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El Mystico Special user 573 Posts |
I was reading about the haunted key effect, and read that there are (inferior) mechanical versions. I've never come across them - could someone point me in the right direction? I'm sure keys like Carlyle's are the way to go - I'm just curious! Thanks
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George Hunter Inner circle 2013 Posts |
Stevens Magic markets what appear to be two mechanical keys. One is the Kineti Key, which comes in two sizes; in addition to doing the traditional haunted key effect, the performer can slide the bit down the shaft.
The other is Cagliostro's Key, which retails for $650.00! One can perform the haunted key effect effect, and then one can cause the bit to turn. Although I love the haunted key effect, and have several keys, I have experienced NO interest in the two mechanical version, above. My reason is that spectator's would often suspect that a "trick key" is undoubtedly involved, which would undermine the effectiveness of the haunted key move, which is a very undesirable price to pay. If the mechanical type of key destroys the haunted move's credibility, it probably is an "inferior" version for a mentalist. Magicians, of course, may consider it "superior" and worth any extra cost. But $650? George |
mindhunter Inner circle Upstate NY 2280 Posts |
I agree..... the traditional huinted-key methodology is far superior to the mechanical versions on a lot of levels, not the least of which is the price.
Bryn
Bryn D. Reynolds, Author of:
"The Safwan Papers" & "The LOGAR Scrolls" Mentalism ebooks - PM any interest. My artwork: https://darkmountainarts.com |
RicHeka Inner circle 3999 Posts |
I certainly agree. The ungimmicked purity of a balanced Key for the Haunted Key presentation is hard to beat.
Here is a great large [5.5 in.] Key I recently added to my MentalCraft line. http://tinyurl.com/nm4rcqg |
cbusch55 Regular user 195 Posts |
To clarify a little, these are two different effects that are being described. The Haunted Key is where the key appears to turn by itself in an open palm. There are no mechanics involved although a well balanced key helps. Many are available from different sources. Viking Magic makes a nice one in brass and there are other other more antique ones available as well as very cheap ones on Ebay.
Viking Magic also makes Kineti Key in which the bit revolves around the key and up the shaft after which it can be handed out with the bit locked in place down the shaft. This has some mechanics and looks similar to their Haunted key. There are many cheap versions of this as well. Kineti Key Jr is a smaller version Viking also used to make a trick called Psy Key (not to be confused with the key bending trick by the same name) in which the bit revolves around the shaft of the key and then can be handed out locked in position. The bit does not travel down the shaft in this version. Cagliogstro's Key is a similar trick that works in the same manner and which was made in France I believe. Psy Key was sold for about $250.00 -cheaper than Caliogstr's by quite a bit. Tony Curtis made a similar version called the Enchanted Key a while back and there is still one made called Triple Bewitched Key which claims the be all three of the above mention effects in one and is about $600.00. I own Psy Key and Caliogstro's and they are both a beautiful piece of mechanical magic. But if all you want is a traditional Haunted Key effect, then there are better and cheaper ways to go than these since they were really made for a different effect. |
Fire Starter Inner circle 4809 Posts |
My wife got me a ring of 5 old keys,replica one's,one practicaly the same as The Old Gatekeepers Mysterious Key a few years back I think in Marks and Spencer? just before the Christmas and it works a treat. I have also got old victorian keys and one or too of them work nice as well.
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Why is there always so much misinformation going around?
Why do people make statements as though they are correct when they are not? (second post) http://www.vikingmagic.com/Kineti%20Key%20bit is not and can not be used for a haunted key because of the way it is made, Mr Hunter. (who has obviously never experianced someone with their mouth hanging open as you hand them the key). I should know since I invented it. Then it took 2 years for George to include my name on the instructions ..... and what's particularly irritating is when he writes "Own the original and support original thought".... because I've never seen a dime from George, not one cent, so this is not a commercial - just a statement of fact from the guy who should know. Anyway, you can not use kineti-Key for a haunted effect unless you know something that no one elses does.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
cbusch55 Regular user 195 Posts |
That is the point I was trying to make - that there are three different effects being mentioned above. I have all three.
