Killer Key is an updated version of the old Chinatown Half trick. In that trick, a Chinese-style coin (which has a hole in the center) changes place with a US fifty-cent piece. The hole, through which you can see the palm of the performer’s hand, makes the trick particularly puzzling to those who might suspect a mere double-sided coin is being used. In Killer Key, the hole at the top of the key serves the same purpose, albeit in a much subtler fashion due to its smaller size.

Killer Key simultaneously solves one problem with Chinatown Half, while introducing another. The problem it solves is that a key is a common place and unsuspicious object, compared to an unusual Chinese-like coin. Or, at least it would be, if Sankey had provided you with a key that was cut to fit a lock. Instead, it’s a blank, which means you can’t pass it off as a key you’d normally carry.

The problem that Killer Key introduces is one of logic. With Chinatown Half, two coins are changing places. In this trick, you use a key and a US five-cent piece. This presents a thematic challenge; perhaps one that you will enjoy solving.

Killer Key is well-made (except for that blank-key oversight) and the instructions aren’t fancy, but they’re clear enough and include handling alternatives for different skill levels and situations. It’s also a very visual trick, one that could play well, if you’re able to come up with a reason for doing it in the first place.