Bitcoin Forum

Hello all, first I want to say thanks to those of you who pre-ordered a 2015 Kialara Labyrinth Physical Bitcoin. I really enjoyed working on this design, and I think everyone is going to be pleasantly surprised when they receive theirs. I will be offering coin #03 to whomever can solve theirs the fastest. Additionally, a 2014 Original Kialara will be awarded to the first, second and third best times.

The rules are simple.
1: Start with all 5 balls at the bottom, and end with all 5 in the center.
2: Record a video of your attempt.

I'll follow up here soon with more details, contest end-date, etc.

https://i.imgur.com/QGuRueT.gif

Secondly, I'm sad to report that these will not begin shipping this week. I have started production, but I'm still awaiting shipment of the new bottom plates that read: blockr.io

In December, I was assured by my most reliable supplier that I would have these plates on the 10th of January. The pieces were completed on Friday, and I was told that they had shipped. Late last night I received news that they had not shipped as they did not pass Quality Control. Here is the message from my supplier: https://i.imgur.com/v4mAezy.jpg

They are now working to have these completed and expedited this Friday - so if all goes well I will begin shipping next week. I know there was a slight delay on shipments for my first coin, so I was really wanting to get these out on schedule - and I'm learning this can be a challenge when dealing with numerous suppliers. I sincerely appreciate your patience on this, and will be sure to continue to post updates here and on my blog.

Lastly, I recently announced a price increase on the remaining 2014 Original Kialara's. This was scheduled to coincide with the beginning of production on the 2015 pieces. Because of the delay described above, I will be moving this date forward to Friday, January 30th.

Thanks again everyone.

Max-

More photos: http://imgur.com/a/WpMQZ

Purchase link: http://www.maxfield.me/blog/

http://www.cryptoarticles.com/crypto-news/2015-kialara-labyrinth-limited-edition-physical-bitcoins-available-for-pre-order-now

https://i.imgur.com/jVVlQCF.jpg

Thanks for the update! :)

May i order it directly from you?
estimated time shipping to Europe?


Look very nice :)

Unfortunately he doesn't do orders less then 5 to out of country. There is a group buy though going on for this for members located in Europe. See this thread for more info (the following link): https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=916355.0

Hi again everyone. It's 3:30am here and I just finished talking with my supplier in China on Skype. This supplier in particular is providing me with the four stainless plates that hold the glass into place on my 2015 coins - and these pieces are the only thing holding up shipments right now. I have a strong relationship with this supplier, and I trust that they are working hard to deliver a quality product. Supposedly the raw material of the samples differs from that of the product they just mass produced for a second time. They were both SUS 304 however the mass produced pieces were missing the magnetic properties of the samples. Actually, I'll just share the email I received from them earlier today...  https://i.imgur.com/nYABrJp.png

They are working to finish production by Friday with the correct materials, so I'm now hoping I'll have the pieces early next week so I can begin shipping them out. And once again I apologize for this hold-up. I was not expecting this at all. I have started production on my end so when I do receive these parts I can hit the ground running. https://i.imgur.com/pRQl7iz.jpg

Also, lots of new orders today for my 2014 coins - I'm guessing it has to do with the recent bull run. I'll be working hard all week to get these assembled & shipped as soon as possible. Orders for 2014 coins placed prior to January 18th (including international orders) are all shipping out tomorrow. 

I will continue to post shipping and production updates on my blog: http://www.maxfield.me/blog/

Best regards,

Max-

Thanks for the update Kialara. I bet most people don't mind waiting, I wouldn't. Your coins are gorgeous and definitely worth the wait.

I was disappointed to see you sell the first 100+ coins on ebay instead of for bitcoins as usual. I bought a 2014 coin, not quite sure if I will be purchasing a 2015 coin though.

Amazing works of art, but selling them for bitcoins (even if you use a payment process to turn it into fiat) just makes more sense to me.

I sold the early 2014 coins the same way (eBay), and many did pay me in bitcoin - both then and this last time. The only reason I released them this way was for the transparency eBay offers. I always prefer BTC for payment. And thanks!

