Review by Andy Martin for Victorian Watch Box by Dave Powell
5 out of 5
Dave Powell is on a roll!
Dave Powell is really hitting home runs with his current focus of small runs of amazing classic and collectible magic. I’ve always admired Dave’s work, and it is nice to see him producing new items every few months that maintain his usual high standards, but still give the Collector something to buy.
This is a beautiful watch box (like a large lippincott really) and it works as smoothly as it looks.
Review by Andy Martin for Steel Ball Through Glass (Cabala) by Dave Powell
5 out of 5
Another Great Collectable from Dave Powell!
Dave Powell knows how to keep the Collector’s happy – produce new items often, be innovative, maintain the quality, and keep the price right too. He is succeeding on all counts.
The Steel Ball is heavy and solid and yet it still goes through the glass. This item has angle issues for sure, as do all the items based on the old Cabala and Coin of the Realm, but if you perform this to a couple of people you’ll fry them.
This item looks and feels amazing too! I’m excited to see what Dave will crank out in 2011.
Review by Andy Martin for Ring Grinder by Dave Powell
5 out of 5
A Beautiful and Practical Ring Grinder
I love Dave Powell’s new Ring Grinder!
It is not quite as pretty as the beautiful Deluxe Ring Grinder released by my good friend George Robinson, but I slightly prefer Dave’s one. It is small, makes a great sound and has a rattle box feature (like George’s) that permits the ring to disappear whilst in their hands if so desired.
I’m not sure what Dave is drinking over in California but it is great to see him producing so much great quality and collectible magic. I know he is working on a new website so one can only assume in 2011 he will be continuing to create some wonderful magic!
Wow what a beauty this Sand Frame is built by the always amazing Bob Kline. Not only is the frame beautifully made, but the speed with which the sand disappears is almost fast enough to make this a visual appearance. In addition, the sand matches very closely to the back-drop so there are no visual clues.
Review by Andy Martin for Miser's Dream Box II by Louis Gaynor
5 out of 5
Clever, Intricate, and Beautiful
Joe Stevens’ has a secret weapon and it is the amazing craftsmanship of Louis Gaynor. What a wonderful little box (2.5 inches square) this is. When it is opened it looks very innocent. But amazingly without any funny moves you can produce 4 single half dollars, followed by a climax of 4 more. I have never seen anything quite like this little box. And it is made with very fine tolerances. A lovely example of intricate prop magic.
Review by Andy Martin for Oriental Block Penetration by Michael Baker
5 out of 5
Just Beautiful.
Michael Baker has produced a real beauty with this item. It is not a new idea, but he has really outdone himself with the finish on these tubes. Who says magic craftsmanship is dead? Joe Steven’s seems to find them falling all over themselves!
Review by Andy Martin for Shake 'n' Snake by Nick Wenger
5 out of 5
Nick Wenger has the Midas Touch!
Wow what a beauty this is. It is only the second item I’ve purchased from Nick Wenger, but boy is it special. Everything he touches certainly turns to gold!
I love Terry Lunceford’s Viper Pro. But Shake ‘n’ Snake is so much better in entertainment, look, and, of course, manufacture. When it comes to modern day electronics it is hard to find anyone who does a better job than Mr. Wenger (although Soren Harbo at Labco Magic does spring to mind).
The addition of the shake feature is a brilliant idea and really increases the suspense. Imagine Jaws without the music, the film would be nowhere near as scary. The Shake feature is kind of like that. Not only do they suspect something is about to happen they get a preview too and each time it shakes it builds up the tension and surprise factor. When the snake finally leaps the surprise is that much more intense.
The jar Mr. Wenger uses is much more substantial than the Viper Pro and looks more realistic and professional. The electronics in the Viper Pro II and III are good, and I’ve never had a problem with them (the first Viper Pro was another story), but they are clearly inferior when compared to Mr. Wenger’s work. Don’t get me wrong I would still perform the Viper Pro II if I didn’t have Shake ‘n’ Snake, it is still a great, reliable trick. But Shake ‘n’ Snake is the best without a question, and I cannot imagine ever using my Viper Pro II again.
I must admit however, that I prefer the snake that comes with the Viper Pro II – the one supplied by Mr. Wenger looks a bit more unrealistic. It probably makes no difference whatsoever to the audience, but I certainly prefer the look of the Viper Pro snake. I think this is probably a personal choice thing and has nothing to do with the manufacturing of the snake, just the final look.
Highly Recommended for magical entertainers and collectors everywhere!
Review by Andy Martin for See-Thru Guillotine (with Stand + ATA Case) by Wellington Enterprises
5 out of 5
My Favorite Perfect Illusion
I’ve always loved Bill Schmeelk’s (Wellingtion Enterprises) close-up items – the Mini-Magic Switchboard, Guardian of the Grave, and more recently the Mystery of the Pyramids Outdone. They are beautifully made, work perfectly, and are all clever in their method. But I’ve fancied for some time his amazing See-Thru Guillotine. Sadly it was well out of my price range.
However, recently I sold a bunch of magic and decided that it was time to really see how good this item was. I must say this was probably one of the most nervous purchases I have ever contemplated. I’ve never spent so many $1000’s on one item before, and really don’t do stage or even parlor shows much these days. But I went ahead anyway. When it arrived I opened it with some real trepidation – could this be my most expensive magic mistake (I’ve been disappointed 100’s of times in the past)?
As I opened the custom ATA case I began to beam. Even the case was perfect! As I assembled the illusion I marveled at how well constructed everything was – this should have not been a surprise based on the smaller items I have of Bill’s. Eventually I had it all unpacked and set-up, but still couldn’t fully understand how it worked, so I finally sat down and studied the instructions.
This truly is the perfect illusion. I love it and think it is worth every single penny. I may not perform it much, but when I do I know it will amaze and amuse my audiences. I’ve had about seven different choppers over the years, but this one is easily the most beautiful and most convincing. Without a doubt this is my favorite illusion now, and in fact probably my favorite item I have ever owned – and I’ve purchased thousands over the years.
I love it, love it, love it! I was starting to get a bit jaded with magic over the last couple of years, but this beautiful creation has 100% got me back. I already have two stage shows lined up for the holidays and maybe more. Thank-you Bill for producing such an amazing item – it truly is breathtaking.
Review by Andy Martin for Merlot and Prism Knives by Joe Mogar
5 out of 5
Unusual Knives from the King
By now it is obvious that Joe Mogar makes the best knives available today – they all just feel right in the hands. This beautiful set that he has recently introduced is no exception. Unfortunately my photos don’t capture the deep reddish brown of the Merlot knives. In fact both knives look particularly striking when the light catches them.
Good to see Joe is continuing to experiment with different finishes – there truly is something for everyone. And if you are a collector of knives, and why wouldn’t you be, he is a great place to start because he continues to produce some outstanding, exotic and unique knives.
Review by Andy Martin for Sneeky Snake by Chance Wolf
5 out of 5
Wow! Great and Practical Snake at an Amazing Price!
The only bad thing about Chance Wolf’s Econo-Magic line is that it makes the tricks sound cheaply made. Well they are not! Each item is made to the usual high standards Chance is well known for and I must say this latest little guy is his best yet. Very solid and the colors are deep and vibrant!
It is hard to imagine finding an entertaining kids routine that adults will love too that is made this well, and for $150 virtually impossible! It is almost unbreakable and is a classic packs flat plays big effect!
In addition the mechanism is 100% foolproof with no motors or batteries required.
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