Marlboro & Kane from London has a thing for shrinking tools down to the smallest size possible while still making them functional. The company's latest mini marvel lets you have a pen – and a bit more functionality – always at hand.
Some multitool makers want to pack as many items as possible into a relatively sleek form factor, such as the 20-in-1 gizmo launched last month by Harbor Freight. Marlboro & Kane, however, takes a different approach, creating standalone tools that are so small, you'd barely notice their addition to your keychain or pocket. We've already seen a mini but mighty bottle opener, a tiny tungsten capsule blade, and even a super-small spinner from the company.
Now, the team is offering a petite pen which can attach to a keychain, get popped into that really small extra pocket in your jeans, or be worn as a necklace.
And, lest you think that pens aren't really in demand in this day of digital everything, the company has absolutely crushed its $3,260 fundraising goal on Kickstarter; it currently stands at over $50,000 raised with more than 20 days left in the campaign.
Measuring just 36 mm (1.4 inches) long, the MiniPen is available in a choice of three metallic cases: titanium, copper, or brass. The pen opens and closes with a small twist thanks to its spring-loaded design, and all orders come with five refills.
Not able to resist the urge to pack a few other features into the writing tool, Marlboro & Kane says the top of the pen can be used as a flathead screwdriver, a pry bar, or to slash open boxes, even though it's not a particularly sharp edge.
One MiniPen can be had for just £19 (about US$25), while it'll cost £33 (about $44) for a two pack, and £45 (about $59) for all three versions. There are even more multi-pack configurations available.
The MiniPen should ship in March 2025, if all goes according to plan. As with all things crowdsourced, the usual cautions apply. That said, Marlboro & Kane has a strong track record with delivering on its promises, so you'll likely be just fine jumping on board if diminutive writing instruments are your thing.
You can see the MiniPen in use, in the following video.
Source: Kickstarter