The fact that you communicate this open and transparant, says it all. Together with Mitchell I will wait :)

This is a cool product. Nice job.  ;D

Thanks Smoothie.

I own one of your earlier litecoins, actually. And I plan to pick up some BTC pieces from you in the near future. I only recently put together that you were also Lealana.

How are you doing with the 2015 coin?  If I order from the web site how soon should we expect it to ship?

Thx.

ig

Yeah my screen name is smoothie yet my coins are branded LEALANA.

Hit me up when you are ready.

Aloha

Having trouble understanding the concept of storing bitcoin behind this, can someone please explain it to me? Why are you recommended to only store .1 BTC? Is it just art, or does it serve a functional purpose as well?

Just spoke with my supplier. They have resolved the issue with the raw materials, and my parts will ship out this Friday. Best case is that I receive the parts next Wednesday, and begin shipping the end of next week. I have orders for 200+ currently so new orders will ship 2-3 weeks fro today.
 

It would be epic if it were made of silver 999 fine.

 :o

Think the price will go up epically too, they're big you see ;)

Thanks OgNasty. I won't say never, although designs like mine would certainly be a challenge if they weren't simplified - not to mention very expensive.

Hi mtwelve, I go into detail on these questions in my original reddit post. I'll point you there as there is no short answer to this:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/2e32dg/as_an_artist_and_collector_of_casascius_coins_i/

Yup I can see that.  ;D

Smoothie, Ognasty...

These new 2015 coins do have an element of silver.  The 5 balls for the game are actually .999 fine silver

To be honest that was enough for me.  I bought three of them.

Silver balls + crazy puzzle game = awesome

Only the first 700 have silver balls, the rest of the 2500 will be black ceramic

Haha

lol silver balls. Nice I will have both years.

Thanks Kialara!

Lazer, Og, thanks for the orders. Smoothie, thanks for the “original”, “hand carved” Smoothie Swag. It is a memorable work and truly one of a kind!

This evening I was notified that the engraved metal plates have passed quality inspection, and will be shipping out on Monday. I'm still waiting on photos from the production facility, although I was assured they are of the same quality as the samples. I know a lot of you have been waiting patiently, so I want to deliver the news here as I receive it. I'll post another update once I receive the photos/tracking info. If everything goes smoothly from here, I expect to begin shipping these 2015 pieces next Friday, or the Monday following.

When I listed these for sale, I had already ordered all parts needed - many of which I already had in my possession. I never expected this one order to hold things up for an additional two weeks. Thank you again to everyone for your patience and understanding. I plan to send an email update to all buyers tomorrow, as I know they will not all read this post.

The Kialara Labyrinth looks quite good, great work Kialara.

Are the first 700 with silver sold out yet?

I can't see any reason why there is a limitation on people outside of the US. Once its in an envelope and posted, why does it matter how many go out? If buyer pays post, buyer pays for item, buyer provides address, there is essentially no difference in selling 1 or 10 to overseas.

Hopefully someone else builds something similar and can post to Australia.

From personal experience, too much variation in shipping rates. Every time someone wants a bar, you have to get their mailing address, open up your courier's website, load the postage calculation tool, enter your address and their address, compare the available options, write up a message explaining the options, wait for a reply that may or may not come...

I've sent identically-sized packages to the same country several times before, and found that even shipping to a rural vs urban address can double the cost and triple the time.

At least if he's selling in multiples of 5, he'll cut down on the number of "just curious" shipping quotes.

Maybe try to get an Australian group buy on the go?

I really appreciate your level of communication.  There is always going to be hiccups, but as long as the customers are informed of the situation and not left in the dark, then we are happy to wait.  Especially knowing that you are being so vigilant, ensuring that the product maintains the high quality standard everyone has come to expect with your work.

thanks, looking forward to get that item

Again, thanks for keeping us up to date. Perfectly fine for me to wait a few weeks more if I'm not left in the dark. :)

Really cool coin, indeed.

Just what to ask if you can deliver it into Asia ?

Hi Sukamasoto. Yes, I ship globally. There is a 5 item minimum purchase for international orders. Thanks!

Of course, and thanks for being patient. My parts are scheduled to arrive tomorrow via DHL. I'm going to work through the weekend to get as many orders as I can out early next week.

