Puzzle Locks
It’s a lock, just use the key to open it. But we all know it’s never that easy with these types of locks.
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It’s a lock, just use the key to open it. But we all know it’s never that easy with these types of locks.
Simplicity of design and elegance in motion can make for historically great inventions or products throughout history. The same can be said for puzzles.
I’m unlocking another episode of “Locks and Libations” this week on the blog to visit with our old friend Boaz Feldman, heir to the DanLock legacy and a brilliant puzzle maker in his own right.
The Norman invasion of England brought with it an architectural fortification system known as motte-and-bailey, which was fairly simple to construct even for unskilled laborers, while at the same time being militarily effective.
“The North American word schlock”, according to Vocabulary.com, “comes from the Yiddish word shlak, … "junk," or from the German Schlacke, "dregs," "slag," or "refuse."” It’s crap.
“Because,” said Thor, “when something goes wrong, the first thing I always think is, it is Loki’s fault. It saves a lot of time.” ― Neil Gaiman, Norse Mythology
It’s been a minute since we visited our old friend the locksmith so it’s high time we hail him again. Masquerading by day as Kent’s own master locksmith (when he isn’t a master carpenter), this English entrepreneur has the key to your every locked away desire.
I’m unlocking a new edition of “Locks and Libations” this week to feature another fantastic creation from magician and inventor Eric Stevens. Let’s look at another one of his unusual, innovative and original ideas – a puzzle lock made entirely from playing cards.
Do you like a box that locks?
Do you like a lock like box?
Yes, I like a box that locks
Yes, I like a lock like box
Yes, I like a lock like box that looks like lock of box that locks
This unique creation comes from the mind of Greek American Constantine Bovalis, a mechanical design engineer from Illinois. Constantine notes that the inspiration for his puzzle creations comes in a roundabout way from traditional Japanese puzzle boxes
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Rainer Popp’s fabulous T9 puzzle lock, regarded by many as one of his very best.
Over the years Shane has created a number of devious and mysterious wooden puzzles, and more recently, a series of puzzle locks. He loves to restore old and vintage locks, and knows the fascinating history of his craft. It’s no wonder he comes up with such intriguing and clever mechanisms.
The HoKey CoKey Lock was an exchange gift from Steve Nicholls at this year’s IPP. He famously made everyone who received a copy do the actual dance with him first. It was quite a sight.
A few months ago, if you happened to be visiting headquarters and the spirit moved you, you would find yourself steered toward a beautiful old armoire style cabinet which was painted black and had decorative white flowers and a see through mesh which revealed a few choice bottles.
Rainer Popp is a German craftsman who has turned his passion for restoring and collecting vintage antique locks into his own brand of modern day puzzle locks. Because of his skill and creativity, many believe that he is the greatest puzzle lock maker living today.
Locks appear to run in this family, and it should come as no surprise that the debut from Dan’s son Boaz is a brilliant puzzle as well. Growing up in a house full of puzzles must have had something to do with it.
Most agree that this incredible classic deserves a spot as one of the all time greats in the puzzle “Hall of Fame” and certainly the puzzle lock Hall of Fame.
I’ve extolled Shane’s virtues as a brilliant carpenter and locksmith before, but he has some newly acquired credentials as well now. He recently joined the ranks of the prestigious U.K. Master Locksmith Association, and has started his own locksmithing business.
Welcome back to “Locks and Libations”, the erstwhile scribblings of a box collector who finds himself in possession of something distinctly … not a box … yet wishes to share the wonderful prize with the world, nonetheless.
Now for something pleasant. And painful. From the international man of mystery and mayhem, the Dutch devil of devious delights – that’s right, Wil Strijbos, the brilliant puzzle designer from the Netherlands – comes more mischievous merriment.
The Haleslock 2 presents a striking contrast to its predecessor. The first lock was created from a standard solid brass ABUS padlock and had a single key attached to the shackle by a tamper proof ring.
How? does one describe the results of a seasoned puzzler teaming up with an expert craftsman to produce a new puzzle box? Exactly. The How? Box is a collaborative effort hatched in the deviously puzzling mind of Englishman Peter Hajek.
From the workshop of French mechanical engineer Benjamin Baley, proprietor at Simple Puzzle and creator of the original Simple Lock 1, comes, to put it simply, the sequel.