We all know that it’s a good idea to keep keys together in one place, but no one talks about how painful that can actually be. Key rings are basically a single piece of metal bent to coil in a circle, and that design hasn’t changed one bit in decades. It’s a simple design that’s meant to keep your keys secure to the point that you’ll break a sweat or break a nail when actually trying to add a key to the ring. Worse, the rings that do try to be more flexible and easy on the nails end up being less reliable instead because of their softness. Fortunately, the solution isn’t as complicated as you might think, as demonstrated by this distinctive key ring that takes its smarts from the design of aerospace equipment and cars.
The common key ring is really just a flattened coil of metal, the most practical shape not just for holding a bunch of keys but also for securing them in place. In order to prevent those keys from accidentally getting loose, that coil provides no gap in between and is often quite rigid, requiring you to exert a lot of force to open one end for a key to get through, which often ends up with broken nails. Conversely, there are rings that are so thin and pliable that they get easily deformed the moment you deal with thicker keys and objects.
The simple answer to this decades-old probably is apparently to change the kind of structure used. Instead of that traditional coil spring, this key ring employs a “coiled wave spring” shape instead. This kind of spring is heavily used in heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, from aerospace to automobiles. Turns out that this same wavy shape is perfect for a more user-friendly key ring that won’t break nails or test your patience.
With this wave spring design, inserting a key is as easy as sliding it into the ring through the natural gaps made by the waves. To remove a ring, simply lift the tip without worrying about damaging your nail. The key ring is designed to be as stress-free to use as possible, removing any hurdle to keeping your keys organized and safe in a single place.
Despite its uncommon appearance, this stress-free key ring is actually lighter than a typical keyring at only 3 grams. That’s thanks to a thinner material, only 0.8mm thin, and its beautiful waveform shape. At the same time, it’s actually twice as strong with a high-tension stainless steel SUS304 body so it won’t get bent out of shape even if you insert a thick key. Whether it’s to protect your nails or to protect your sanity, this one-of-a-kind key ring will give you peace of mind knowing all your keys are in one place and that you can add or remove them easily as often as you want.
Everyday Carry (EDC) is everywhere, and they come in all shapes and sizes with what appears to be an unlimited laundry list of features. However, if you’re the type of person who wants a simple yet elegantly designed utility knife that lives side by side with your keys, then the KIWI, a titanium trapezoid utility knife, could be considered as striking the perfect balance between functionality and convenience that stand out as indispensable tools. With its focus on precision cutting and ease of use, unlike the conventional multitools that aim to cover a broad range of functionalities, the KIWI carves its niche by excelling in what it does best: cutting with unparalleled precision and reliability.
The design philosophy of the KIWI is rooted in minimalism, stripping away the unnecessary to focus on the essential. It boasts a sleek titanium blade holder that houses a standard trapezoid utility blade, epitomizing the “less is more” approach. This design choice enhances the knife’s aesthetic appeal and ensures its functionality, allowing for smooth and effortless blade deployment and retraction. I respect the idea that simplicity can coexist with efficiency, offering a seamless cutting experience without the fuss.
Crafted for standard trapezoid utility blades, KIWI boasts a quick-release design for effortless blade replacement
One of the most notable features of the KIWI is its quick-release blade mechanism. This thoughtful design addresses the common issue of maintaining a sharp edge in utility knives. This feature allows for easy and quick blade replacement, ensuring that you’re always carrying around a knife that’s always ready for action. The knife’s lightweight yet robust construction is another hallmark of its design. By hollowing out a significant portion of the titanium sheet, the KIWI achieves an impressive lightness akin to a quail egg without compromising strength or durability.
Changing the blade is exceptionally convenient—effortless for anyone, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
The one-piece structure, specifically designed to work with standard trapezoid utility blades, measures 5.2mm in width, 25.1mm in height, and 76.6mm in length. I like comparing the Kiwi to a bespoke Italian suit for an everyday utility blade, which can be easily replaced when dull. Changing blades in small knives can often be a cumbersome and risky task, but the KIWI addresses this issue with a blade change mechanism that is both safe and simple.
