talkmagic.co.uk

Hi there!

I saw that Crazy Man's Handcuffs is an ID on PenguinMagic.

Is it gimmicked (i.e. make-it-yourself gimmick) or is it entirely sleight/illusion?

Also, how difficult is it? I'm only just starting to enter the world of non-card magic (after seeing the reactions from Misled), and I don't really want to buy a $10 ID only to find that it's way above my ability.

Thanks a lot!

Kati

This is an effect using two normal, ungimmicked elastic bands and although it's not too difficult, it does require plenty of practice to get it right.

It's a sleight that when perfected, creates the illusion that the elastic bands melt through each other. You can also perform this with one of the elastic bands on the spectators hand for increased effect.

I think that size 10 bands are recommended as being the best but someone will confirm this one way or the other.

Thanks - this is definitely going into my shopping cart!

Kati

There are a number of threads already on this site and I'd recommend a search for elastic bands as well as for the title itself.

I love elastic band magic, i only really started doing it just before christmas, but, i have used rubber bands in every single table hopping evening i have worked. Crazy Mans handcuffs is brilliant, not too difficult to do, but as Dat said, it does require plenty of practice to make it look visually strong.

I recommend it through and through

Without giving too much away, CMH uses just one 'move' and this is taught in many places. Dan Harlan does a complete set of routines on one of his DVDs, Dan Turcott also offers his tuition as a download - both are excellent teaching materials. Michael Ammar includes a full chapter in his book, 'The Magic of Michael Ammar' which is available from his website. All these have been reviewed or mentioned here on TM so have a search around for more info. I have to admit that the DVD and Dan's videod routines helped me more that Michael's written instructions but his routine is sheer genius once you've got the move sorted. After all that, you can carry just 2 normal rubber bands (of the right size) and perform anywhere, anytime.

Size 19 bands are the recommended size. I do a lot of rubber band effects and yet the best reaction is to this effect

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I love this trick, really works well...

Wow, this is an old post!