Review by Andy Martin for Mentalist Pad – Original by Jerry O'Connell
5 out of 5
What a great idea!
By now you probably realise what I think about Jerry O’Connell’s leather craftsmanship. But this beautiful device is not only made with the same great attention to detail that Jerry is famous for, but it really is a clever piece of magic.
Basically, it is the old add a number idea (3 or 4 people each write down a number and then a final spectator adds them up and it matches your prediction) but the way the gimmick works you can do the bit of business right in front of the audience, with nothing to steal away and no flaps to mess with. The wallet can even be handed to the spectator with absolutely no fear of the secret being discovered. It is perfectly engineered like no other effect of this nature I have seen.
Jerry O’Connell is the master of his craft and I am amazed it has taken me so long to get on board!
Review by Andy Martin for Packet Trick Wallet – Original by Jerry O'Connell
5 out of 5
More beautiful Leather Work from Jerry!
When it comes to functional and beautiful Jerry O’Connell always shines. He uses everything he makes and so it just works. I enjoy the odd packet trick just like the rest of them, but carrying and storing them is often a pain. With Jerry’s Packet Trick Wallet storage is a snap and it looks so much better than those cheap plastic holders!
As with all of Jerry’s leather work, you can’t fault it for quality or utility.
Review by Andy Martin for Double Packet Trick Holder – Original by Jerry O'Connell
5 out of 5
0ne Packet, Two Packets, Six Packets … Jerry has them all!
I love Jerry’s leather work, absolutely love it! I also have a fondness for the odd packet trick and storing them is sometimes a challenge. This particular Double packet Trick Holder is perfect for those times when you have two packet tricks that you do one after the other.
It works the way it should, and of course it does – it is an O’Connell!
Review by Andy Martin for Small No-Palm Wallet – Original by Jerry O'Connell
5 out of 5
The Wallets to Beat!
Jerry’s line of leather wallets are so fine it is hard not just to buy everything he makes. I first purchased the larger No-Palm Wallet that Jerry produces – which I love, but sometimes you need that slightly smaller wallet and so Jerry has one just for that occaision.
The action on both No-Palms is perfect and if you ever wanted to do a card to wallet type effect, but were nervous, with Jerry’s system you can’t fail.
I think the Grand Canyon is awesome and the use of the word for normal things is way too abused, but sometimes when I look at Jerry’s leather work I do feel a sense of awe!
Review by Andy Martin for Magician's Changing Chest by Mikame Craft
5 out of 5
This is one of Mikame’s Finest!
This is a very well made chest for switching cards, billets, business cards, and other small thin items. It’s primary unique feature is that the gimmick does not operate until you press the secret release – this means that you can have a spectator freely open and close it and nothing will happen until you are ready. The gimmick operates very well and is pretty much invisible.
It also looks very nice and is a pleasure to operate. Of course Mikame are not the first to have a card box like this and in fact Viking/Collector’s Workshop have two devices that are actually better in some circumstances.
Chameleon Chest which has a larger load area and is used very much to switch billets. Unfortunately, you cannot give it out for examination – normal handling is ok, but you have to watch the spectator. The Chameleon Chest also comes with some very wonderful routines by Larry Becker.
Psychic Sword – this box is actually closest to the features of the Mikame Changing Chest, in that it has a locking mechanism such that the box can be opened and closed before operating the gimmick. The mechanism is well hidden, but not secret and the gimmick could be operated almost without a spectator knowing it. Probably unlikely, but certainly not impossible. The Mikame one is secret and could not operate without knowing the secret.
So which one do you choose? Well I guess I would choose Chameleon Chest first, then Psychic Sword, then the Mikame one. However, having all three is a perfect solution and you will find times when each one proves useful!
Review by Doug King for Ultimate Finger Chopper (Cocobolo) by Chance Wolf
5 out of 5
A "cut" above the rest!
Wow! This piece is a real beauty! I hate to even use it… it makes such a nice display piece. Chance is a genious! This baby is heavy-duty… and a real stunner! I’ve seen a lot of choppers… but this one is definately a "cut" above the rest!
Review by Tyler Argo for Blade Runner by Wild Magic
5 out of 5
Just Beautiful
This is a beautiful piece made from walnut that can be a functioning piece or is worthy of keeping in a display case for collection’s sake. It is nicely made and works great. I’ve had great reactions from it. The fact that there is absolutely no gimmick to find and that it is made of such fine materials elevates the effect to the next level. A great piece. I love mine.
Review by George Guerra for Ultimate Finger Chopper (Cocobolo) by Chance Wolf
5 out of 5
Ultimate…INDEED!
Well, first I must mention that I have never been a fan of the finger chopper effects. I did buy a Mafia Manicure because of the acclaims I have read over this item, but frankly, I have not been impressed and, though I still have it, it’s not part of my collection. So, when Chance came up with this effect, I bought it based solely on my overwhelming enthusiasm with this Paddlecraft sets.
Received it today and the first impression was what a beautiful piece of handcrafted magic. Very solid construction throughout. The exotic wood touches to the handle and base give the apparatus a warm feel. After reading the instructions, which by the way has a very entertaining routine, I decided to try it in front of the mirror. WOW!…what a great illusion. The shape and height of the red velvet bag allowed me to do the effect at about a comfortable chest level as I looked down without any flashing.
There are no guides for the blade as you insert it into the apparatus but saw no problems with the performance. The curvature of the handle and the matching curve at the top of the apparatus insures that the blade ends firmly positioned on striking it down. Actually I found it easier to handle the blade in and out without the strict limitations of movement that a built-in guide would do.
Overall, I love this piece. It’s the kind of magic I love to collect and I have some very nice pieces in my collection as many will attest. I am impressed, Chance, and I look forward to ALL your mini-magic releases. They will all find a special place in my collection. One important point: I can’t believe this type of quality magic is so inexpensive. You simply can not avoid this gorgeous item, whether you are a collector or a performer.
Review by Andy Martin for Ultimate Finger Chopper (Cocobolo) by Chance Wolf
5 out of 5
Mini Magic Marvel!
Chance Wolf continues to keep all the mini-magic guys very, very happy with his latest creation. This finger chopper really is a beauty to behold. Very solid construction, beautiful finish, perfect mechanism, and great value.
Chance should actually consider making a full-size one in exactly the same style as it really is a nice version of the French Arm Chopper. Of course he should only do this as long as it does not stop him making his next mini-magic item …
Now as wonderful as this chopper is – and it truly is – I was not sure how convincing an illusion it is. With the standard sized French Arm Chopper the illusion of the hand falling off is very convincing. However, with this mini version I was not so sure. After reading the instructions some more and a quick email to speedy response Chance I have my answer. As long as you do it quickly the illusion is perfect! Come on don’t be shy, just give it a hard strike! The great thing about Chance’s props is that they are designed to be handled in the real world, and this baby can certainly handle some rough handling!
A good online video, that Chance does so well, of the effect in action would also help. In fact, there are some details in the great routine that is included that suggests the illusion is very effective.
Either way, Chance has another winner on his hands. Keep them coming Wolf Man!
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