KIWI’s user-friendly method of changing blades involves merely pressing and pushing the blade all the way out to remove it and doing the reverse to install a new one. This approach underscores KIWI’s commitment to a hassle-free experience, ensuring the knife is accessible and convenient for users of all skill levels.
In terms of blades, the housing is compatible with the standard blade and the hook, black-coated, and rounded-edge blades.
Safety is a paramount concern in the design of the KIWI, with a reliable locking mechanism that securely holds the blade in place, eliminating concerns for accidental slips leading to injuries thanks to a milled bump inside the trail serves to halt the blade, allowing precise control over the extension length. This focus on safety and the knife’s versatility makes the KIWI a trustworthy companion for many tasks, from delicate crafting projects to the rugged demands of outdoor adventures.
The addition of the built-in mini ruler, meticulously milled for precision, adds another layer of functionality, offering a convenient measuring tool that complements the knife’s primary purpose.
Its single-hand operation ensures unparalleled convenience, allowing for effortless use in various situations.
The choice of GR5 Titanium and brass for the knife’s construction contributes to its durability and stability and adds a touch of design elegance with the brass inlay decoration. This blend of materials sets the KIWI apart from its counterparts, making it a tool and a piece of art that lives on your keyring. The convenience of single-hand operation further elevates the user experience, allowing for effortless use across various use cases, from quick adjustments to precise cutting tasks.
The KIWI holds the blades safely and you don’t need to worry about the blade dropping or cutting your lap at all.
The robust mechanism, derived from the intrinsic properties of titanium and precision CNC machining, ensures a secure and reliable blade operation. The ergonomic grip, enhanced by CNC-machined grooves, provides comfort and control, even in challenging conditions, making the KIWI a tool and an extension of the user’s hand.
Once the blade is mounted, the locking bar securely locks it, preventing any accidental openings.
As a regular creator of unboxing videos for Yanko Design, I don’t require a large EDC. A beautifully crafted tool like the Kiwi enhances the production value of my videos. Since I often hold a camera or iPhone in one hand while opening a box, the ease of deploying the blade makes it both safe and effortless.
KIWI excels in a myriad of tasks, ensuring accuracy and adaptability for a wide range of uses.
A couple of convenient features include the ability to attach a 1/4 bit for times when you need to tighten or loosen screws. I use various photography accessories and mounts that require tightening; often, a hex tool is not readily available! Two tritium slots are on each side if you need to add tritium tubes.
Featuring a distinctive keychain hole, KIWI employs a 1/4 bit for effortless tightening or loosening of screws.
Lastly, the KIWI Titanium Trapezoid Utility Knife comes in two colorways: CNC satin silver or stonewashed grey. I personally prefer the latter because it creates a nice contrast between form and function.
Its minimalist design, innovative features, and premium materials make it an indispensable tool for a wide range of activities. Whether for everyday repairs, precision cutting, or outdoor adventures, I can see the KIWI being an essential addition to my EDC collection because it lives up to my expectations of an everyday carry with elegance and efficiency.
Just because life can be complicated doesn’t mean your tools have to be. Sure we all want products with plenty of features, but many of those only give rise to more problems and add stress to our already burdened minds. That also presumes that simple things can’t be powerful when reality can sometimes be the exact opposite. These products, for example, embody the Japanese philosophy of minimalism to deliver the exact features that you need for a task without getting in the way. As it turns out, they also make for the perfect gift ideas for anyone who is in need of simple, beautiful, and meaningful solutions to life’s complexities, whether for others or even for yourself.
1. Levitating Pen 3.0
Nothing grabs the attention and sparks the imagination better than something that seems to defy the very laws of physics and reality, like this gravity-defying pen. Designed like a space rocket suspended in mid-air, this levitating pen uses not magic but the science of magnets to keep the pen afloat in the middle of a stand that is reminiscent of a space station. And, of course, it’s also a finely crafted writing tool that feels great in your hand and lets the ink flow effortlessly on paper. Let your creativity fly and launch your productivity to the next level with this mind-blowing piece of science on your desk.
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2. Frame CD Player
Ever wished your old audio CD collection could have a little pizzazz when you play them? Why not make their album art pop up like on today’s music apps? This beautiful minimalist CD player also doubles as a photo frame so that you can insert a CD’s jacket cover while you play your favorite tunes. As a portable wireless player, you can bring it with you anywhere or even hang it on a wall to have an eye-catching decor whether you’re playing something or not. Give your beloved CDs a modern touch and enjoy both the audio as well as the visual experience as they were meant to be: together.
