A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

Stretch Goals Just Added!

The support this far has been incredible, and we've decided to add some colour options as stretch goals. Check out the Prototype Gallery for some additional photos. Note the rod in the photo with the orange tinted Knucklebone is just a coloured material sample, not a reward or add on.

Background

In 2017, Aroundsquare (AO2) launched its first precision-machined Knucklebones. The "kbones" are a low tech EDC item that can function as a skill toy, worry stone, and fidget item. The clean, ergonomic design quickly gained popularity across diverse groups, ranging from knife collectors to skill toy enthusiasts, to students, designers, and other creative professionals looking for something to help keep the hands busy and the mind quiet. In a short time, the Knucklebone has helped spawn a whole community of related knuckle rollers, with many inspired designs. More details on the background of this unique item can be found on the AO2 website.

As a skill toy, players are still just scratching the surface of what is possible with the kbone, and we have a growing library of trick tutorials on our YouTube channel. But the real beauty of the kbone is that it functions just as well as a simple worry stone, and people with no interest in learning tricks seem to love their kbones just as much as those on the cutting edge of technical play.

Some of our favourite Kbones, starting with the original (left, circa 1989)

Our Campaign

While Aroundsquare has been around more than a decade, this is our first Kickstarter. As the Kbones have gained popularity among collectors, there has been a demand for new and interesting materials, many of which require significantly higher up front costs and larger minimum order quantities. Kickstarter is a natural fit to help gage interest and raise the funds to undertake this production. We are extremely excited to introduce three new models to our lineup through this campaign.

Three stunning new models: acrylic, wenge wood, and mokume gane

Clear Acrylic "Ice Bones"

High grade acrylic is a very robust material, and can be produced with extremely high clarity. This unique Knucklebone is our first application of this material, and we are very excited about the prototypes we've received. Not only do they play well and hold up extremely well to drops, but they are also intensely interesting for their optical effects. The refraction of light through the Ice Bones results in flipped and distorted images that just happen to lend themselves to smart phone photography. As a pocket carry item with very low weight, we're hoping this model will catch the attention of a whole new audience, and in so doing, introduce them to the other properties of this funky little toy. These weigh roughly 11.5g per piece, and have a smooth, grippy texture.

Clear acrylic "Ice Bone"

Wenge Wood Knucklebones

Wenge wood is an exotic species with a dark colour and gnarly striated grain patterns. Aroundsquare has produced kbones in four different woods previously, and each has their own personality. Wenge is, hands down, the most rustic, with a beautiful aged appearance, and an amazing texture that lends itself to all styles of Knucklebone play. These will be shipped raw, and the wood has a tendency to darken with use, accentuating the grains while polishing the surface at the same time. The wenge models, like the other wood models available currently, comes laser etched with our AO2 logo. These are quite variable in weight, due to the variable density of the wood, but most pieces are between 8.5g - 10.5g. The texture is rough, but not sharp or grippy.

Wenge wood Knucklebone

Mokume Gane Knucklebones

Since the very early days, folks have been asking for this material. Mokume gane is made from fusing together layers of metals, and working the billet into a patterned material that almost resembles wood grain. This elegant model may not be for everyone due to its weight and price point, but for those who know what they're getting into, you're bound to cherish this piece, and to appreciate it even more as the metals begin to patina and the grains pop. The weight of the mokume gane kbones is similar to the existing brass model, around 83g per piece, making it great for momentum based play, and for exercising the fingers. These will ship with a polished finish, which is smooth, but has some grip to it.

Mokume Gane Knucklebone

New Add-Ons

By popular request, we are adding in a couple of options for "add-ons". You can now choose to add on some new rewards, by increasing your pledge amount accordingly. Just add: $45USD (58CAD) for a titanium Knucklebone; or $15USD (19CAD) for an additional Ice Bone (if you're already Dual Wielder or above). Just click the button on the project that says "Manage your pledge" and you can get in and change the amount, or change the pledge level you've selected.

Add-on #1: Gr.5 Titanium Knucklebone

The first "add-on" option is the original gr. 5 titanium Knucklebone. This is the classic king of bones, sand blasted for optimum performance and a comfortable feel, and laser etched with the "aroundsquare" word mark letting everyone know this product is the real deal. These things age beautifully, and will last a lifetime. They normally sell for USD $60, but we're offering them for a steep discount as part of this campaign (approximately $45 as an add-on to any other backing level).

Add-on #2: Additional Clear Acrylic "Ice Bone"

The second "add-on" option is an additional clear acrylic Ice Bone, for just $15. *Please note that this option is only available for those pledging at the "Dual Wielder" level and above. If you are currently backing at the "Roller" level and would like a second Ice Bone, you can change your pledge level by clicking the green button in the project that says "Select this reward instead".

WARNING: Metal versions are heavy and solid--they can break things or hurt things if dropped. It is recommended that you play over carpet, couch, or the like, or outside. Other versions may look almost tasty, so keep them away from young kids, and don't let anyone try to ingest them. These are intended for people over 10 years old and up.