TiNova II

Most pocket knives are carried to be used. TiNova II, according to its maker, is meant to be handled even when there is nothing to cut: something to turn over during a long phone call or between stretches of desk work, which also happens to handle boxes, tape and rope when needed. It is presented as a Kickstarter project and a refinement of the earlier TiNova I.

Shaped around a loose fist

The defining design choice is an elliptical handle. The maker argues that the space between fingers and palm in a loosely closed hand forms an ergonomic ellipse, and the handle follows that geometry, with no sharp steps and no fixed orientation, so it sits in the hand at any angle. The team says the rework responds to TiNova I owner feedback asking for a more natural feel and less stiff action.

Bearings for glide, magnets for snap

Inside, precision roller bearings are said to eliminate gritty friction, giving long, weighty spins and crisp short flips. A magnetic snap adds a soft "chunk" at the end of travel. The maker says the magnet's resistance is set high enough to keep the blade from opening accidentally in a pocket.

Materials and dimensions

• Handle: aerospace-grade Grade 5 titanium, described as corrosion-resistant and designed to pick up a personal patina of scratches over time
• Blade: D2 steel, HRC58–60, 3mm thick
• Closed length: 64.4mm (approx. 2.54 in), shorter than a standard credit card per the maker
• Weight: 59.3g (approx. 2.09 oz), likened to two US quarters
• Thickness: 12.4mm (approx. 0.49 in)
• Dual tritium slots (tritium tubes sold separately)
• Finishes: sandblasted or black coating
• Lifetime warranty covering repair, according to the maker

The maker pitches the size as small enough to clip to a keyring or slip into a jeans coin pocket. The sandblasted finish is described as raw and prone to ageing with use, while the black coating is said to make tritium glow stand out more. Intended users range from desk workers and EDC minimalists to habitual pen-clickers and self-described tactile snobs.