Saturday 27 March 2021

Huzzle Puzzle

I'm not a fella who endorses products on this blog, but on this occasion I'm driven to make an exception. Specifically I'm writing about a puzzle company based in Japan, called Hanayama. The company manufacturer's cast metal puzzles. The puzzles themselves are defined works of art and fashioned in cunning array. They are engineered with precision that defies reason and technology. Often they are composed of just several metal pieces. However, their structural simplicity belies a complexity that is both devilish and beguiling in equal measure. The puzzles come in six levels of difficulty. Level six encompasses a level of sophistication and exquisite intricacy that is designed to send an insane man, sane.

I own seven of these puzzles in the hardest category. The pleasure involved in their disassembly is difficult to define. However, the real test makes itself apparent when it comes to reassembly. I suggest you sequester yourself away from every day mundane distractions, mayhap on a wet Saturday afternoon, and focus intensely on the task in hand.

I can't  mention this topic without a foray into the past. My father fought with distinction in the last Great War. I recall a singular incident when I was about eight whilst playing with my Airfix plastic soldiers. On this particular occasion I had a box featuring Japanese soldiery. I don't recall any Japanese snipers in the fold. My father was none too pleased and I remember his reaction, very distinctly. He took up the cardboard box and spat upon its surface. I admit, this action made an impression on my young soul especially as my father was not prone to dramatic or florid acts. Mayhap it had something to do with my father's brother, uncle Charlie- remember him? I've posted about him before and insinuated that he had a passing resemblance to the Dali Llama. Anyway, uncle Charlie fought in the Burma campaign. Perhaps, my uncle's experience had a dramatic impact on my dad's psyche. Forgive and forget is the watchword, however we still must be on guard for itinerant Japanese snipers still on active service in the West Midland environs.

I've strayed from my original theme. Anyway, to conclude, I commend these puzzles to my readership. However, and regardless, we should always be vigilant and prepared to root out lurking, and near sighted Japanese snipers, within our midst. The Tipton Japanese snipers are particularly active, currently. Arse, big fat, arse.


4 comments:

  1. You are welcome to reassemble at least seven Hanayama puzzles that currently reside in my 'drawer of shame'.

    Your readers may be interested in the annual Nob Yoshigahara Puzzle Design Contest. https://puzzleworld.org/DesignCompetition/

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    Replies
    1. I suspect I might develop a similar drawer. I will check out the link.

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    2. Of some 30 Hanayama puzzles I own, only half have ever been solved. Ten are in pieces.

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    3. What a collection. I love the Hanayama puzzles as you have to use a bit of logic in the solving process. They are great to play with after a stressful day: a couple of ales and a puzzle. However, the putting them back to their original configuration is often more challenging than the initial solving process. About to buy a couple more.

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