Michal Klaška

Kayu

Pen maker

©evar a heryk

Refined for maximum utility

Michal is a lover of practical innovations
He is an autodidact, a psychologist by education
His first workshop was a former laundry room

It was 2015, and Michal Klaška had just been appointed to a lucrative position at an established Czech university. But Michal had an inner dilemma to solve, and before the contracts were signed, Michal gave up the job, determined to devote himself to craftsmanship. "Everyone thought I lost my mind. And I understood it. But my heart simply showed me the path, and I followed it." A year later, Michal's handmade pens were nominated as the best new product in the prestigious Designblok award. Soon after, his brand Kayu became a well-known design label with a patent for its innovative product. And Michal, who claims that his own handwriting is far from neat, seems to have only just started.

Interview

©evar a heryk

©evar a heryk

What distinguishes a pen made by you?: My fetish is functionality. I aim to rethink the item billions of people use every day, bringing out a user-friendly piece with a fine design. This approach won us the patent for our Kayu 130 pen, and we have other interesting concepts in the drawer.
Do you use any unusual techniques?: I sing a lot when I work. I’m an expert in staring into space when I need to come up with a solution. And I'm really good at hoovering. Apart from that, I wouldn’t say I have some special power. The hunt for innovation is what makes Kayu unusual.
What are your future plans?: At the moment, I’m working on a number of designs including pocket pen, mechanical pencil and even a marker. And I have some exciting ideas in other fields. For example, I have designed an innovative dustpan and brush in my mind – every homemaker would love it.
Do you sometimes regret not accepting the job?: Never. I love the creative process, the smell of wood, the communication with delighted clients. I love being my own boss – though being alone at the workshop sometimes sneaks up on you, I guess that's why I sing all the time. Except when working with the circular saw.

Michal Klaška is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2015