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3. Bookish Bookmark
Keeping a book open on the page you’re reading should be a simple thing, but the laws of physics and the very design of books seem to thwart our intentions. Rather than resorting to awkward or even potentially damaging solutions, why not give this unique bookmark a go instead. Shaped like a book, this book on a book bookmark helps keep any book open, whatever the size, without forcing it flat and damaging the binding. And because of its transparent acrylic material, you can keep on reading even while your hands are busy with something else. Perfect for reading cookbooks in the kitchen or having a sip of coffee while continuing to read that page-turning novel.
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4. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter
Some letters bring excitement, while others bring dread. Either way, opening these sealed envelopes often involves some stressful nudging or wasteful cutting. This simple yet innovative letter cutter, however, involves nothing more than sliding one edge of the envelope across the gap. This creates a precise incision that yields the letter’s contents and doesn’t leave any strips of paper you’d have to chase after. Easily opened to replace dull blades, this fine metal block also serves as a distinguished paperweight on your desk. Opening letters has never been easier.
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5. Rockstar Guitar Scissors
Inspiration strikes when you least expect it, so you might as well coax it your way with a tool that is designed to make you feel like an art virtuoso. Summon the muse of papercraft with scissors designed like the iconic Stratocaster electric guitar and shred through paper, vinyl, or tape like a rockstar. Made by craftsmen well versed in the art of making swords and cutlery, these shears aren’t just for show, but they do make for a head-turning desk decor when standing off to the side, ready for the next time your creativity needs a little push with the rhythmic melody of these snipping blades in action.
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6. Playful Palm Grater
Nobody said graters need to be uninspired sheets of metal that look so far removed from the pretty dish they’re garnishing. Thankfully, this palm-sized grater throws convention out the window to turn grating cheese, ginger, or what have you into a more gratifying experience. It easily fits on your palm for a more stable hold without dirtying your hand, and its unique paper-like form makes it a welcome presence on any dining table. No more waiting for a chef or host to add the garnish you want in the amount that you want, especially not with a cute kitchen tool that makes grating feel almost like a game.
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7. Key Holder Wakka
Never forget where your keys are ever again with a key holder that rewards you in a subtle yet addictive way every time you return it to its base. Whenever the key ring makes contact or leaves its wooden base, you get a crisp and satisfying tapping sound that will make you want to hear it again and again, encouraging you to return your keys where they belong. A strong neodymium magnet makes sure those keys don’t fall off and disappear on you. It also makes for an attractive wall decor thanks to its combination of fine wood and sharp metal materials. Create a calming and habit-forming ritual that will give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always where they should be with this elegant acoustic key holder.
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8. Japanese Drawing Pad
Even in the age of computers and smartphones, nothing still beats the immediacy and simplicity of putting pen to paper. The act of writing by hand can be a calming exercise, but choosing the right paper or notebook can be stress-inducing. So why not just settle for a good ol’ pad of paper, especially one made from high-quality Japanese paper. Whether you’re scribbling notes or sketching ideas, this plain offers endless possibilities without the constraints of lines, grids, or other markings that dictate where you need to write. Let your mind wander to discover new ideas and your next big thing with this clean and durable Japanese paper pad.
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9. Door Chime Tori
Start your workday on a happy note and greet your guests with a smile with this charming door chime. Shaped like a cute little bird with tails that sing with the wind, the Tori door chime creates a lively atmosphere whether you’re leaving or going inside. The bird’s die-cast zinc body brings a durable yet handsome decoration for your door, while the aluminum tail “feathers” produce tranquil notes like a bird singing for joy. What better way to step out into the world for work or come back home after a hard day’s work than with a sweet, gentle tune to warm the heart.