Thanks LazerViking, I really appreciate all of my customers! Anxious to start shipping these next week.

If anyone in Australia is keen to group buy on one of these, let me know. I don't want more than 1.

Just an update to let everyone know that the engraved plates arrived today, and these will begin shipping early next week. Thanks!

This coin is a work of art!   ;D

Can't wait for my both versions :)

Wanted to let everyone know that these begin shipping tomorrow. I should have the first 30 or 40 shipped by Friday, and my goal is to have all orders out by the end of next week. I have some 2014's shipping out this week also if you are still waiting on yours to arrive.

Here's a look at the new Blockr.io plates:

https://i.imgur.com/zn6ZVpt.jpg

Very nice work!

Can't wait to get mines.  ;D

Good to hear! Can't wait for them Max. ;D

Definitely, everyone I showed the original to in person was amazed at the quality and weight.  One even went ahead and purchased a 2014 before the price raise!  8)

Thanks smoothie, Mitchell - and thanks for the orders digicoinuser.

I’m happy to say that the first Kialara Labyrinth’s have shipped (coins 09 - 27) and I will be working this weekend to get more out by Monday. I’m still catching up with the 2014 orders, and I expect to have all late-January orders shipped early next week.

The auctions for coins 01 - 10 have resumed as well. Here’s a link to #08

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-COIN-08-2015-Kialara-Labyrinth-Physical-Bit-coin-Unfunded-/161600288357?

Thanks!

Can I ask you what does it means for you the word "kialara" and why have you chose it as name of your  physical "coin"? Thanks for the attention,

redsn0w

Hey redsn0w,

Kia is my SO's nickname. This name also translates as "rising from Asia". This translation caught my attention, as Nakamoto himself claimed to be a 37-year old male who lives in Japan. (a statement to be taken with a grain of salt)

Lara \l(a)-ra\ as a girl's name is pronounced LAR-ah. It is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Lara is 'protection'.

I liked how these sounded together, and the .com was available.

Nice :)

Oh Fantastic , thanks for the explanation and nice name. Good luck with your own business, maybe one day I will buy one of your kialara "coin".

You're welcome, and thanks. I'm still offering the 2014's for $99 but only if paid for in bitcoin on my site: http://www.maxfield.me/2014/09/11/coinbase/

Does 01-10 have Ag-balls?

Yes, 01 - 700 each do.

Nice, we all loove silver :) Thank you for the info Kialara.

(Would have been epic if number 001 would have .999 Au balls)

So orders today are still under #700 yes?

Not sure you'd want to play with such balls often... Probably too soft to retain a perfectly spherical shape if played with a lot.

Yes, 450 left in silver. I imagine that as people begin to receive and share these, that the remaining silver ones will go quickly. That's how it went with the 2014's.

just ordered one of the 2015 cant wait to get it

Labyrinths 09 thru 39 shipped as of today. Twenty 2014's also shipped today. More going out each day this week, with the goal of having shipped all eBay purchases by Friday, and the rest of the Labyrinth orders by the end of next week.

edit: There is currently a two-week turnaround time for all new orders. Thanks!

Can confirm, already got my 11 and 14 yesterday! :)

Received my number 29 as well.

Twenty labyrinths shipped today - 40 thru 60. Will continue shipping every day this week.

Hey everyone, wanted to provide another update. In the last two weeks I have shipped out 70 Kialara Labyrinths and 90 Kialara Originals. I am on track to have all eBay orders finished this weekend and shipped out on Monday. I'm also caught up with all but the most recent orders for the 2014 Originals, so I will be working all next week on the Labyrinths.

Thank you again to everyone for being patient with me. When I build these I'm certainly not racing the clock. This is sensative information I'm handling and I treat it as such.

I also noticed today that feedback on the 2015's has started coming in. I've received some great emails also. If you're one of these people and you're reading this: Thanks!

https://i.imgur.com/uJpZNLQ.jpg

Great news Max!
I can't wait to have the Labyrinth in my hand a play some rounds.  ;D
Keep up the good work.

Max,

Can you provide perhaps a video of how one might redeem their kialara?

