TOYO Steel toolboxes are pressed-steel toolboxes made in Japan. They were built for tools, but they work just as well for pens, art supplies, tape, notebooks, or the odds and ends that never had a proper home.
This is a short guide to the three TOYO toolboxes we carry, how they differ in size, which colours they come in, and what we keep in ours.
What makes a TOYO toolbox different
Since 1969, TOYO has made its toolboxes from a single sheet of steel. The sheet is pressed into shape in one piece rather than welded together from parts, so the body has no seams. That's why the boxes feel light in the hand but still sturdy.
The handles and corners are rounded, and the lids close with a simple metal latch. Nothing about them is delicate. They stack well, they sit flat on a shelf, and they look the same after years of use, just with a few more scratches.
The Y-350 and ST-350 were designed by Keiyu Hisashi in 1984. In 2009 they received Japan's Good Design Long Life Design Award, given to products that have stayed in use and in production for a long time.
TOYO toolbox sizes
We carry three models. Here's how they compare.
| Model | Size (W × D × H) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| T-190 | 190 × 92 × 41 mm | Pens, pencils, a small set of tools. About the size of a pencil case. |
| Y-350 Camber Top | 360 × 150 × 110 mm | Art supplies, tape, chargers and cables, a sewing kit. The classic shape with the peaked lid. |
| ST-350 Cantilever | 350 × 160 × 215 mm | Larger collections that need sorting. Two trays swing out when the lid opens, with eight removable dividers. |
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Which size should I get?
- For a desk or a bag: the T-190. It fits a handful of pens and small tools and slides into a drawer or tote.
- For one hobby or one category of things: the Y-350. It's been a bestseller at SORT for years and holds more than it looks like it should.
- For lots of small pieces: the ST-350. The cantilever trays keep small items visible and separated, and the base holds bigger things underneath.
What we keep in ours
- Old stationery. Keeping a desk clear is easier when the half-used notebooks, spare refills and pens we can't throw away all go in one box. Out of sight, but there when we need them.
- Desk tools. Tape, a cutter, scissors, a stapler and a ruler. The things that otherwise spread across a table by the end of the day.
- Art supplies. Brushes, paint tubes, coloured pencils and markers. The ST-350 trays work well for this.
A few other ideas: a sewing kit, a first aid kit, camera batteries and memory cards, tea and coffee gear, and of course actual tools.
Browse the full TOYO collection, or see the rest of our office tools. For the rest of what's on our shelves, read our guide to Japanese, Korean and Italian stationery in Vancouver.
Frequently asked questions
What are TOYO toolboxes made of?
TOYO toolboxes are made of coated steel. The body is pressed from a single sheet, so there are no welded seams.
Where are TOYO toolboxes made?
They are made in Japan by TOYO Steel.
Where can I buy a TOYO toolbox in Vancouver or Canada?
SORT carries TOYO toolboxes at 2550 Stephens St in Kitsilano, Vancouver, and online at sortdays.com with shipping across Canada and the US.
Which TOYO toolbox is best for stationery or art supplies?
The Y-350 Camber Top suits most stationery and art supply collections. If you have lots of small items that need sorting, the ST-350 Cantilever has two swing-out trays with eight dividers. For a few pens on a desk, the T-190 is enough.
What is the difference between the Y-350 and the ST-350?
The Y-350 has a peaked lid and opens straight up. The ST-350 is taller and has two cantilever trays that swing outward when the lid is opened, plus a deeper base underneath.
