MKUltra - Titanium Nano Editions

MKUltras - Titanium Nano Editions

The MKUltras are a hybrid design, combining elements of traditional Mala and Komboloi beads. The MKUltra name gives a nod to this lineage, as well as their expedience as tools to help us focus our minds and still our thoughts. They can be used in a variety of ways, ranging from quiet bead counting, through to raucous flipping. 

The unique setup of the MKUltras allows them to be worn like mala beads, or carried discretely in the pocket. They adjust by means of a simple friction fit through the larger "Micro Boss" bead closure. Although the design is exceedingly simple, we're fairly confident you won't find anything quite like them around. This is a knotless system, and does not require any special lock bead. The cord is simply compressed when threaded through the Micro Boss bead, providing a reliable, secure fastener that is easy to adjust when needed.

In this way, the Ultras can be worn on the wrist, or loosened and slid up above the elbow to keep them out of the way when needed. Excess cordage can be knotted loosely around the Boss bead when they are worn on the wrist, or left dangling. This modifiable arrangement allows them to be used very quietly, for simple bead counting used in breath work and meditation, to "raindrop" methods marked by the satisfying, rhythmic clacking of the beads, as well as much more physical methods of manipulation which resemble short game begleri play. While they aren't intended as a highly technical skill toy, there are still a solid range of moves you can link together, and lots of ways of working with them.

The 2025 Nano Editions

Our 2025 Nano beads are exceptionally comfortable in the hand, keeping all the qualities that have made them a beloved classic. Compared to the original Nanos, the 2025 update features slightly rounded outer edges at the top and bottom of the beads. This rounding gives them a gentler feel during bead counting, raindrops, and when worn on the wrist. Our titanium editions are available in your choice of natty machine finish, natty sandblasted, shinobi (black) sandblasted, or blue sandblasted. The colours on the blue and black are PVD coated after blasting, for a durable finish that ages well. The surface on all blasted finishes will smooth out over time, and the colour of the beads will generally darken slightly in the process.

Short Form

The Nano Edition consists of 23 of our cylindrical "nano standard" beads, along with a single "micro boss" bead to close/ adjust the loop size. The shape and size of these beads gives them a slim profile, whether they're worn on the wrist or carried in the pocket.

Details:

• 23x 7.7mm Nano Standard beads + 1x 11.8mm Micro Boss
• Material: grade 5 titanium 
• Weight: ~30g all in
• Strung on AO2's new custom 12-strand, high density, 2mm Kevlar cord.
• All beads are drilled with a 3.5mm bore, except for the micro boss, which has been drilled to 3.6mm to facilitate easy adjustment.

Long Form

The MKUltras Nano Long Edition consists of 33 of our cylindrical "nano standard" beads, with a 15mm Lil' Boss bead to close/ adjust the loop, and two additional nano beads on the tassel. The Long Editions have been designed primarily for the "raindrop" style of play. The extra beads provide a satisfying sound and feel as they clack together. Because of the length of the sets, they are cumbersome for flipping around and doing technical tricks, but they still allow for some basic manipulation. The sets are designed to be worn with a double loop around the wrist, but note that the beads themselves will probably fully cover the cord, meaning that exposed cord will complete the wrap (see photo for reference).

Details:

• 33(+2) x 7.7mm Nano Standard beads + 1x 15mm Lil Boss
• Material: grade 5 titanium 
• Weight: ~50g all in
• Strung on AO2's new custom high density 2mm Kevlar cord
• All beads drilled with 3.5mm bore

Check out our new titanium nanos in our September 2025 drop video!