Just wondering how many people still do box magic. I do not see it here much any more, and just curious.

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......rum=3&57

I have about 8 Okito box routines that I practice almost daily. Personally, I love the box and how innovative some of the routines out there can be from guys like David Roth and Greg rostami.....

I think box magic can be troublesome because the box is just another prop. No layman has ever seen one before, so they don't know what to think, and I've found that often, no matter how much you let them examine the box, they'll assume later that everything you did was accomplished because the box was "special."

It is still possibly to do good okito box work, and I have one or two routines that generally play well for me, you just have to be careful how you introduce the box and how you treat it in front of laymen

I think the box tricks, but I could understand the trouble. if the "trouble" really matter or not I'm not sure. maybe put a few pills in th box and dump them out without saying anything to empty the box. that might give the box some "purpose" outside of doing magic.

or just introduce the coin from the box to start. so some magic with them without the box and bring the box into the mix later.

I use the idea of cementing a combination lock dial on the top. Also, over the years, I've been lucky enough to find a trinket box or two that will work exactly like an okito box. Both of these ideas get away from the standard look of the box.

Agen it's how you frame it! I go back to the classic Pill box Patter! I have a book on coin box work that's shows what I am talking about!

Here's a link to a thread I started, http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......rum=3&24
was hoping to get it made into a sticky, but never heard back from the Café staff.

I have been practicing with the okito box itself(in my patter, I tell them it's a pillbox). The only difficulty I've had in working with it is that when I do the turnover move I have to watch my angles

Anyone interested in box magic should definitely check out Dave Neighbor's book on the subject. Great thinking in there! I will be publishing a book of routines probably around mid-year that I think will generate some new interest in the box. There is so much that can be done with this little prop - some wonderful plot ideas that I don't think have been explored. Also, the Hawaiian trade winds may be carrying something our way soon too . . .

oh my, those guys stuff should be of great interest indeed....

Does anyone know where I can acquire a silver okito box. Not a big fan of the gold style...

Donny check your pm.

Justin N. Miller

This is so so true (in my opinion)!... Things are much more "magical" when tricks are done with something that is used and seen daily, coins, pack of cards etc etc...
A box to me will be seen as a "special prop" and that it all happened because of the "box"

Not to be argumentative, but I think phill w's opinion holds more for the big stage illusions than anything. I'm not entirely sure I understand stage magic theory with the excessive use of large boxes for the magic to happen. But anyway, getting back to the Okito box, I've never had more than a passing interest from my audiences on "what" the box is. At least how I present it, it's nothing more than a container for the coins, much like a coin purse would be.

After upgrading from my old "ugly" okito box to Shufton Okito Box I use it more.
Watch a photo of a superb design!
http://www.shufton.com/Magic/Okito_Box/okito_box.html

Hello,
I'm with Doug on this one. The same thing applies to/for me. Some people will question the box, some won't. With the Okito box, you can clearly and cleanly show it's solid. It then alleviates their suspicions.

I've found the same thing (off topic) that applies to Masudas WOW. Some people question the card holder, some don't. If you present it properly and treat it as thing of insignificance, and you can see through it after all, the routine works beautifully.

By the way, Doug has a great routine using the Okito box, called The Flying Stupendas on Unexpected Vistor 2. I really like it and perform it. Check it out.

Jim

Granted, the Okito Box is not a normal, everyday item. That's not a bad thing. See David Regal's thoughts on the importance of an "Oddity". Since the box is an oddity that can be examined, yet still conveying you hidden powers, it's an especially good oddity.

New to coins and was looking for a coin prop, I tried to avoid the okito box unti I seen beyond okito.. I haven't seen anything like it...easy to do

http://www.gmrcreations.com/bob/money.htm

I can't help, but wonder why some people have trouble presenting odd looking coins or something such as an Okito Box. I never have any trouble at all, at least none the spectators share with me and the one thing I do is always look at their faces, especially their eyes, because then you can tell if there are problems, whether they say so or not. It is usually written all over their faces if they suspect anything or have a problem with the props.

My guess, if you have these kind of problems you are doing something seriously wrong. If this is the case, I believe you should look at your presentation techniques or style. In my particular case I usually warm up to the spectators by letting them examine the coins or play with the props while I use some patter to warm them up for whats coming next. Then I get into my routine mode and try to dazzle them. I am sure there are many ways to present your props properly, this just happens to be my way.

My theory is you should warm up to the crowd or individual before you spring a hairy routine on them. Sell them on the fact that these are the toys you will be using, so to speak, then let them examine them, let them see that they are real, let them feel their quality, shape and texture. In the meantime you should be preparing them with your patter for the upcoming attractions. I always do this an it always works just fine no matter what I am using for my props.....