IPP Trick Padlocks

On the chopping block today is a selection of three padlocks initially available through the IPP, or International Puzzle Party. All three of these locks came into my possession by means other than actually attending the IPPs, and I'm certainly happy they did.

Left to Right, Neat Lock, Mikslok, Trick Lock 2015

I figured the most suitable manner of reviewing them is their order of appearance in the IPPs. So, in keeping with this idea, the first up is the Mikslok! 

Keeping A Happy, Healthy T10

So you've received your T10! Maybe it's your first Popplock and you have big expectations(you should!). You put the key in and begin turning frantically. A few discoveries later and you can't remove the key. But you should be able, you just had the key out. After some more frantic turning, the key is out. but now you can't put it back in! What's going on here? Maybe your lock has been gripped with "death lock" and the key is almost impossible to turn. Looking for a solution to your problem? Look no further.

It's fair to say now, that this blog post contains very minor spoilers to the mechanisms of the T10. I'm a solving purist and I would not be upset at hearing any the information contained herein. I've remained as ambiguous as possible while being clear and concise in troubleshooting.

Popplock T10

An intimidating lattice of  brass and steel

A lock that needs no introduction, the latest creation of Rainer Popp! This lock has been a long time coming, taking almost double the average release time of a Rainer creation, but not without good reason. The functionality of this particular padlock is truly representative of an amazing feat of machining and design.

A Valentines Day Lock

I'd like to start off this review by saying, BUY THIS LOCK! It is a handmade Indian antique reproduction available here. I have no affiliation with PuzzleMaster or the builder, but I do have an affiliation with worthy trick padlocks, and this is definitely worth buying. It's roughly $110 USD as of 02/15/2016 and it is one of my favorite antique reproductions to date.

It's a Heart!

Danlock B and Other Dan Feldman Creations.

Today on the chopping block we have the creations of Dan Feldman! Including the Danlock B and both the TRIP padlock and the MULTIP padlock.

MULTIP, TRIP, Danlock B

The Danlock B, I'm sure needs no introduction. It is sporadically available from Dan, directly through his website here. When I purchased it over a year ago, it was $120 USD, shipped to anywhere in the world. I can't speak for the price or availability now. Either way, back to the puzzle!

Hard At Work

So I've taken to designing and producing my own padlocks! I won't be revealing much here, other than I have some very clever ideas. I plan on producing a series of modified padlocks. The first couple will be relatively simple designs that don't require too much machining, eventually progressing to several of my more involved designs. Logistics are still being planned, things take time or I'd provide more details. Feast your eyes on the teaser photos and if you're interested in being added to a wait list, please email me at

Eric(dot)M(dot)Marx(at)gmail(dot)com

It's Modest

The Shop

Two different completed prototypes. And many more to come!

John M. Mossman Lock Museum

*gasp*

A visit to this museum has been a long time coming! I had heard of the existence of the collection roughly a year ago from Peter Hajek, and only recently got around to visiting it, and I'm very glad I did! My fellow collector-in-crime, Daniel Bain, couldn't be more enthusiastic about taking a trip over to the collection with me. So after some false-starts and various logistical errors, we were soon walking down 44th Street in the direction of the museum. The John M. Mossman Lock Collection, is a collection of roughly 400 locks, housed in the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesman just off 6th Avenue on 44th Street in the great city of New York. The staff of the museum is incredibly accommodating and passionate about the collection.