Given there is metal and glass I suspect there might be a possibility of getting yourself cut if the person doing it isn't properly prepared.

Safety first.  :)

BTW I received my Kialara's and I am very impressed with them.

Leaving feedback now.

Aloha,

Smoothie

Edit: Sorry if you already answered this or provided info on this already.

Since it's only 0.1 btc, I would find it a waste to open the kialara. But it will come in handy for some people :)

They can be loaded with any amount technically.

But even with 0.1 BTC...should it ever be worth $10,000 I may be inclined to crack it open or try to sell it.

Educating the buyer of your coins would help them. Assuming I sold one.

I think I read that to redeem the coin you'd have to disassemble it which includes undoing the screws and reversing the assembly steps. However to do so the screws need to be heated to some crazy temperature.
I may be wrong but I think that's how it's done.

I thought I read somewhere that the only way to redeem this was to smash it open, not the safest way by anymeans of reedeming a coin but effective to show it hasnt been tampered with

Hey Smoothie, thanks. Glad to hear they arrived. I'm going to try and have your 'original, hand-carved' art piece framed in a week or two - I'll share the pictures here when it's finished.

Regarding opening a Kialara. First, these are not designed to ever be opened. The keys inside should be considered as a medium in the piece, and I do not recommend that anyone attempts to open one of these.

If anyone wishes to go against my recommendation and destroy the art to access the private key inside, they need to do so at their own risk. Do not use power tools like drills, etc. It is my opinion that the safest way to access the key is with a hammer and a screwdriver. Safety glasses should be worn, and gloves would help as well.

At your request I've opened a Kialara and documented my method. I was able to do this safely in under a minute.

https://i.imgur.com/Suf6gsI.gif

https://i.imgur.com/vt3fDOm.jpg

Once opened, carefully cut around the public key with an x-acto knife, then peel back to reveal private key.

https://i.imgur.com/5sJXyet.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/G45GX9x.jpg

Very cool!! It's like opening a treasure chest with fancy locks/mechanisms :)

That is really neat, I loventhe use of the case it adds the extra step of security and the coins just look bad ass

Max thank you for showing us all how to redeem your coins.

 :)

Very interesting method.. I'd prefer to keep the work of art :D

Thank you Max!
Great video, I believe it is safe to say that Kialara is "tamper evident".

I cant see there being a market for 'redeemed kialaras' somehow .... although I guess they will be quite rare .... !

I am also guessing that the security may also prevent many people loading these up with BTC (should they be getting a satoshi just to get them on the chain ?)

Hoping my v2 arrives today ....

It must be possible to disassemble without ruining it like that. A small drill press and grip with leather for protection around the frame you could drill out the screws using a very small drill bit, rewind the screw and lift the case off. Check the key, replace with screws and drill out the head.

Video ?  ;D

Loctite red is also applied to the holes in the aluminum plate, so removing the tiny screw thread becomes near impossible. (I haven't been able to do it)

https://i.imgur.com/1OvbPQU.jpg

 

This is why I would never redeem a Kialara, I would just sell it whole to someone willing to pay what I am looking for.

My thoughts exactly. Physical bitcoin in my view, is created to store bitcoin cold and secure for a LONG period of time, especially with coins as beautifull as Kialara's, the only thing missing would be precious metals, but then it would be insanely expensive :)

Thanks for the video, just as I had assumed you literally have to break it open. Dont think anyone in thier right mind would redeem one of these (in the near future at least) but nice to see it done nethertheless.

This has probably been answered like 50 times already, but at what number are we at now? The 2015 I mean.
To see how much time I have left to save up for one :P

Btw, that's some pretty damn strong glass you put in those things, but I prefer seeing them in 1 piece  ;D

Do you still have some with the silver balls?

Thats actually more or less what I wanted to ask, when we are at it: how many 2014 are left?
Do you have plans on a 2016?

My 2014 and 2015 Kialara's came in today :)
Beautiful product Max! Thank you kindly.

Yep mine hit the mat today as well. Looks great

anyone have a time to beat on solving this yet?

