Official Reviewer
Apr 01, 2024
Overview
Demon Hand is another version of a Bob Farmer trick popularized by Michael Ammar called The Little Hand. There were a few versions of this effect over the years and it has a curious history, which with a little research on the Magic Forums online might make for some interesting reading. The “hand” was available over the years as doll’s hands and more lifelike hands. There has been authorized releases, copied releases, homemade versions and now a “scary” version. The effect itself I would not call magical; it falls into the same category as The Fire Wallet. If you like that kind of “gag” type of presentation you may like Demon Hand.Effect
The performer displays a coin on his open palm. He makes it disappear and offers the spectators some insight on how he did it. It places the coin back onto his palm and a small demon’s claw reaches out from his other cupped hand, grabs the coin and scurries away.Method
The method required a small gimmicked hand that is hidden by the performer and a coin properly prepared for the trick. Through a series of basic sleights and well-coordinated hand movements, the little hand appears to reach out almost out of nowhere and grab the coin. The effect is a bit shocking when you first see it but the shock transitions to laughter because it is a bit silly.Product Quality
What you receive is a “scary looking” hand, either looking like a demon’s hand or a zombie’s hand. The hand itself is about 2.5” tall and comes in a small plastic box. Included with the hand is a special coin and a gimmick to adapt any coin for use. You can also use the gimmick on any coin you wish within reason. Obviously, the coin can’t be so large and heavy that it can’t be withdrawn by the small hand. Also included is a link to two instructional videos which total 45 minutes between them. The videos cover the origin of the effect, the basic handling, two different performances depending on whether or not you are sitting or standing, additional ideas and sizing the gimmick to your finger. The instructional video is in Chinese but there are English subtitles. The pace of the video is slow enough for you to read the subtitles and follow along. The fact that it is subtitled, doesn’t affect the learning of the trick. I’m pretty sure that the instructional videos are the most extensive “training” for this trick that there ever was. The original release by Michael Ammar had only a couple of pages of written instructions. It was rereleased with a short video featuring Rick Lax, but that version is no longer available. Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy is accurate and if you like this kind of effect, then this is probably the only commercially available version on the market.Final Thoughts
As a side note, I think the asking price is pretty steep for a small rubber hand.
