talkmagic.co.uk

[TheOldForum]

Name:Haunted Key
Price:about £7
Available From:This Site
Type:Misc
Difficulty:2/5
Performance Time: About 30 secs
Examinable:Yes Completely, Before and afterwards
Reset Time:Instantly
This is my first review so don't be too hard on me please guys.

Effect: A large key is seen to turn over mysteriously and spontaneously on the hand.

There are mixed views about this trick and I personally think that this trick is not worth the money. Performing this while going from table to table isn't advised, it is more of a trick that you just produce from your pocket sometime and do. I have had many mixed reactions from this trick from a few saying "what the f**k" to others seeing the trick for what it is instantly. Supposedly you can peform this trick on the spectator's hand yet I find this hard to believe and I don't really have the balls to do it as It seems like it is so easy to work out.

I give this trick a meagre 4/10 simply being saved by the fact that it can be viewed from nearly every angle and that it is fully examinable before and after the trick.

[TheOldForum]

Sorry I don't Know if the Key is availible from this site, as i just copied this review from an earlier review I did on a different site. It will be available from other magic shops though I'm sure

[TheOldForum]

When done in the right setting, the Haunted Key is stunning. The key (pun intended) to the effect is presenting it in a certain context - as part of a routine involving other 'bizarre' magic. I agree that it's probably not the best trick for table-hopping. Done with a small group of people by candlelight spun around a ghost story...when that key turns over in your hand it will raise the hair on the back of their necks.

The effect can be enhanced by using an old key. I bought a large old heavy iron key, about 5 inches long, on eBay (for £2).

Granted, the trick won't be everyone's cup of tea. But if you're interested in learning more about 'bizarre magick' I can highly recommend Eugene Burger's book 'Spirit Theater'. It's not cheap (and there are just 6 full descriptions of effects) but includes a look at the history of spiritualism and the 19th century fascination with seances & mediums, combined with some nicely presented routines. These include: spirit writing & ghost slates; Hindu/Gipsy thread (the best set-up & presentation I've seen) and an extended Haunted Key routine among others. The book also includes interviews with notable advocates of 'bizarre magick' Max Maven & Tony Andruzzi. It's an interesting read.

[TheOldForum]

i use the haunted key for table hopping and childrens shows, because it is instant reset.
you might try adding this, get yourself an empty cotton reel and say that it contains essence of spider web.
hand out the key and ask specs to check it for hidden compartments or trap doors, meanwile take a pice of "thread", set key on hand and rap thread on tang of key pull thread over tip of finger and wind slowly.
the winding distracts people from looking at your hand, also it alows you better control of the "balance".
what do you think?.

[Magic Man]

This trick is more of a puzzle rather than an amazing illusion. Its a trick that should be brought out as a teaser. For 7 quid i personally dont think it is worth it but if you can find just an ordinary style key that works its okay.

[magicdiscoman]

i have used the haunted key for about three years now in one form or another.
the silver regular version is indeed more ballanced than the gold.
please bear in mind this section is open forum, we dont want to give the game away do we, otherwise people wont buy this trick which has served me well.
i agree its more a curiosity than a trick but it very versatile, you can use a hair from a spectaters head to move the key, suggest the attractiveness of the key to fellow magicians/sex/race ect.
my personal favourate the giant concealed magnet in my other enpty hand (surgicly implanted).
i use my key in bars and resturants to get the customers interested then give them a card.
my key has paid for itself over and over again.

[Antonio]

A brilliant trick...
The 'secret' is extremely well hidden...
When I first saw it,I was amazed!!!

4/10...?
NO WAY!!!

7-8/10.

[jabba01]

Having just taken delivery of this, I have to say I am somewhat disapointed. Not a great effect, but it was very cheap. Provesthe adage you get what you pay for.

[magicdiscoman]

its all in the handeling, a coin palm is basic but with proper handeling a coin vanish can amse and delight

[Antonio]

coin palm?
What are we talking about here?

[magicdiscoman]

I'm meerly making a point that like the colur changing silks the secret is basic but the effect can be made starteling with the proper handeling.
the haunted key can be used to predict a chosen card, colur shape etc.
it can be used to find an audience member for a trick, its a versatile little instant reset trick what more can you ask for for the price

[Antonio]

Oh, I see!
Your right.

[Pedey]

This is actually a cracking trick. If you don't know how it is done and you are watching it trying to work it out, you could watch it for a month of Sundays and you won't get it. For £7 it is a gem in my book.

That said I think the £7 version is best performed in a child's hands. Sadly for my hands, I need the £777 version!