Captain's Log

Close up of a Cove notebook cover showing the Dark Brown Leather
Kraken’s Key is Turning 3! Drop Announcement
|Ruben Swyers
Celebrate three years with us! On March 22nd, we’re dropping new Dark Brown English Bridle leather notebook covers and slips. From milestone celebrations to a sneak peek at upcoming EDC... Read more...
2026 Pocket Calendar up close
Another Year in the Books
|Ruben Swyers
Summary As 2025 wraps up, Kraken’s Key Trading Co. reflects on a successful year. Highlighted by selling out its notebook covers and thanks supporters for helping the business grow. Looking... Read more...
Mooring Line Leash close up on clip seizing
Mooring Line Leash
|Ruben Swyers
Evolution of the Mooring Line Leash My initial versions of the Mooring Line Leash were using some leftover rope from the lanyards. I just cut a longer piece and tied... Read more...
First Notebook Drop
First Notebook Drop
|Ruben Swyers
Our first notebook drop is live! Grab The Cove or The Slip leather covers, plus limited Field Notes packs. All notebook orders include a free Pocket Calendar. Request the one-of-a-kind... Read more...
Moody pocket calendar
Kraken’s Key Trading Co. Pocket Calendar
|Ruben Swyers
After using Field Notes daily for over a year, I realized how essential a pocket calendar had become in my planning routine. Inspired by the one Field Notes sends with... Read more...
The Longitude
The Longitude
|Ruben Swyers
This minimalist vertical wallet is my first wallet design. The name Longitude comes from the geographic coordinate that measures east-west position on Earth. It was intended for a minimalist and... Read more...
The Slip
The Slip
|Ruben Swyers
If you carry a pocket notebook or want to carry one and keep it protected, The Slip is for you. A very simple definition of a nautical slip is a... Read more...
2025 Update
2025 Update
|Ruben Swyers
Where I've been. What I'm planning for 2025. Gear reviews and EDC videos? Studio update. Read more...
Got my new NFC enabled product, now what?
Got my new NFC enabled product, now what?
|Ruben Swyers
You saw that cool NFC thing and now you got it. What can you do with it? You can read it, save a website link, contact information or even connect... Read more...
Smith's Leather Balm Products Just In!
Smith's Leather Balm Products Just In!
|Ruben Swyers
Small selection of Smith's Leather Balm products will be available in the store today. I can personally vouch for the products and they will be the first available on the... Read more...
You got your wallet, now what?
You got your wallet, now what?
|Ruben Swyers
What do you do when you get your new wallet? Some tips on how to care for your wallet when you get it and what to watch out for. Make... Read more...
Kraken's Key Product layout with Smith's Leather Balm products
How I Plan to Stock The Shop
|Ruben Swyers
First drop is in Brown Badalassi Carlo Pueblo leather. What are drops? What are the benefits of drops? What about in between drops? What now? Read more...
Sneak Releasing the Site
Sneak Releasing the Site
|Ruben Swyers
I will release the site with minimal warning and will be using a different sales model. "Drops" will be used and will be intermittent, once the inventory is sold it... Read more...