Could the Best Form Factor for a Multi-Tool Be … a Pen?

Any serious EDC aficionado would likely proclaim that the perfect multi-tool looks something like the Leatherman Arc, Gerber Center Drive or, for SAK fans, the Victorinox Swiss Champ. 

And for the most part, they’d be right.

TiMate

However, if you’re in the market for something a bit different, a bit sleeker and maybe even a bit more practical for actual everyday use, a new Kickstarter project is worth a look.

It’s called the TiMate CoreLite, and it packs six critical functions into a multi-tool shaped like, yes, a pen.

Solid six-pack

Made of light but sturdy aerospace-grade titanium, the CoreLite (full name: CoreLite 6-in-1 Modular Titanium Multitool Pen) measures roughly 5.8 inches long and weighs just over 2.5 ounces.

TiMate

Retaining the pen-like form factor, it cleverly nests all its tools together in a grip-friendly cylinder using magnets, making each one easily deployable when needed — and giving you the option of just attaching a few key ones to an, ahem, keychain.

So what exactly does it have to offer? Let’s take a look.

1. Eternal pen tip

With a graphite-alloy, the CoreLite offers the equivalent of 100 wooden pencils in a compact space.

TiMate

It beats a cheap pencil, however, in that you can write clearly on pretty much any surface, even underwater. 

2. Magnetic flashlight module

The tiny flashlight boasts two brightness modes, 30 lumens and 120 lumens, plus a strobe function and a flashing beam. Like the rest of the tool, it’s rated IPX-8 waterproof.

On the former setting, the battery lasts up to four hours, while on the latter, it lasts up to 50 minutes. It can be fully recharged (300 times) via USB in 40 minutes. 

TiMate

What may be even cooler, however, is a strong magnetic base that can stick any metal surface for easy mounting.

Plus, situated as it is near the dual-direction clip, it can also be attached to a baseball cap, converting to a headlamp for hands-free use. 

3. 30° craft blade

While it can’t handle major chop jobs, the high carbon steel utility blade is ideal for small everyday tasks such as opening boxes, envelopes and plastic bags as well as slicing through ropes and pills.

TiMate

The blade can be replaced without tools and also simply removed to make the CoreLite TSA-friendly.

4. Multi-function pry tool

Made of titanium, the mini pry bar is ideal for little jobs as well, such as removing the lid from a can.

TiMate

Meanwhile, a notched groove at the tip enables it to double as a nail and staple puller.

5. Ceramic glass breaker

TiMate says it has tested the window breaker in extreme conditions — from -20°C blizzards or 40°C car interiors — to ensure it never slips or jams or rusts shut.

TiMate

I will spare you the obligatory GIF of this thing puncturing a beer can (why??) and shattering a glass sheet, but you better believe the Kickstarter page has one.

6. Tritium slots

While it is debatable whether being easy to locate in the dark is an actual function, per se, the CoreLite offers four slots (just to the left of grip grooves in the image below) for inserting glow vials (sold separately) that can illuminate in the dark for up to 25 years.

TiMate

That’s pretty handy for keeping track of your super streamlined multi-tool on any overnight adventure.

Availability and pricing

The TiMate CoreLite can be procured on Kickstarter for the launch day special price of $79. Estimated delivery is December 2025.

TiMate

TiMate CoreLite 6-in-1 Modular Titanium Multi-Tool Pen

• $79 at Kickstarter

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