I want to learn this act very much so, but where to begin?
what type of trap?
how to rig it?
how do I do it?

As everyone in this area of the Café will tell you, do not attempt this without personal instruction from someone who knows what they are doing. If someone posts an answer here, would you just do what they suggest? You could get hurt bad.

Yours,

Paul

This is something I've been interested in for a while now. I first read about it in Harry Anderson's 'Wiseguy' years ago but didn't really want to try it with just the brief description he gives. Could anyone point me in the direction of other written sources to chase for initial research please?

Many thanks,
Martin Colclough.

More info at http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......3&10

Thanks TAIT, much appreciated.

The Abbott's Trap (and instructions) is just $25.
It is a real nice one all chromed up and it is a REAL Trap...NOT gimmicked in any way.

Thanks doug


Not quite, I would take ito consideration who the info was coming from, the validity ( spelled wrong?) of the info, and how much sense it made...also I relize the stunts that I do and want to learn how to do are dangerous, I made a choice long ago and I plan to stick with it!
Brett

When annealing the spring on the trap, should it be opened or closed...does it matter?

Both Shawn Dion and I do a flourish that Shawn discovered: After the trap is clamped on the hand (gasp #1), we then jerk the hand out of the trap's jaws without losing a finger (gasp #2).

Steve

There are all kinds of traps. The Abbott's Trap is a SPECIFIC Trap and a SPECIFIC size for a SPECIFIC purpose. No need to mess with this size at all...just understand the method. This SAME trap is available in country hardware stores where you can freak out the owner and have him calling his country lawyer.

Other traps would need adjustment and knowing what you're doing.

I worked briefly with an Oneida-Victor #2 (two springs), but went back to the #1-1/2 as the dual springs were a hassle to fool with.

Steve

Hmmm ... I just bought a trap at the camping & hunting store and did it! All four fingers in together so the thing hits flat, and no problem. The traps are meant to do just that -- trap the animal, not cut it's leg off. Personally, I think the old, rusty thing looks far better than the shiny "magic" traps.

I use an unplated trap that I bought at a surplus store and sprayed with clear Rustoleum to retard further rusting.

Steve

I have heard of the Penn and Teller routine and the standard practice of getting your hand caught in the trap after some byplay. Are there any other routines that are commonly performed with the trap(s)? I am interested in putting this type of thing in my outdoor "sideshow" type performance, but would like to do more than just show the trap and eventually get my hand caught in it. Maybe removing items from the trap without springing it, only to eventually be caught, or maybe a Russian roulette routine with the trap, etc. Just looking for ideas in the event that there is something we haven't come up with. Also, what do most people do after being caught other than have a spectator take the trap off? That seems a little anticlimactic. Thanks

This is a wonderful stunt, and I have been doing it for years. Do not believe that it is totally pain-free, but it is not as bad as the audience is led to believe through showmanship, which is a must for this effect.

By the way, check out Harry Anderson's routine. It can be found in Wise Guy.

David

I'd be interested in some ideas for this as well. My trap has been gathering dust because I can't think of a good way to use it in a show. I've been fidling with the idea of doing a 'pick a card' trick while clamped in a trap and after failing to find it, remove my hand from the trap and show their card.

MagicJared

While looking for a prop in my bag I have a rat trap go off on my fingers.
Most kids enjoy this because I scream in pain (a 3 stooges type moment.)
I tell the audience that I am trying to catch a rat and later
I find the rat while trying to perform a different trick.
I use a victor rat trap that is gimmicked and uses caps to make the noise.
It is completely safe. I think I bought it from a joke shop on the Internet.

Animal Trap - to get FREE written tutorial of The Worlds Most Dangeours Card Trick or you have to do is subscribe to my news letter and blog. http://eepurl.com/hhaAE

Have used the Higley trapa a monte for several years now and love it. It is all that they say and more. instead of the pretsel, I use a cheap plastic ball point pen. the kind found in the dollar store usually ten for a buck. It's cheaper and the plastic (clear ones)just explode when the trap springs shut. I get them with red ink!!!

Thanks Doug

Due to the amopunt of requests, the Traps-A-Monte-Mental routine is available again. $3 for the PDF.
Just pm me for the paypal address. ;-)

Sold to the guy in the UK! Im over to your site tomorrow Doug.

Good to see you are still around - hope your health is OK and you are doing OK?

Regards

David