Calvins Puzzle Pitcher Octo-Star Cube

Calvins Puzzle Pitcher Octo-Star Cube

This isn't just another speedcube. It's a puzzle for collectors and anyone who enjoys unusual twisty puzzles. The Pitcher Octo-Star Cube was designed by David Pitcher and is made by Calvin's Puzzle. From the outside it looks like a regular 3x3 cube. However, the face centers have an octagon cut into them, and the puzzle behaves completely differently from a classic 3x3.

How the Octo-Star Cube works

The cube turns around six axes, just like a regular 3x3. But when the piece in the middle of a face lines up symmetrically in eight directions, that face can be turned by 45 degrees instead of only 90. The puzzle then changes shape, not just colors. The design is based on a cut triakis octahedron (a solid with 24 triangular faces), with corners and edges added to give the whole puzzle a cube shape. In the twisty puzzle community, the Octo-Star is sometimes compared to the Bermuda Cube, only without bandaging.

Solving

Knowing a 3x3 method helps with solving it. According to users, you don't need to learn any new algorithms. The challenge is that after 45-degree turns the cube loses its cube shape. So you first need to restore the shape and only then finish solving. It works well as a break from a regular 3x3, but this puzzle isn't meant for timed solves or TPS training. It has no magnets and no tension adjustment.

Who is it for?

The Octo-Star Cube is a good choice if you can already solve a 3x3 and want to try a shape mod that truly changes shape. It's also a great addition to a collection of 3x3 mods and David Pitcher puzzles. A more elaborate design based on the same principle is the Super Octo Cube, mass-produced as the Sun Cube. For a child's first cube, a classic 3x3 is a better choice.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 shape mod with a changing shape (45-degree turns)
• Designer: David Pitcher
• Manufacturer: Calvin's Puzzle
• Size: approx. 65.5 mm
• Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.16 x 6.1 cm
• Body color: white (White)