Was going to ask the same thing. Expecting my Kialara soon so will post a video if I manage to beat it in a reasonable ammount of time.

Could the OP say how much stock there is left ? I am wanting to buy a few.

Hey kuusj98, there are still 300+ left with the silver balls, and after a few requests I’ve opened sales for the coins with the ceramic balls. I’ve sold 50+ of those.


In the last six months, I’ve sold just north of 1,000 Originals. I will probably continue to sell these for another six months, and then if there are any left, destroy them, or utilize some of the parts in other designs - like the Labyrinths. I think this is the best move for the brand, and it’s important to me (for my customers) that these appreciate in value over time.


Thank you FiniteByDesign, I’m happy with your items as well.


I’ve had a few people email me about this. The best time reported back to me so far is 12 minutes. Some have even asked me if anyone has beat it yet. It’s a challenge b/c the balls come out of the center circle while trying to get the others in.

Im curious also. Has anyone solved this in under 12 minutes?

I haven’t posted any official rules yet for my contest for the #03 coin, but I think I will just ask people to share their best time, and then prove it with a video. (so not every person has to upload a video - only the winner(s) So it will need to be recorded. I’m only going to accept times for the coins with the silver balls so please don’t record your attempt with the ceramic balls. Not that it’s easier with the ceramic balls, in fact I believe it is harder.

I’ll probably give everyone until May 1st to record their best time, as there are still many waiting on their order.

Also, for anyone considering a purchase: my turnaround time for new orders is currently 20 days. Because of the issue with my manufacturer, I am just finishing assembling orders placed in December/January. I expect to have all outstanding orders shipped within two weeks.

Thanks for the update, looking forward to the labyrinth!

Got my labyrinth coin today, coin number #118.

Really love the look and feel of this coin, plus the mini game inside the coin is addictive lol :)

Awesome job Max!

Thanks jdebunt! I'm glad you're happy with it.

I beat it in 6 minutes....I'm trying to upload the video except it is really huge (800mb).  Anyone know how to shrink it on an iphone? 

Scrap that... my best is now 2:55.  I was able to upload the entire video to youtube... it's odd to watch.  I solve it upside down but my phone is hanging over the end of my desk (so it's upside down too) so it looks normal on the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7kGYalYljY

Pretty cool. I'm wondering if there is a set end date, or something for this competition for the free Kialara.

I mentioned somewhere it would end May 1st, as many have yet to receive their coins. It looks like 2:55 is the number to beat. That was semi-entertaining to watch dumbchump, haha. Thanks!

I like your technique... I think you can probably beat your own time if you kept at it!

I got them all on the edge in about a minute then spent 5 minutes watching all but one make it to the center.  It's so frustrating... yet still very entertaining.

Received my Labyrinth and it's an amazing piece of art just like the 2014!  The puzzle is pretty tough if trying to get them all to the center, extremely unique and some of the people I've shown it to said it looked like a labyrinth before I got to tell them the name of the bar.  :)

There's a YouTube video of a solution posted a little earlier to this post... Interesting technique :)

I never bothered playing with my Labyrinths. But it is an entertaining feature to watch others do it.  :D

how can I specify ceramic spheres when ordering?  I can't see this option on your blog ordering page

I somehow managed to get one of the silver balls stuck within mine, can't dislodge it either :(

Do you own a hammer?

Luckily managed to shake it free after a few minutes.. no damage done. I think I'll leave it alone from now on :P

Hey OgNasty,

All December orders have shipped, along with early January orders. I'm going to PM you now to get your info so I can dig up the tracking number.

All remaining Jan/Feb/March orders are assembled and behind glass minus the four engraved plates. I have plates here I could use, but I've already used up all of the ones that were in the best condition, which was around 25% of my order. I ordered a new batch a month ago, and they shipped late last week, so I expect them here any day now. I am very anxiously awaiting them, and I was told by my manufacturer that each piece was quality inspected this time. I was charged a premium for this.

I'm out the money on the unusable parts, but I'm more concerned with delivering the best quality product possible. For everyone waiting, it will be just a week or so longer. I'll leave another update when I receive the package. Just know that the delay is only because I know the quality can be a little better, and I think that everyone would prefer to wait a little longer if it means receiving a better quality product. I have all boxes addressed and ready to go.

