I don’t know where this thing comes from, Hungary, I think. I saw it at my fav magic emporium, and passed it up at first. But something made me think about those curious black cubes. Well I came back and bought them. To be perfectly honest it has taken two weeks to figure out the instructions. English is not the inventor’s main language. But having struggled though this and adding some finesse and alot of BS, it is one of my fav mental routines. My magic circle is quite astute, but after experiencing the Mental cubes they are clueless. Bravo Astor, keep it up but get a better Dictionary.
Review by Doug King for The Challenge of Professor Moriarty by Francois Danis
5 out of 5
Piece By Piece!
I am delighted to add this, another piece, to my Danis collection! I love the Sherlock Holmes "mystery" touch to this piece… and the woodwork is masterful, as usual. The cutout silhouette of Sherlock Holmes on the box is a nice addition to the box itself. I’m ready for another piece from Francois!
Review by Andy Martin for The Challenge of Professor Moriarty by Francois Danis
5 out of 5
More Intriguing and Unique Magic from France!
Francois Danis is on a roll! His latest piece evokes the mysterious and wonderful world of Sherlock Holmes. When I first saw this item I was reminded of the Winston Freer Tile Puzzle. But this is a totally different effect and method.
To an interesting patter story Holmes is challenged by Moriarty to figure out how to take this perfect rectangle and add not one but two pieces to it. What is cool about this item is you show the puzzle filling the box, then you shake it out onto the table and after adding each new piece not only does the puzzle still make a perfect rectangle, when it is replaced into the box (with the two extra pieces) it still fits perfectly into the box with no gaps. It looks exactly as it did before the two pieces were added with no clue as to how this mystery could have occurred.
Everything can be examined too and the reset is almost instant. There is a very simple move which is covered perfectly in the routine and although the method is simple, I think even Sherlock Holmes himself would appreciate how diabolical it is!
The finish on this item is not quite as nice as Francois’ last two Dominoes effects, but it is very close. And I think I prefer this item to perform. Francois really has a nice collection of items now.
Highly Recommended for Collector’s and Performers!
Review by The Outsider for The Challenge of Professor Moriarty by Francois Danis
5 out of 5
the Amazing Francois Danis
Well he has done it once again! The French artist Mr Danis, has made the ultimate paradoxical puzzle. Prof Moriarity has kidnapped Dr. Watson and proposes a sinister game with the great Detective, who will win? This amazing peice will have spectators talking to themselves. The solution is to fit not one but two tiles into a puzzle that perfectly fits its case. How is it done? Another mystery from Francois. I love performing this. The reactions are varied from stunned silence to WTF!!! Did I mention that wooden puzzle is a cabinet maker’s master work.
Review by Andy Martin for Buddha's Treasure (Nest of Boxes) by Fantasma
5 out of 5
Beautiful and Different Boxes
One of the problems I have with some of the fine nest of boxes out there is that they look like something that just Magician’s would own. Well these boxes look like something from World Market – in fact I have a domino box that I actually bought from World Market that has the same design (sadly I could not find these boxes at World Market!).
So now you can do a wonderful version of the Nest of Boxes, using boxes that really could have been bought from a real store. This makes it all the more mystifying.
These boxes really are wondeful looking, and they work like a dream. They are also very well priced based on the prices that other sets of boxes seem to be fetching.
I must say how impressed I have been with the quality of the new Oriental line from Fantasma Magic – they may be known for their beginner’s line of magic, but these new items are a joy to behold and suited to the most demanding of professionals.
Review by George Guerra for Sliding Disc Box by Yellowshark Design
5 out of 5
A New Craftsman Is In Town!!
Wacky Wolf inspired box and what a great box this is…with meticulous attention to both detail and quality. As the enclosed letter starts, "Congratulations! You are the proud owner of the Yellowshark Design Sliding Disc Box. This is made of the finest quality materials, designed for professionals…" I am definitely proud to add this beauty to my magic collection
Bright colors, piano hinged doors, perfect fittings, and fabulous graphics on the doors with the center plates attached with screws so that the message can be exchanged are some of my observations on the box. Bill Mitchell the artist behind Yellowshark Design was inspired when he wasn’t happy with the sliding disc boxes currently available and wanted to have one that would fit with the Chance Wolf props he owned.
As can been seen, he succeded quite wonderfully. He used expanded pvc and the box measures 20 1/2" by 8 1/2" by 2 1/2". Two 7 3/8" diameter "blank" discs are included…one can then custom add one’s graphics to it that fits one’s taste. One has a metal washer attached and included with the set is a belt magnet.
