If you’re a fan of sleek, sword-inspired designs, the Katana Pen on MakerWorld is a fantastic project to add to your 3D printing lineup. This miniature sword doubles as a functional pen, making it a fun and stylish addition to any desk. Whether you’re a martial arts enthusiast, a fan of Japanese aesthetics, or just enjoy printing cool gadgets, this project delivers an eye-catching result. The stand can be found here.
While the design is impressive, there are a few areas that could be improved for better durability and usability. In this post, I’ll walk you through my experience printing the Katana Pen, highlight some tips for a successful build, and suggest potential upgrades to make the most of this design.
Printing the Katana Pen
Print Settings & Material Choice
Printing the Katana Pen is a straightforward process, but your choice of settings can greatly impact print time and final detail. The design is optimized for minimal supports, making it an easy print for most users.
Estimated print time: The project page suggests ~2.5 hours, but actual time varies depending on settings.
My print time: This was printed on a Bambu Labs P1S with AMS. Using a 0.2mm nozzle and 0.06mm layer height, my print took 9 hours—this resulted in crisp details but a significantly longer print. The amount of wasted filament is substantial!!! Recommend printing multiple copies at once to reduce total filament wasted.
Supports: Not required for most parts, though a brim or raft can help with adhesion.
Material: PLA works well, but PETG offers better durability, especially for the threaded sections.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a faster print, using a standard 0.4mm nozzle and 0.2mm layer height will significantly reduce time while still achieving a great result!
Assembly & Fit
Assembling the Katana Pen is simple and fun, but a few small adjustments can enhance the final build:
✔️ Smooth and stylish design – The pen looks fantastic once assembled, with an authentic katana-inspired aesthetic. The details on the handle and sheath make it a standout piece.
✔️ Lightweight and comfortable – The design feels nice in hand and isn’t bulky, making it a great display item or conversation starter.
🔹 Threaded section – Some users, myself included, found the threaded connection to be a bit fragile. While it works well when handled carefully, a slightly reinforced thread design would make it even better.
🔹 Fitment varies by printer – Depending on your printer’s settings, you may need to scale the parts slightly (1-2%) to get the perfect fit between the blade/pen insert and the sheath. Alternatively, sand the plastic surround of the ink cartridge to allow a better fitment.
🔹 Dry your filament – As you can see in the image above, the diamonds of the handle turned out poorly.
Enhancements & Tips for the Best Print
While the Katana Pen is already a great design, a few small modifications can take it to the next level:
✅ Use PETG for strength – PLA works well, but PETG offers more durability, especially for the threaded sections.
✅ Customize the look – Use silk PLA for a metallic finish, or paint the handle and sheath for a truly unique piece. A black handle with silver blade details would make this look even more realistic!
✅ Experiment with pen refills – If your preferred refill doesn’t fit perfectly, try lightly sanding the insert area or modifying the design in a 3D modeling program.
✅Add a brim and or supports to help with any bed adhesion issues.
Final Verdict: A Fun and Stylish Print!
| Feature | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic Design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Looks fantastic—a great display piece. |
| Ease of Printing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Quick and easy print with minimal supports. |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐ | Handles light use well, but threads are delicate. |
| Functionality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Works as a pen. It’s a new body for the classic Bic you found everywhere |
Final Thoughts
The Katana Pen is a fantastic decorative print that doubles as a functional pen. While the threaded section requires careful handling, the overall design is impressive, stylish, and fun to print. If you’re looking for a quick, unique project to add to your collection, this is definitely worth printing—and with a few tweaks, it can be even better!
Would I print it again? Absolutely! With a few material and scaling adjustments, this could easily become a go-to gift or display item.
Have you tried printing the Katana Pen? What unique customizations would you add to make it your own? Share your ideas in the comments below!
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