Price$29.95
Media TypeTrick
CategoryGeneral
Date AddedApr 12, 2016
The Traveler
Copeland, Jeff
Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.
(Based on 2 reviews)
Each Traveler is meticulously selected from the finest, cured goat leather, and individually hand sewn by a seasoned, leather tanning artisan. Each Traveler will also include a secret URL that will deliver five original routines from Jeff's working library to use with your new Traveler Coin Wallet.
The Traveler is the world first coin wallet to infuse magic and aesthetic function into one unique coin wallet that will gain natural character over time.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
If you carry more than one coin in your pocket when performing magic, you likely carry them in a coin purse. These days, even if you eliminate poorly made wallets, you have countless options to choose from. Among those, the variety in appearance, material, shape and functionality make the decision even harder.
Enter the “Traveler” wallet by Jeff Copeland. First things first, it’s an excellently made wallet that will last you many years of use. In fact, as Mr. Copeland explains, his has been in his pocket for 12 years and has only improved with age. It should be pointed out that, as it is made from actual leather, it does need to be broken in to get maximum functionality and for ease of use. (Though, in my case, it didn’t take a substantial amount of work or time to break in.)
Its design is the first thing that sets the Traveler apart from other wallets. It opens and closes somewhat like the lens of a camera, making it very distinctive and visually interesting. This also leads to my favorite aspect of the wallet, which is that, while flat when storing coins, when opened it assumes the shape of a leather cup. (This is definitely a case of a picture being worth a thousand words, so go to www.copelandcoins.com and check out the images if my description isn’t clear.)
What this means is that, when opened up, the wallet becomes a prop that can be used as part of a magic performance. There are many existing routines that utilize a coin purse as part of the effect, but its shape allows the Traveler to be used for many routines that would otherwise require the performer to carry or obtain a glass. Further, the nature, softness and opacity of the leather mean that this wallet can accomplish many things a regular glass cannot. On top of this, Mr. Copeland has built a special feature into the wallet that allows for the holding out of a coin or coins, expanding the possible uses of the wallet. Many of these applications can be seen in the almost three hour tutorial video that accompanies the wallet.
The tutorial video covers an in depth exploration of the features of the wallet, along with four thoroughly explained routines that utilize the Traveler in performance, as well as a few bonus ideas. The routines are workers and come from Mr. Copeland’s personal repertoire, which is a refreshing change of pace from many releases these days, where the routines taught seem to have been created right after the prop was invented and clearly haven’t been worked out to the nth degree as these routines have.
The tricks taught include a shrinking and growing coin that ends with a jumbo coin production, a version of the wild coin plot, a multiple phase poker chip transformation routine with an unusual jumbo production kicker, and a 3 coin vanish and production sequence that uses the wallet for the finale. While none of the routines blew me away, there were several moments that fooled me and a number of the other techniques and methods were clever and effective. The props required for these effects should be in the possession of most magicians, with the exception of the production items for the poker chip routine, a set of which can be purchased online for around $8. The sleights required will be familiar to the intermediate coin worker, and the explanations cover every possible detail. And while not succinct, I did appreciate that Mr. Copeland took the time to cover every possible element he could think to address.
For $30, the price of the Traveler is right in line with many of the gimmicked coin wallets available today. Given its quality, even if you just use it to carry coins, it’s worth the cost. But when you add in the amount of material taught, the wallet’s ability to hold out coins, as well the option to use it as a cup, it’s an excellent purchase, well worth the asking price.
Enter the “Traveler” wallet by Jeff Copeland. First things first, it’s an excellently made wallet that will last you many years of use. In fact, as Mr. Copeland explains, his has been in his pocket for 12 years and has only improved with age. It should be pointed out that, as it is made from actual leather, it does need to be broken in to get maximum functionality and for ease of use. (Though, in my case, it didn’t take a substantial amount of work or time to break in.)
Its design is the first thing that sets the Traveler apart from other wallets. It opens and closes somewhat like the lens of a camera, making it very distinctive and visually interesting. This also leads to my favorite aspect of the wallet, which is that, while flat when storing coins, when opened it assumes the shape of a leather cup. (This is definitely a case of a picture being worth a thousand words, so go to www.copelandcoins.com and check out the images if my description isn’t clear.)
What this means is that, when opened up, the wallet becomes a prop that can be used as part of a magic performance. There are many existing routines that utilize a coin purse as part of the effect, but its shape allows the Traveler to be used for many routines that would otherwise require the performer to carry or obtain a glass. Further, the nature, softness and opacity of the leather mean that this wallet can accomplish many things a regular glass cannot. On top of this, Mr. Copeland has built a special feature into the wallet that allows for the holding out of a coin or coins, expanding the possible uses of the wallet. Many of these applications can be seen in the almost three hour tutorial video that accompanies the wallet.
