This Affordable Tiny Multi-Tool Boasts a Rare and Ancient Blade Steel

When shopping for a quality keychain or mini multi-tool, it pays to ask a variety of critical questions.

How many functions does it have? Are they functions you actually need? Are they realistically usable? 

Orioners

Of course, none of those qualities really matter if the thing isn’t made of reliable materials. That’s where a recent Kickstarter project really gets my attention.

The Orioners T6 EDC Keyring features not only a body constructed of CNC-machined Grade 5 titanium but tiny blade made of one of the oldest, coolest blade steels in the world.

Ancient steel is real

My colleagues and I have extolled the virtues of Damascus steel a number of times while tracking pocket knives for Gear Patrol.

But if you missed those pieces or need a quick refresher, here’s the quick and dirty: Thousands of years ago, Middle Eastern blacksmiths shaped an Indian steel called wootz into blades with a rippling sheen and remarkable edge retention.

The recipe for “Damascus steel” was later long lost until 1981, when two Stanford metallurgists cooked up a high-carbon concoction that resembled the magical material. 

Decades later, brands like Damasteel blend different steels and work them into folded layers to produce glistening blades with a potent blend of edge retention and toughness.

Now, a Hong Kong-based startup has introduced this mythical steel to its 1.18-inch cutting tool. 

Orioners

Almost undoubtedly the smallest Damascus blade I’ve ever seen instantly upgrades the EDC Keyring’s appeal (and helps me overlook the brand name getting lost in translation during prototype production).

The Kickstarter page shows this blade piercing a soda can, opening a box, slashing paper and sharpening a stick. 

Most people will probably only need to do a couple of those things on a semi-daily basis, but even without the GIF I have little doubt this Damascus-backed dynamo can deliver.

Additional functions

That said, the original questions at the top of this page are still relevant, so let’s look at what else the T6 has to offer. 

Packed into a roughly 2″ x 1″ trapezoidal form factor — made, again of CNC-machined Grade 5 titanium — are Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, two hex wrenches, a bottle opener and a carabiner-like keyring. 

Orioners

At the $39 sponsorship level, you also get a customizable bungee cord and magnetic clip that look intriguing. 

Used independently or together, these tools expand your carry options. The magnetic clip alone can bring convenience to keyring carry via attachment to a belt loop or backpack. 

Orioners

Together the two accessories can keep essential items secure and also loop over a shoulder to make it easier to tote a water bottle, jacket or anything else you choose to connect or drape over it.

It seems to me the Orioners folks are maybe a little too excited about these add-ons, but they do look handy enough and don’t add too much to the price. 

Orioners

Besides, at its core, this incredibly minimalist tool appears to have much to offer.

Especially when you consider the bragging rights utility of a tiny blade with literally thousands of years of history. 

Availability and pricing

The Orioners T6 is currently funding on Kickstarter, with pledge prices starting at roughly $36. Estimated delivery is June 2025.

Orioners

Orioners T6

Made primarily of CNC-machined Grade 5 titanium, this roughly 2″ x 1″ trapezoidal multi-tool boasts some pretty handy elements. These include Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, two hex wrenches, a bottle opener and a carabiner-like keyring. However, the headline is really its 1.18-inch cutting tool, one of the smallest Damascus steel blades we’ve ever seen.

• Starts at $36

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