Forging key partnerships
We are honoured to announce that Novelkeys and Typeplus shall be joining us as the official vendors for Hope. This partnership represents a significant milestone for FSR. Their support ensures that Hope can be delivered at a larger scale, and with the exacting precision, quality, and standards that we strive to uphold. We are profoundly grateful for the trust and opportunity extended to us; we look forward to seeing this collaboration bring Hope to fruition in a manner befitting our vision.
The final steps
We would like to provide an important update on the development of Hope, specifically in relation to the originally anticipated machined finish.
Upon careful assessment, we have determined that the machined finish presented on the prototype will not be offered for production units. The dimensions of the top aluminium component require it to be repositioned during machining, necessitating two separate passes across the surface. This can result in a faint line and a subtle tonal variation where the passes meet. While such effects are only perceptible under specific lighting conditions and viewing angles, they may occasionally affect the uniformity expected of a premium product. It is important to note that this is not a matter of quality control; rather, it reflects a limitation of the machining process imposed by the internal dimensions of the equipment.
A blasted finish provides a consistent texture that removes these transitions entirely, ensuring a uniform and elegantly refined presentation. For this reason, all review, commission and group-buy units will feature a smooth, blasted finish on the aluminium components, while the weight will retain its raw machined appearance.
In regard to other matters, the initial PCB samples have now arrived and are undergoing testing and minor refinements in preparation for the final iteration. In parallel, a batch of screw samples has been ordered and paid for in full; these are custom-manufactured fasteners bearing FSR branding on the heads, specified in marine-grade stainless steel alloy (S31600) and unified by a T10 Torx drive across all variants. Should the engraved samples fail to meet our standards, an alternative supplier will be utilised in which the screws will forgo head engraving. In either case, the screws will remain custom-ordered, ensuring consistency of drive size—low-profile fasteners are typically supplied with smaller T8 drives, but for Hope, all low-profile screws will be produced with T10 drives to match the rest of the hardware.
On the horizon
As development enters its final stages, Flexus advances towards production readiness. Packaging samples have been enquired about and will proceed to production upon approval.
Our current schedule anticipates placing the full production order at the outset of Q2 2026. This inaugural batch will comprise a mere 25 units, offered in two meticulously curated material options and released as an in-stock drop. Looking ahead, any future editions will be distinguished by singular, unrepeated editions—each crafted exclusively for its moment, ensuring that every release carries its own distinct character, rarity, and quiet sense of permanence.
Further details will be shared as we move closer to the time of placing the first production order.
A brief reflection
Looking back, it is evident that this undertaking has required significant time, resources, and a steady conviction in our direction. Much of the work has been carried out without assurances, guided instead by a commitment to exploration and a belief in the value of creating with purpose. This readiness to refine, to take considered risks, and to advance with intention continues to shape the way FSR evolves.
We continue to strive for transparency in all that we do, and this will remain a guiding principle for as long as FSR exists. Above all, we hope that our methods—the care, rigour, and thought embedded in every decision—are recognised, and that what we produce connects meaningfully with those who encounter it.
Despite uncertainty, we move forward quietly encouraged, committed to creation with intention, refinement, and enduring quality. In every step, we seek to make fewer things, but to make them well—timeless, considered, and imbued with a sense of quiet presence.
Jack.