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10. Portrait Paper Holder
Just like beautiful butterflies, our thoughts and ideas can be ephemeral and short-lived, not unless you write them down as soon as they come. Scrambling for pen and paper, however, thwarts those efforts, so this minimalist paper holder keeps both within easy reach. Designed to hold hundreds of sheets of A4 paper for easy free-form note-taking, this desk tool makes it easy to grab a piece, write on it, and maybe put it back for reviewing later. Its size and adjustable angle also make it ideal for holding reading materials so that you can read them at a glance. Its simple form also doesn’t get in the way of putting your thoughts on paper, removing any hurdle that would keep you from leading a productive and efficient life.
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Most of us give too much importance to our eyes and what we can see, but sounds play just as important a role in our lives. They can actually be more important or even dangerous, considering how auditory experiences can subtly affect our minds without us being aware of them. To some extent, that’s how music and soundscapes can affect our moods and how we learn to associate certain sounds with certain events or actions. An unpleasant sound can cause a sudden spike in negative emotions, while a soothing clip can give us a bit of calm and peace, no matter how short the sound is. That’s exactly the principle behind this minimalist key holder that helps you create the habit of putting your keys in a single place by turning the action into an enjoyable and memorable experience.
It’s all too easy to lose small things like keys and glasses, no matter how critical they might be to our lives. The biggest reason is that we tend to put these down in multiple places, sometimes random spots around the house or office. Having just one or two spots for these objects reduces the places we need to search when we do lose track of them, but developing the habit of putting them there can be a bit of a chore at the start.
Developing a habit requires associating something good with an action, like a reward of sorts. It doesn’t need to be something material or financial, of course, as anything pleasant will do the job. The Marubo key holder does exactly that by giving your ears a brisk yet satisfying experience whenever you return it to its proper home. It’s like giving yourself a pat on the back for a job well done of putting things where they belong.
The secret to this simple positive feedback is the simplicity of the key holder itself. Made from iron with a chrome finish, the key holder finds the perfect partner in an ABS resin base that holds a strong neodymium magnet that will keep your keys from falling off. Simply bringing the key holder near the base will cause it to snap into place with a crisp clipping sound. Do this enough times, and it will help create a habit-forming rhythm for your life.
This clicky key holder, however, isn’t just about the auditory experience. Its elegant appearance is also a treat for the eyes, and its simple form makes it easy to slip into any pocket size. It’s an easy yet effective strategy of using your senses to form a good habit, ensuring that you will never misplace your keys again while also bringing an almost addictive rhythm to your life.
The biggest reason why we lose important things like keys or even eyeglasses is that we don’t have a proper place for them. More often than not, we simply drop them wherever we feel like it and then forget where that convenient yet semi-random location was. Deciding on a single place to leave your keys, however, is just the first step. Developing the habit of actually placing them there and only there is perhaps even more important, and nothing develops habits better than associating with something rewarding, like a welcoming and calming sound whenever you place or remove this metal keyring from its wooden base.
Some people place a bowl or some container on a shelf near the door so that they can drop keys off the moment they enter. Others try to be a bit more creative and screw a hook on a wall so that they can hang their keys and see easily see that spot when they arrive and before they leave. It’s a simple solution that can be effective only if you actually create the good habit of putting the keys there in the first place.
Developing good habits is usually considered to be difficult unless you associate something positive or memorable with the action. For placing keys in their right place, you can’t really use rewards like chocolates or money, so you might be forced to think of something else. Fortunately, the Wakka key holder provides a simple reward that won’t force itself on your consciousness. On the contrary, it creates a rather soothing association both in the way it looks and, more importantly, in the way it sounds.
This acoustic keyring is made of two parts. The ring itself is made from polished metal, which gives it a very stylish and luxurious appearance. Instead of a hook, you place the ring on a small dome shape affixed to a wall, probably one near the door. The base is made from either maple or walnut, and its color and natural grains contrast nicely with the metallic ring. Seeing these two beautiful things together is already a satisfying visual reward, but it does one even better.
Thanks to strong neodymium magnets, the base accomplishes the seemingly impossible task of holding the keyring in place. Those same magnets make the ring snap into position as well as generate a brisk tapping sound when you remove it. The sound is crisp, clean, and not overbearing, giving it a calming character similar to the rhythmic tapping of a Japanese bamboo fountain. It’s the kind of sound that is subtly addictive, creating that association that you need to form that habit. With a minimalist and elegant key holder, not only will you have peace of mind knowing exactly where your keys are, you will also inject a calming rhythm to your very busy life.
