Coordinate-motion puzzles are fascinating in that they always have a tricky way to be disassembled. You have to find out which parts must be pulled and on top of that, you'll have to do it simultaneously. The Hexagon Cube is a nice design that cleverly uses the coordinate-motion technique. The designer is unknown to me, but if I had to guess, I'd say it could be a work done by Vinco - No offense to the designer, if it happens to be another craftsman.

Edit: I have just learned that the design is in fact by Stewart Coffin and it's called Seven Woods (made from seven different woods). It's Coffin's #42 from his numbering system. It's a shame that the version I have is only made from one wood type, otherwise it would have been even prettier. I guess for $10, you can't ask for much, now can you?

The Hexagon Cube is comprised by six identical pieces (in the shape of a bow tie) made from a darker tone wood, and it measures approximately 7.5cm (about 3"). It's called Hexagon Cube because it has six cubic faces that when viewed at a certain angle, it shows a hexagon shape (Top photo). The overall shape of the puzzle is quite interesting, actually: Depending on the angle you're seeing it, you'll notice different shapes.

Most coordinate-motion puzzles have one thing in common: their pieces are usually identical and when they're not, they share some kind of symmetry or they're mirrored from one another. This is because when you're separating the pieces they'll slide off in opposite directions, which is difficult or impossible to achieve when you have completely different pieces.

The puzzle is rated as a level 3/5 by Brilliant Puzzles and even though the coordinate-motion can be a little tricky, it's not the harder one I've seen. For one, the pieces are somewhat loose and you can see where they intercept with each other. Moreover, the movement required to separate the pieces is not very difficult to discover, either.

(Click to Enlarge) - Partially Disassembled

After you have disassembled the puzzle, getting it back together may be a little more complicated, but nothing overly complex. You just need to get five of the six pieces in place, but with plenty of room. Don't get them too tight. Next, try to place the sixth piece so that all pieces are at the same distance from the center and push them in simultaneously. They should slide back to place pretty easily.

(Click to Enlarge)

Closing Comments:

Interlocking puzzles have a way of arouse our curiosity, at least puzzle people. We like to uncover their secret and to know how they work. The Hexagon Cube, although not very challenging, still succeeds in capturing your attention for a brief moment. What I liked most about it was its design and shape. I strongly recommend it if you're into interlocking and coordinate-motion puzzles.

Availability: I got the Hexagon Cube from the American puzzle store, Brilliant Puzzles.