K’nex is the brand name of a toy construction system that uses interconnecting rods and connectors. These parts are made out of plastic. By connecting them together, one can build many different types of designs and structures.
The idea behind the toy started when the inventor, Joel Glickman was at a wedding. He was wondering what would happen if he connected his straw with other straws. From there, he and his brother created the company and produced the K’nex line of toys.
As mentioned earlier, there are 2 basic shapes used in the K’nex brand, the rods and connectors. However, as the toy became more popular, the company decided to introduce newer parts such as gears, spacers, locks, hinges, motors, wheels and even pulleys. They also decided to add more colors.
Touted as the world’s most creative construction toy, it is in the same category as other construction toys like Lego, Meccano and Mega Blocks.