He made an initial 2 boxes, then a run of 12 (probably sold out now). There may be no more, BUT we have not heard the last from Bill, "while it was fun to make the props, and it was gratifying to see that there is a market, I do not enjoy working with the expanded pvc material, so I may not make any more. I have been a professional woodworker for the last 20 years or so, and much prefer working with wood." Am I hearing the next Mel Babcock or Alan Warner here…keep tuned.
Review by Todd Dowell for Sliding Disc Box by Yellowshark Design
5 out of 5
Yellowshark Design’s Initial Offering is Fantastic!
The quality of this item shows when you first see it. Made of quality materials and hand constructed, this is simply a beautiful piece of craftmanship.
The box is large and measures approximately 20" x 8". Mechanically it works like a charm.
This item would fit right in with Wolf’s Magic items. I give it 5 Stars.
Review by Craig Wilson Sr. for SBL Vampire (Limited Edition) by RNT II, Doug Bennett
5 out of 5
Wonderful Work By the RNT II Company
I purchased a slightly different version of this fine piece. The people at RNT II custom made a chest encrusted with rubies, saphires and emeralds. While I was a bit reluctant to believe they could provide 15cts of actual precious gemstones, a local jeweler confirmed that they were indeed authentic gemstones, not faux.
I particulary like the aged/distressed finish on both the casket and the Vanhelsing box as they refer to it. The finish is just perfect, not overkilled or shoddy looking. The gold leafing is a beautiful touch as well as the burned prayer within the casket itself.
I had contacted RNT II about maybe making an extra paddle for me, they responded immediately with a cracked mirror paddle after casting the reflection of Dracula in to it. This was the icing on the cake for me. Very nicely made on such short notice and delivered quickly.
They include the original Doug Bennett routine with it. While the original routine only deals with 1 paddle, the rest is left up to the performers imagination, I was a bit suprised, but again after thinking about it, I like the idea of developing my own lure about the props.
Handling of the paddles are perfect, right length, right thickness, not too slick and not to rough, just perfect, at least for my liking. What I find very useful is the way the Cross is designed and the wood they chose to create it from. RNT II told me they used a wood called Buckeye Burl, which has a naturally distressed/aged look. Again as a paddle it handle perfect.
I recently ordered 2 more, 1 in Burmese Teak and one in Black Ebony with Bloodwood paddles and the cross in the same wood. I can hardly wait to add these to not only my micro magic collection, but my display as well.
Overall, this is one of the finest, useable purchases that I am both proud to use and show off to my friends.
Review by Brett Schulman for Lassen UWC Coin Set by Todd Lassen
5 out of 5
Lassen UWC Coin Set
George is 100% correct. This is the greatest set of coins gaffs I have ever owned. The impact is so strrong and the changes so magical that you will love going it in the mirror for yourself. Todd has outdone himself here and if you are interested you should move fast. the 3rd. production run is nearly sold out already. make sure to order the extra milled coin to perform the samoya routine. It is a perfect ending to the UWC routine.
Todd will also send you a home made instructional video online for you to learn from. this is a first for Todd and is very welcomed.
In my opinion this effect is stronger than any three fly routine out. i have done both and this really gets them.
Review by George Guerra for Lassen Columbian Shell Set by Todd Lassen
5 out of 5
Dream numismatic gaffs!!
I have owned several shell coin sets in the past with a few beautiful sets now present in my current gaff collection, but this one inspired me to upload it on Andy’ site. Just got it in the mail this morning, too. It was offered on Todd’s blog site and I grabbed it fast before anyone else could…what a hunt and what a prize. These are the first silver commemorative coins ever released by the U.S. Mint for the Exposition, actually a World’s Fair, held in Chicago in 1893, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the New World.
These are not your usual gaff coin variety or choice, but also not quite overall rare, either. However, as Todd puts it, "you can find one or two here and there, but again, finding ones with nice patina in matching conditions and sizes will require mucho patience". As coins go, these are beautiful designs. The obverse was done by Charles Barber, while the reverse design was delegated to George Morgan. Many may not be fully awared, but these are REAL American half dollars.
Two shells came with the set along with 4 regular coins. The top two "coins" in the first image are the shells covering a coin…deceptive when compared to the two regular coins at the bottom, as you ca see. This is the great precision close tolerance typical of Todd’s work. The second image is an un-nested view with the shells to the right. The third image has all the regular coins at the top with the two empty shells at the bottom.
What a treat and you can count on me to keep a constant lookout on his site for any new stuff to buy.
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