfect toolkit, our gear is made to keep up. Rugged, reliable, and always ready for wherever the journey takes you.
LOCHBY has become more than just a collection of tools—it’s a community. A gathering of writers, artists, explorers, and big thinkers who refuse to let ideas slip away. And while it all started with a simple this could be better moment, it’s your stories, your adventures, and your creativity that drive us forward.
Our Global Family of Suppliers and Partners
Great gear starts with great materials. That’s why we’ve built relationships across the globe to ensure every LOCHBY product is made to last—without compromise.
Paper That Speaks Volumes
For the best writing experience, we turned to the legendary Tomoe River paper from Japan—renowned for its smooth texture and ability to handle even the finest fountain pens. Our refills, assembled with precision in Taiwan, reflect our commitment to craftsmanship at every step.
Fabric With a Conscience
The rugged, waxed canvas that gives our products their signature look and feel comes from South Korea. Chosen for its durability and classic aesthetic, it’s built to withstand whatever your adventures throw at it—while keeping sustainability in mind.
Craftsmanship Without Borders
Our soft goods are assembled in Vietnam by skilled artisans in facilities that share our commitment to quality and ethical production. Every stitch, every detail—it’s all designed to meet the highest standards, so your gear is as dependable as your ideas.
Shipping With Purpose
Once each product passes our rigorous quality checks, it’s shipped from our fulfillment center in New Jersey, ensuring fast and reliable delivery. From our hands to yours, we make sure every LOCHBY product arrives ready for wherever your creativity takes you.
The Impact of Your Support
From day one, LOCHBY has been about more than just making products—it’s about creating tools that inspire. With every purchase, you’re supporting a commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation.
Join Us on the Journey
When you choose LOCHBY, you’re not just picking up a notebook or a tool roll—you’re backing a global network of ethical suppliers, responsible materials, and expert craftsmanship. Every product has a story, and every story starts with you.
Thanks for being part of this adventure. Let’s keep building, exploring, and creating—together.
Learn More
How a Fountain Pen Started This U.S Business
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On the Dogwatch Podcast Interview
Our guest today on The Dogwatch is Chris Elfering, the founder of LOCHBY, a company that produces premium notebooks and accessories out of waxed canvas.
Everyday Carry Kit
Here is my current daily carry. It has fluctuated a lot over the years. Sometimes I’ve carried more, sometimes I’ve carried less, but this is currently what I'm carrying and I'm happy with it so far.