Pinner | The 3cm Damascus Steel Knife
- Nov 25, 2025
- 2 min read
One-hand opening razor sharp blade that's just over an inch (3cm) and disappears in your pocket
The World’s Smallest Pocket Knife? Meet the Pinner
In the world of Everyday Carry (EDC), "less is more" is often the golden rule. But how small can you go before a tool becomes a toy? Small Carry, a UK-based design team, is challenging that limit with Pinner, a folding knife so incredibly small it sits on your fingertip, yet promises the utility of a much larger blade.
Project Overview
Name and Creator: Pinner by Small Carry.
What It Is: Pinner is marketed as the "world’s smallest pocket knife." It is a micro-sized, folding blade designed to live on your keychain and handle the daily tasks—opening packages, cutting tags, or trimming loose threads—that don't require a full-sized tactical knife. At just 3cm (1.18 inches) closed, it is roughly the size of a standard house key but engineered with the precision of premium tools.
Key Features
Micro Dimensions: The knife is 3cm closed and opens to just 4.3cm (1.69 inches) overall. The blade itself offers an 11.5mm cutting edge—tiny, but sharp.
Premium Materials: Unlike cheap novelty mini-knives, Pinner is built with high-end materials. Backers can choose between a Steel or Titanium handle, and a Stainless Steel or Damascus Steel blade.
One-Handed Operation: Despite its size, it features a clever "dual-keyhole" design that allows for one-handed opening.
Secure Mechanism: It uses a non-locking, CNC-machined "click" mechanism (similar to a slipjoint) that holds the blade securely open or closed without the complexity of a mechanical lock.
Keychain Ready: The design integrates seamlessly onto a keyring, ensuring it is the tool you actually have with you when you need it.
Reward
Kickstarter Pricing:
Base Model: Pledges for the standard Steel handle/Stainless blade start around $25.
Upgrades: You can upgrade to a Titanium handle for roughly +$9 and a Damascus steel blade for +$12, allowing for a fully "maxed out" micro knife for under $50.
Delivery: Shipping is currently estimated to begin in May 2026.
Concept
The concept behind Pinner is "functional minimalism." Small Carry wanted to move away from the idea that small knives are just novelties or "cracker prizes." By using CNC machining and legitimate blade steels, they aimed to create a tool that is genuinely useful for 90% of modern daily tasks while being unobtrusive enough to carry in a coin pocket or on a keychain without adding bulk.
Inspiration
The creators were inspired by the history of folding knives, noting that even the earliest Opinel knives from the 19th century had tiny versions for delicate tasks. They saw a gap in the modern market for a micro-blade that didn't sacrifice quality for size, catering to the growing community of EDC enthusiasts who want premium gear that disappears until it's needed.
