Is Convex Dovetail Puzzle – Aluminum Mechanical Puzzle by Wil Strijbos Worth It?

Convex Dovetail Puzzle Review — Worth it?

Mechanical puzzles are a simple pleasure: tactile, brain-teasing, and quietly addictive. But many mass-market puzzles trade craftsmanship for cost. The Convex Dovetail by Wil Strijbos aims to solve that by delivering a compact, precision-machined aluminum puzzle that feels as good to hold as it is to solve. In this review I break down the build, the real-world solving experience, how it compares to similar options, and who should consider buying it.

Problem and solution

• Problem: Cheap puzzles often have rough tolerances, clunky movement, and lack visual polish, which reduces enjoyment and longevity.
• Solution: The Convex Dovetail uses high-quality anodized aluminum, tight machining tolerances, and a refined opening sequence so each move feels deliberate and satisfying.

Key specifications & materials

Material & build quality

This puzzle is milled from anodized aluminum and finished in a tasteful two-tone scheme with a green convex insert. The machining is immediately noticeable: edges are crisp, surfaces are smooth, and tolerances are tight. The anodizing gives it both color and scratch resistance, and the weight feels substantial without being bulky—good for pocket carry or a desk fidget.

“Elegant, tactile, and beautifully engineered” — a concise summary of the Convex Dovetail's feel and finish.

Real-world experience — pros & cons

• Pros:
  • Exceptional tactile feedback — every movement feels intentional and smooth thanks to precise machining.
  • Attractive two-tone anodized finish that holds up to handling and looks great on display.
  • Compact and well-balanced — comfortable for regular handling or everyday carry.
  • Design rewards observation and careful exploration rather than brute force, which makes solving satisfying.
  • Distinct from other Dovetail variations: unique opening sequence gives collectors a different mechanical puzzle without repeating the same steps.
• Cons:
  • Pricey compared with mass-market cast metal puzzles — $92 is a premium for a small puzzle.
  • Moderate difficulty may be underwhelming for those chasing extreme challenge; it favors thoughtful discovery over complexity.
  • No clear markings or hints on the body — great for purists, but beginners may need patience or external hints.
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Solve experience — what to expect

The Convex Dovetail doesn’t rely on gimmicks or hidden springs. Expect a short sequence of precise moves, each of which unlocks the next. Because the mechanism is smooth, you won’t be fighting the hardware — you’ll be thinking through subtle positional changes and tactile cues. For a 10–30 minute session you’ll get a focused, tactile puzzle-solving experience that’s repeatable and enjoyable to revisit.

Quick comparison with competitors

• Hanayama Cast Puzzles (e.g., Cast Vortex):

  Hanayama’s cast puzzles are widely available, lower in cost, and come in many difficulty levels. They’re great for casual puzzlers and gift buyers. Compared to the Convex Dovetail, Hanayama pieces are heavier zinc alloys with a rougher finish and less intricate machining. The Convex Dovetail trades lower cost for superior finish, smoother action, and a more refined designer experience.

• Other Wil Strijbos Dovetail variations:

  The collection of Dovetail variants gives similar aesthetic and mechanical quality, but each has its own opening sequence. If you already own another Dovetail, this may be an appealing addition for a different challenge and a fresh solve; if you don’t, the Convex Dovetail makes a strong first buy for the line.

Who should buy this?

• Collectors who value finish and designer pedigree.
• People who want an attractive desk toy that also rewards thinking.
• Gift buyers looking for a premium, compact present for puzzle lovers.
• Not ideal for someone seeking an extreme difficulty challenge or a budget novelty piece.

Final verdict

If you appreciate well-made mechanical puzzles, the Convex Dovetail is worth the premium. It delivers high-quality materials, excellent machining, and a tactile solving experience that feels deliberate and rewarding. The moderate difficulty makes it approachable while still satisfying for repeat solves. If you want the best-in-hand feel and an elegant, compact puzzle to fidget with or display, this is a strong pick.

Price: $92 USD

If you’re interested in buying, there are discount codes and special offers available when purchasing through my store — check the product page at checkout for current savings.