Carry your keys, an essential part of your daily life, in a more compact and comfortable way.
Munekawa's new mini key case, "Pivot," was born from this idea.
This item was designed to be the smallest unit of a key case, and is thin, light, and comfortable to use. Here, we take a look at how it is made in the Pivot workshop.
▶︎Order the mini leather key case "Pivot" here
A design that perfectly matches the silhouette of a key
The creation of Pivot began with a simple goal: to create a silhouette as close as possible to the silhouette of a key .
The idea for creating this product came from the idea that people who live in urban areas and don't drive, or who only need one or two keys and the bare essentials, would appreciate a smaller key case.
It doesn't take up much space in your pocket or bag, yet still gently protects your keys. To achieve this, we have eliminated unnecessary decorations and gone through a process of trial and error to come up with a minimalist design.
It took several months to create several prototypes, try them out, and refine any areas that were bothering or felt strange.
This is how Pivot was born. As cashless transactions become more common, it naturally fits into the minimalist lifestyle of " carrying only what you need in a compact package ." It is a key case with a minimalist design.
Four key points that shape Pivot from the perspective of the production process
Pivot's simple appearance is supported by each and every meticulous process.
Here we will introduce the "production points" that are essential for Pivot.
1. Small "gibushi" connectors are used for the metal fittings
When we first started making Pivot, the biggest obstacle to making it as compact as possible was the metal fittings. If we had used standard hook and eye fasteners, the bag would have ended up being too thick and uneven, making it impossible to make it as small as we had envisioned.
So I came up with the idea of attaching a small connector to the side of the main body . By using a terminal block, we were able to create a structure that keeps the keys organized without increasing the overall thickness or allowing the keys to stick out.
There's no stress of it getting caught on other things in your pocket, it's simple yet has a reliable hold, and it opens and closes smoothly.
Because it is something you use every day, we choose hardware that is comfortable to use.
2. Eliminating stitching reduces the risk of breakdowns
The molding and cutting of the leather requires precision down to a few tenths of a millimeter. The curves are designed to fit the shape of the key, without missing even the slightest margin, creating a comfortable fit when held in the hand.
Another feature of Pivot is that it has no stitching whatsoever .
There is a tendency to think that adding stitching makes something stronger, but the more stitches there are, the more places where the threads are likely to break .
At Munekawa, we limit sewing to the bare minimum, striving to create products that are as resistant to breakdowns as possible and can be used for a long time.
Because there is no sewing, the "lamping" process of bonding the leather parts together is a very important point that determines the lifespan of the product.
The outside is made of Italian Buttero leather, and the inside is made of Japanese pig leather, which is resistant to abrasion and dirt.When the two pieces of leather are pressed together, the appropriate amount of pressure and glue is used, and the leather is pressed together so firmly that the cross-sections become one.
This means there is no need to worry about the lining peeling off even after years of use, and it combines a high level of thinness with durability.
3. We polish each and every metal fitting ourselves
The small metal fittings that hold the keys together are also an important element. We polish these fittings by hand, one by one, using a tool called a "luter" to give them a smooth finish.
If you compare the metal fittings before and after polishing, you can see that they are much smoother after being polished.
This is not only a beautiful look and a pleasant feel, but it is also an extra step to prevent burrs from the metal fittings from scratching your precious keys or the key case itself.
▶︎Order the mini leather key case "Pivot" here
A product that gives you a little "leather craft feel"
Pivot is designed to be assembled and used by you.
But don't worry, it's very easy.
The unit will be delivered in a flat state, complete with ring and set screws, so please assemble it together with the key you wish to attach.
This video shows you how to assemble and attach the key.
Please use this as a reference.
This key case has a leather craft feel to it, as you can do the final finishing touches yourself.
It would also be fun to give it as a gift as a first leather item to someone who has never used leather products before .
▶︎Order the mini leather key case "Pivot" here
Munekawa's craftsmanship, put into small items
At Munekawa, we are committed to in-house production, from product planning and design to all manufacturing processes , and we treat each and every product with care.
Because we carry out all processes up to completion ourselves, we are confident in the quality of each product, and we believe we can create products that you will grow to love and that become more valuable the longer you use them.
Of course, if repairs become necessary after years of use, our production staff will take responsibility for handling the matter.
Although it may not be flashy or have eye-catching features, it will become a good partner in the user's daily life and make their days just a little more comfortable. I think Pivot is exactly that kind of item.
If you want to know more about Pivot, be sure to check out their online shop or their flagship store in Daikokucho, Osaka.
▶︎Order the mini leather key case "Pivot" here
▶︎ Click here for details on Munekawa directly managed stores
If you would like to know more about the Pivot Mini Key Case and Munekawa's manufacturing process, please take a look here!
▶︎Related blog: Comparing three Munekawa key cases: Bell M, Bell S, and Pivot - differences and how to choose
▶︎Special feature page: Why Munekawa values in-house production