For future reference, I will not be pre-selling any more items. I will be sure to have all parts on hand before collecting any payments. I've learned that when dealing with multiple suppliers for so many different parts, that delays are inevitable. I'm doing my best I can promise everyone that.


 

[/quote]
how can I specify ceramic spheres when ordering?  I can't see this option on your blog ordering page
[/quote]

just order as usual, and message me here with your preference. Thanks!

Already posted this pic in  Kialara group buy EU (closed) thread a while ago.


Nice frame for Kialara Original and Labyrinth coins. What do you think?

https://i.imgur.com/H6SAPeK.jpg

http://www.lindner-usa.com/pg5_englisch/sonstige-sammelgebiete/nimbus-frames.html

That's really nice.

Which Nimbus Frame is it please?

Pretty sure that he said that it was the ECO one. Let me double check. I'm correct.

Yes it's Nimbus ECO 100x100mm. :) MSRP is 8.5€ , got it for 8

Fantastic!!!

Thanks guys  8)

Are these all shipped out yet?  I'm still waiting for my '15 Kialara's. 

Please scroll up a bit and read what Kialara told OgNasty. :)

Got it, thanks, it pays to read  :)

https://i.imgur.com/WgTjptI.png

I'm comfortable saying that all outstanding orders will ship no later than next Wednesday.

Engraved plates arrived, look great. All outstanding orders will be shipping early next week. May try to get some out tomorrow as well.

Thanks for the steady updates. It is much appreciated.

i received mine yesterday

These are cool, Keep up the great work Max!

I just picked up a 2014/2015 pair. I really like the maze puzzle game incorporated into the piece. This will keep the family entertained until your next creation.

Thanks guys.

To those waiting on orders, I will have a production update posted by the end of the week.

The final submission date for the contest for the #03 labyrinth will be Friday the 22nd...midnight central time (to go to the person with the fastest completion time - video proof required) You must have already received a labyrinth with silver bearings to participate. Additionally, a 2014 Original Kialara will be awarded to 1st, 2nd & 3rd best times. (One submission per person)

There's one video up on YouTube now. That's the current time to beat. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m7kGYalYljY

I'll send out an email this week as a reminder. More info can be found on page 1 of this thread.

Current turnaround time for new orders is 3-4 weeks.

Well shoot, my best for ceramic is 59 seconds, got any silver Labyrinths left?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5xBuVclQhs

Hey naypalm, that was entertaining. Nice soundtrack.

I'm limiting it to silvers only bc one could argue that different balls make for a different game. I think everyone who owns one of the ceramic Labyrinths also has one with silver, so I figured it would be a non-issue. You appear to be the exception. I do have some left with silver. Check your PM's.

Hah, not a problem. I figured I'd post it up for those curious about the ceramic type. I've noticed from the other video that the silver balls are noisy when compared to ceramic. Probably the weight or grooves in the coin?

*Crosses fingers*

Hey everyone,

The LuckyBit team wanted to announce that you can win
a free Kialara Labyrinth at our new tournament! Go here
for all the info: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1176605

The best of luck!

(Yes, we bought a few Kialaras from Max to give away in promotions and
tournaments. They are awesome! If you don't manage to get one
for free from http://luckyb.it, we'd advise you to buy one - they are really
beautiful. (Even though you'll still miss the beautiful wooden boxes we had
custom made ;) )

Max has been awesome in handling the whole thing and has been
generally pleasant to deal with - thank you!


(@mods: If this is still too spammy for your taste, please let us know and we'll
tone it down. We wanted primarily to praise the goods offered in this thread.)

Yipes. Wrap your head in cellophane.

After considerable delay, I finally got around to posting my review of the Labyrinth (http://object2212.com/?p=378) (spoiler: it's awesome). Better late than never!

This is really cool and caught me by surprise, thank you. See PM.

 Guys how to check KIALARA balance in my wallet?

just enter the Bitcoin address that is printed on your Kialara hologram into the blockchain explorer and check the balance ;)

Can also check first bits here - https://www.walletexplorer.com/