The tutorial video covers an in depth exploration of the features of the wallet, along with four thoroughly explained routines that utilize the Traveler in performance, as well as a few bonus ideas. The routines are workers and come from Mr. Copeland’s personal repertoire, which is a refreshing change of pace from many releases these days, where the routines taught seem to have been created right after the prop was invented and clearly haven’t been worked out to the nth degree as these routines have.
The tricks taught include a shrinking and growing coin that ends with a jumbo coin production, a version of the wild coin plot, a multiple phase poker chip transformation routine with an unusual jumbo production kicker, and a 3 coin vanish and production sequence that uses the wallet for the finale. While none of the routines blew me away, there were several moments that fooled me and a number of the other techniques and methods were clever and effective. The props required for these effects should be in the possession of most magicians, with the exception of the production items for the poker chip routine, a set of which can be purchased online for around $8. The sleights required will be familiar to the intermediate coin worker, and the explanations cover every possible detail. And while not succinct, I did appreciate that Mr. Copeland took the time to cover every possible element he could think to address.
For $30, the price of the Traveler is right in line with many of the gimmicked coin wallets available today. Given its quality, even if you just use it to carry coins, it’s worth the cost. But when you add in the amount of material taught, the wallet’s ability to hold out coins, as well the option to use it as a cup, it’s an excellent purchase, well worth the asking price.
(Top ▲)
Every now and then a utility hits the magic market that is truly, very versatile. This is just such an item.
What it is, outright, is a coin purse that is kind of like those leather ones that twist shut. This one does that but it is square and it does oh, so much more...
It comes in a nice cardboard drawer box with a link to the online video instructions which can be downloaded. The ad copy (in all of its minimal glory) and the ad trailer are both 100% honest and there are no false claims. The ad copy does say that "The Traveler is the world first coin wallet to infuse magic and aesthetic function into one unique coin wallet..." which I would say is not quite true, but it is not a deceptive statement. There have been other 'functional' coin wallets (ones that do more than just carry coins) released by other makers but the design is not the same as The Traveler.
The purse itself is very well made, is real leather and looks like a "hip" (like the 'in' thing at the moment) little change purse. I would not necessarily call it classy (in the way a Kohler Coin Purse would be considered classy) because it has a more rugged look, but in a cool way. It also has something special built into it. In fact, this something special is integrated so well into the design that I had the purse for a week, played around with it (all before even watching the video for the first time) and I never spotted it and I am normally very observant. The purse is not gimmicked per se, but this extra feature allows for some very magical possibilities.
The video is very well shot, typical of any Murphy's video - the audio, video and lighting quality were superb. The video is over 3 hours long with lots of ideas, hints, tips and even some great effects all taught by Jeff Copeland. The first effect that Jeff teaches takes him 45 minutes and gets a bit repetitive, but everything is clear and easy to understand.
Jeff shows you how to condition and break-in your Traveler, the best way to care for it and how to utilize it for much more than carrying your coins in. The main compartment of the Traveler will hold 4-5 American Silver Dollar sized coins and 6-8 American Half Dollar sized coins.
There are no limits to the kinds of effects or even the types of objects that can be used with this - basically any object that is the rough dimension of a coin, that is to say, relatively flat or compact and not too large in diameter, will work. Folded playing cards, billets, bank notes, poker chips, etc. Jeff even makes a few suggestions on other items to use this for, but his main focus is using it with coins.
Jeff teaches Coin to Purse effect, a production sequence, a Vanish sequence and a really nice version of Wild Coin. The Wild Coin that he teaches goes from Silver to Copper and back. At the end he also shows you how to get a third change into Chinese coins, but he does not actually perform that part because as he said, he had not worked it enough to practice and it was an idea given to him by Curtis Kam. It would not be hard to work out, you just to have to routine it.
Another effect that he teaches has a Flurry-esque feel to it but not at a fast clip, and it ends with a jumbo 3-inch coin coming out of the purse! This one is very clever and yes, the jumbo coin is see to actually be coming out of the purse!
There is yet another couple of effects that use coins and poker chips as a transformation which will play nicely into some gambling-themed effects, or will be a very nice transition into a set of poker chip flourishes if you do anything like that.
Because of the way the wallet is made, you can open it up and it will stand on its own, remaining completely open like and open-top box. After you condition the Traveler, it will also spring shut with the lightest touch. Also because of the design, there is a way you can visibly (apparently) toss the coin into the open purse and then show it empty a moment later. From the perspective of the audience, they actually see the coin going into the purse.
