Apple’s Ex-Design Chief Jony Ive Shares His Favorite Tools For Creating

In a special guest-curated issue of the Financial Times’ How To Spend It magazine, former Apple design chief Jony Ive reveals a dozen tools he most cherishes—selecting what he believes are the best in the business for making, marking, measuring, and everyday use.

As the prolific designer puts it in a separate interview, there’s often an innate beauty in the machines and tools we use to ply our trade. Not just a means to an end, there is an “inherent elegance in an effective tool that normally results in a curious beauty,” Ive notes.

Here are five of the tools you’ll find in Ive’s workspace:

Wiha’s Color-Coded Hex L-Key Set

This vibrant set of L-Keys has been purposefully designed to stand out, so you can quickly find the right one to use while working. Made out of premium-quality steel-engineered for strength and durability, these hex keys feature textured surface shafts for better grip even if you’ve got sweaty palms.

Hermès’ In The Pocket Measuring Tape

Measuring tapes don’t get much more luxurious than this Hermès model, which comes in its own Swift calfskin case paired with a stainless steel zipper.

Snap-On’s Adjustable Torque Wrench

It’s not often tools can boast exceeding ASME/ISO endurance requirements, but this torque wrench can. With a fixed ratcheting head for maximum precision, the adjustable click type tool looks chic with its polished chrome body and a knurled handle for a more secure grip.

Linn Ekos Titanium Tonearm

If you’ve got a beloved vinyl collection, this top-of-the-line tonearm is certainly one that’ll impress. Made out of sturdy titanium with stainless steel bearings and temperature-compensated springs, it can accommodate almost any cartridge you have. 

Faber-Castell’s Platinum-Plated Eraser

We all make mistakes; it’s part of the creative process. Erase those errors with this stylish and luxurious platinum-plated round eraser, which guarantees smudge-free erasing and even comes in its own personal gift box.

Check out the rest of the designer’s picks in the full article here. 

[via AppleInsider and Financial Times, images via various sources]