I've not done bending for years (the arthritis in my hands just ain't kind) BUT there are three
tricks to it all that make it amazing vs. a puzzle;
a.) Use Utensils that are a bit hefty vs. the lighter-gauged stuff so many tend to buy in bulk; you want the items bent to be tough on the hands of the typical spectator should they try to bend it back, etc.
b.) Constantly work on physical exercises that build strength in your hands so that you can deal with this heavier weight of metal via the single-handed bend techniques.
c.) Constantly experiment with alternative methods of getting a bend (even a slight one) on heavier metal items -- be aware of different means of gaining leverage, etc.
There is a tale about an Israeli magician named Roni Shachnaey who now resides in the UK. Back in the day when a certain Mr. Gellar was hitting the headlines a reporter brought in a very heavy gauged spoon to challenge the PK Wizard... Gellar managed to cop a bend but did so in a manner that the reporter readily caught on to. But then comes Roni, the same exact circumstances with the same reporter who was totally dumbfounded as to how Roni managed to get the bend sight unseen.
THE SECRET: Roni used his brain and scoped out the room to see what "tools" were available to him and where. He also understood how to exploit his own unique form of misdirection based on his persona -- all that know Roni will tell you how "different" he can be as well as captivating.
The moral of the story is, look for solutions that are outside the common paths used by everyone else and you'll end up with the greater kudos.