Another thing that you can do which ties into the design is a move that is akin to the Benzais Friction Palm, but using the purse instead of your fingers. This is a very useful feature for a great many effects that can be done with this purse. Switching, changes, transpositions, holding out, getting one-ahead, getting one-behind, producing, vanishing and even ditching!
Overall, there is no shortage of things to be done and the limit is quite literally only your imagination. Not only do you get a quality coin purse but you get a very versatile utility item and a video chock full of ideas, all worth well over the $30/USD price tag. You definitely get the bang for your buck on this one!
If you like coin magic and use coin wallets in your work or if you have ever wanted a utility device that can be used to great advantage in your coin magic, this is definitely for you!
VERY Highly Recommended!
What it is, outright, is a coin purse that is kind of like those leather ones that twist shut. This one does that but it is square and it does oh, so much more...
It comes in a nice cardboard drawer box with a link to the online video instructions which can be downloaded. The ad copy (in all of its minimal glory) and the ad trailer are both 100% honest and there are no false claims. The ad copy does say that "The Traveler is the world first coin wallet to infuse magic and aesthetic function into one unique coin wallet..." which I would say is not quite true, but it is not a deceptive statement. There have been other 'functional' coin wallets (ones that do more than just carry coins) released by other makers but the design is not the same as The Traveler.
The purse itself is very well made, is real leather and looks like a "hip" (like the 'in' thing at the moment) little change purse. I would not necessarily call it classy (in the way a Kohler Coin Purse would be considered classy) because it has a more rugged look, but in a cool way. It also has something special built into it. In fact, this something special is integrated so well into the design that I had the purse for a week, played around with it (all before even watching the video for the first time) and I never spotted it and I am normally very observant. The purse is not gimmicked per se, but this extra feature allows for some very magical possibilities.
The video is very well shot, typical of any Murphy's video - the audio, video and lighting quality were superb. The video is over 3 hours long with lots of ideas, hints, tips and even some great effects all taught by Jeff Copeland. The first effect that Jeff teaches takes him 45 minutes and gets a bit repetitive, but everything is clear and easy to understand.
Jeff shows you how to condition and break-in your Traveler, the best way to care for it and how to utilize it for much more than carrying your coins in. The main compartment of the Traveler will hold 4-5 American Silver Dollar sized coins and 6-8 American Half Dollar sized coins.
There are no limits to the kinds of effects or even the types of objects that can be used with this - basically any object that is the rough dimension of a coin, that is to say, relatively flat or compact and not too large in diameter, will work. Folded playing cards, billets, bank notes, poker chips, etc. Jeff even makes a few suggestions on other items to use this for, but his main focus is using it with coins.
Jeff teaches Coin to Purse effect, a production sequence, a Vanish sequence and a really nice version of Wild Coin. The Wild Coin that he teaches goes from Silver to Copper and back. At the end he also shows you how to get a third change into Chinese coins, but he does not actually perform that part because as he said, he had not worked it enough to practice and it was an idea given to him by Curtis Kam. It would not be hard to work out, you just to have to routine it.
Another effect that he teaches has a Flurry-esque feel to it but not at a fast clip, and it ends with a jumbo 3-inch coin coming out of the purse! This one is very clever and yes, the jumbo coin is see to actually be coming out of the purse!
There is yet another couple of effects that use coins and poker chips as a transformation which will play nicely into some gambling-themed effects, or will be a very nice transition into a set of poker chip flourishes if you do anything like that.
Because of the way the wallet is made, you can open it up and it will stand on its own, remaining completely open like and open-top box. After you condition the Traveler, it will also spring shut with the lightest touch. Also because of the design, there is a way you can visibly (apparently) toss the coin into the open purse and then show it empty a moment later. From the perspective of the audience, they actually see the coin going into the purse.
Another thing that you can do which ties into the design is a move that is akin to the Benzais Friction Palm, but using the purse instead of your fingers. This is a very useful feature for a great many effects that can be done with this purse. Switching, changes, transpositions, holding out, getting one-ahead, getting one-behind, producing, vanishing and even ditching!
Overall, there is no shortage of things to be done and the limit is quite literally only your imagination. Not only do you get a quality coin purse but you get a very versatile utility item and a video chock full of ideas, all worth well over the $30/USD price tag. You definitely get the bang for your buck on this one!
If you like coin magic and use coin wallets in your work or if you have ever wanted a utility device that can be used to great advantage in your coin magic, this is definitely for you!
VERY Highly Recommended!