Price$25.00
Media TypeTrick
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedJul 23, 2007
PaperClip
Sam Fitton
(Based on 1 review)
Read this twice. It is like no other metal bending routine on the planet.
Effect
You take a borrowed paperclip from a spectator and ask them to bend it into an 'S' shape. They do so and hand it back to you. You then take the paperclip and immediately begin to bending it at will with the power of your mind. It twists and turns right in front of the spectators eyes. They can see the bend visually form. Until finally it snaps, falling into the spectators awaiting hands. It is immediately examinable and you are clean.
If you think this is not practical, think again.
This effect is totally impromptu once you have the gimmick on you. Any paperclip, any time, any place, completely angle proof and totally examinable before and after. And there's no switching or sleights!
Sounds to good to be true? Good!
Comes complete with gimmick and instruction booklet.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
I really wish I could have tested this fully. I couldn't for two reasons:
1. The instructions require a piece of apparatus that wasn't included and which I don't have. I created a makeshift version so that I could at least try it out.
2. Finding the "optimum paperclip" isn't exactly easy. The author gives some general guidelines, but I don't think the folks at OfficeMax are going to look kindly on me opening boxes of paperclips. The author does suggest a particular brand and model, but they're manufactured and sold in the UK. I suppose I could have ordered some online, but I didn't feel the need to spend the extra money, just to review this product.
Based on the time I've spent with this effect, here are my thoughts:
The idea is wonderful. If you put the effort into making this work, I think it could be a wonderful piece of magic. The paperclip bends, and then breaks, on its own… no messing around and no funny moves.
The problem seems to be with reliability. It was almost impossible to make it work with the paperclips I use in my office – and I tried several types and sizes. Even with the "perfect" set of props, I can't guarantee this will work flawlessly 100% of the time. It's a lot like juggling. You have to get everything "just right" to make the illusion work. That's great for TV, but beware if you're thinking of using this in the real world.
P.S. I just read the product description. The "any paperclip" part is absolute BS.
1. The instructions require a piece of apparatus that wasn't included and which I don't have. I created a makeshift version so that I could at least try it out.
2. Finding the "optimum paperclip" isn't exactly easy. The author gives some general guidelines, but I don't think the folks at OfficeMax are going to look kindly on me opening boxes of paperclips. The author does suggest a particular brand and model, but they're manufactured and sold in the UK. I suppose I could have ordered some online, but I didn't feel the need to spend the extra money, just to review this product.
Based on the time I've spent with this effect, here are my thoughts:
The idea is wonderful. If you put the effort into making this work, I think it could be a wonderful piece of magic. The paperclip bends, and then breaks, on its own… no messing around and no funny moves.
The problem seems to be with reliability. It was almost impossible to make it work with the paperclips I use in my office – and I tried several types and sizes. Even with the "perfect" set of props, I can't guarantee this will work flawlessly 100% of the time. It's a lot like juggling. You have to get everything "just right" to make the illusion work. That's great for TV, but beware if you're thinking of using this in the real world.
P.S. I just read the product description. The "any paperclip" part is absolute BS.