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I know nothing what so ever about escapology and have no particular desire to learn but..........I need to escape from a pair of handcuffs, very quickly. Are there any decent quality gimmicked handcuffs on the market that can be well examined before and after but can be easily released when required.
Thanks, Ed

Ed Wood wrote:I need to escape from a pair of handcuffs, very quickly.

Sorry, I cannot help you, but this made me laugh.

Many regulation handcuffs need the spike at the end of the key to be pressed into a small hole near the lock to be fully locked. A cop or security man will know this, but a lay man won't. So if you have a layman lock you, he will assume you are secure when in fact you can get out very easily. Have a close look at the handcuffs you will be using (unless you need to supply your own, in which case a visit to a sex-shop, or a big magic dealer such as http://blackcatmagicuk.com/shop/ will sort you out.

TonyB wrote:Many regulation handcuffs need the spike at the end of the key to be pressed into a small hole near the lock to be fully locked. A cop or security man will know this, but a lay man won't. So if you have a layman lock you, he will assume you are secure when in fact you can get out very easily. Have a close look at the handcuffs you will be using (unless you need to supply your own, in which case a visit to a sex-shop, or a big magic dealer such as http://blackcatmagicuk.com/shop/" target="_blank will sort you out.

I may have to purchase some DVD's whilst in the sex shop to, ummmm, give me instruction in the correct use of the handcuffs

http://www.magicbox.uk.com/quick-release-handcuffs.html

http://www.learnmagictricks.org/video.php?v=23527

food for thought.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/S-S-ESCAPE-HANDCUFFS-SYSTEM/dp/B000VZP0LI/ref=sr_1_41?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353275737&sr=1-41

Canon's is the better known supplier for escape equipment -- http://cannonsgreatescapes.com/

I'd also suggest you talk with Viking Mfg. in that they have put out gaffed cuffs & locks -- http://www.vikingmagic.com/

Mark Stevens @ Stevens Magic Emporium may be able to hook you up with the guy that was supplying them for a while, with some great selections at a fair price. They do have a nice inventory of videos & books that cover the topic as well -- http://stevensmagic.com/

Here's a few other resources I found on line but I can't speak as to the quality with any of them except Chadwick at the bottom of the list, Bruce is a good guy that knows his stuff.

http://www.richardsherrysmagic.com/restraints/restraints.php

http://www.magicworld.co.uk/magic-shop/Gimmick-X-Handcuff-Escape-Tool-Escapology.html

http://www.illusionwarehouse.com/Cart/items.php?CA=16&UID=20121119082853


There are some "How To" sites out there but I'm not listing them given how some my view such sources as "exposure", something I don't feel applicable in this case.

Does it have to be handcuffs.

Thumbcuffs are much easier and just as secure. No gimmicks needed.

Another thought. . . most law enforcement agencies have more or less replaced handcuffs with a heavy-duty zip-tie system. I know I've seen a few escape routines listed on these but can't point you to them at present (I can't believe I'm saying this) go to the Magic Cafe and check their escape artist section; ask around and you will probably find some reliable sources. . . and don't ignore "Mr. Escape" if he chimes in, he's forgotten more about escapes than most of those guys ever knew existed; he's a legend in the business.

I know this is an old thread but:

What you need is a pair of Ian McColl's ADA handcuffs. If you can find them they are worth their weight in gold for escape routines.

I've made a few pairs that are set to open with certain movements. PM me if you would like more information.

American ADA Smith and Wesson Model 100


Or the Current issue UK Hiatt


or the older era irish 8


All depends on what your show/act requires.