Crafted from a single high-strength 7075 aluminum billet, Grovemade’s keyring has a distinct appeal. The circular keyring comes with an incomplete circular form that lets you slide it right into belt-loops without requiring spring-loaded moving parts, and also a keyring loop, well, for your keys.
The Grovemade Aluminum Keyring is a reimagination of carabiners, with its robust, circular, confident form. A slit in the circle helps bring drama to the design and also helps it slide easily into belt-loops on pants, while a lip on the inside of the keyring lets it double as a nifty bottle-opener. A perfect combination of simplicity and class, with a little zest of function.
Imagine having an army-knife-style multitool, but instead of a corkscrew, it has your car-keys. Instead of a fish-scaler, you’ve got your house-keys, and in the place of a butter knife lies your work USB drive. Imagine a multi-tool that’s pocket-friendly, and just like a Swiss-army-knife, it has all the essentials… but they’re YOUR essentials.
Developed in Australia, this is the Jibbon, a customizable key-organizer that uses a specially designed enclosure that snaps open and closed to hold all your keys and other EDC. Designed to hold anywhere from one to 9 keys, the Jibbon comes with a swivel-to-reveal design that’s reminiscent of a Swiss army knife. When you need a specific key, swivel it open… when you’re done, swivel it back into its safe, leather-clad enclosure that gives the Jibbon a touch of class, while preventing your metal keys from accidentally scratching your phone’s display or periodically poking against your thigh through your pocket lining (honestly the real problem here!)
The Jibbon doesn’t just hold keys, it works with other pocket-friendly tools too. Available as separate accessories, you can even store Jibbon’s USB drive and metal multitool along with your keys, giving all your important pocketables one true home. You can choose between adding a 16gb or a 32gb pen-drive to the mix, while the multitool gives you a knife, flathead screwdriver, nail-file, and bottle opener, all in one, compact form-factor that practically occupies as much space as one of your keys. Just like your keys, the attachments snap right into Jibbon’s enclosure thanks to their proprietary mechanism that allows you to swap keys, drives and multitools with incredible ease, eliminating the need for any screwdrivers, coins, or fingernails to access individual elements.
Jibbon may have the soul of a multi-key multitool device, but it comes clad in premium Italian leather… a material choice that not only gives it a touch of finesse and class, but protects your phone’s display from the pointed keys stored within the Jibbon. Sourced from the most revered tanneries in Italy, the Jibbon comes in 4 tanned color options, and organizes all your highly functional keys, tools, and drives within a form that’s truly flawless… and even backed by a 3 year warranty!
A minimalist, anti-scratch key organizer made from genuine Italian leather and marine grade stainless steel.
What’s Different with the Jibbon?
The patented locking mechanism allows for easy micro-adjustment. No tools or coins are required to change the keys.
Adjust On The Go & Guaranteed Not to Loosen
They wanted to put an end to the noisy, sharp key bundle. Most people carrying keys find it uncomfortable in their pockets. It scratches their phone and wears holes.
Protect Your Gear and Devices
Can’t stand having your keys and phone in the same pocket? Your phone screen will love the genuine Italian leather covering the metal parts. Your phone and other belongings will stay protected.
No Loose Parts
Unlike other key organizers, Jibbon doesn’t include any loose wave washers, springs or spacers.
Made With 316 Stainless Steel
High quality, corrosion resistant stainless steel is used for all metal parts. We have strength tested each element to meet the needs of the user. Every part of the design has been refined to eliminate unnecessary parts, ensuring reliability.
Customize Multi-tool & USB Options
Each key organizer includes an extension, allowing you to fit between 3 to 9 keys.
Add in the multi-tool when traveling – TSA safe.
Include the 16GB USB when you need files on the go.
Removable D-ring with a matte PVD finish.
Monogramming – up to 3 uppercase characters.
Italian Leather Sourced Direct
Sourced directly from tanneries in Italy, the leather is top grain, dyed by skilled artisans. Traditional processes are used to enhance the rich color and soft texture.
Available in 4 distinct colors, choose the perfect match for you, your loved one or friends.
The Design Process
Each element of the Jibbon Key organiser is designed by them. There are no “off the shelf” parts.