Bye, Jay. Nice job on the Kineti key. It's a great effect. |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Thank you
One afternoon, Jim Swoger handed me a full size Psy Key (Turning and locking bit) and I immediately said "You know... this would be a lot better if you just put a permanant thing here and made the bit m------c. Then we found a Ferris skeleton key and cut the bit off and spent 4 hours with 2 M-----s just playing around. We were like little kids who found the prize in the bottom of a cereal box. I wrote a poem to go along with the routine but it wasn't used. This should be filmed and put online (performance only). The poem fits the performance so perfectly. Anyway, There are more then the 3 types of keys that turn using a few different methods. Occasionally I tinker with other possibilities. for the haunted style, where you can completely walk away. Here's my last gripe, then I'll get off the soapbox - Between George, Rob and another guy in Europe, I understand over 200,000 of my effect have been sold and I have nothing to show for it. I didn't even get one for free. Jim got one and I got nothin.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
George Hunter Inner circle 2013 Posts |
Well, Hi Mr. Leslie:
You came on with real emotional intensity, much more than this topic deserves. I managed to cut through the flames and learn something! I learned that you are apparently the creator of one of the mechanical keys AND that one does not (or cannot) do the traditional haunted key move with your key. So it does less than I had assumed. Of course, if it is as revolutionary as you suggest, I am sure that magicians worldwide are in your debt. You do not really need me to join the parade. Actually, though, I am somewhat familiar, and impressed, with your work and contribution in magic. If diplomacy is not your strong suit, I will get over it and will remain appreciative of your work. Magic was not my vocation. I did four degrees, and a very fulfilling career. Now retired, I am a locally performing mentalist. It occurs to me that, of course, you have no way of knowing whether or not people have ever responded with astonishment in some of my performances. The Best to you, George Hunter |
cbusch55 Regular user 195 Posts |
Interesting Jay how the Psy Key inspired you to create the Kineti key. I never knew that. It's always interesting to hear how tricks originated. And here's an idea that George may have told me. If you get the Viking Haunted Key and large Kineti Key, they are identical in appearance. That means you could start with the Haunted Key passing it out for inspection followed by a Haunted Key routine. Then switch it with the Kineti key. Do that routine and hand that one out at the end with the fixed bit halfway up the shaft. Now that's a jaw dropper.
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Xiqual Inner circle Upper left quadrant 4935 Posts |
Hi Jay,
I never knew you invented that key. well done! Such an awesome effect! I love it. Bob Cassidy's idea for hiding the gaff in a ring box is really the best way to carry it. Good to know, James Quote: On Jul 4, 2014, jay leslie wrote:
Still with the Chinese circus
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Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
I miss my original Viking "Psy-Key."
Steve |
George Hunter Inner circle 2013 Posts |
Jay:
I reread these posts, and understand better where you are coming from. (Parenthetically, I fully accept, and appreciate, your factual correction on the capability range of the key you invented.) I now see that you were most upset at someone else, also named George, who apparently marketed your invention with no compensation to you. I'd be miffed too; so I apologize for parts of my earlier comments. George |
El Mystico Special user 573 Posts |
Thank you for all this!
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mindhunter Inner circle Upstate NY 2280 Posts |
Quote:
On Jul 2, 2014, RicHeka wrote: OHHH! Very pretty and genuine looking, Rich. Bryn
Bryn D. Reynolds, Author of:
"The Safwan Papers" & "The LOGAR Scrolls" Mentalism ebooks - PM any interest. My artwork: https://darkmountainarts.com |
J M Talbot Inner circle 3055 Posts |
I have a Psy Key and it is a cool piece of mechanical wizardry. I like the traditional method as well but believe this thread was started to discuss the mechanical version.
When I first read a catalog write up many years ago of the mechanical keys I thought that somehow it was spring loaded to be able to turn on its' own. I discovered it wasn't but still a neat piece. I wonder how many of these George made. John |
RicHeka Inner circle 3999 Posts |
Quote:
On Jul 7, 2014, mindhunter wrote: Thank-you Bryn! |
cbusch55 Regular user 195 Posts |
Quote:
On Jul 7, 2014, J M Talbot wrote: Funny, I thought the same thing when I first read about the Psy Key. But I agree it is a marvelous piece of mechanical apparatus. I spoke to George about it a couple of years ago and he told me the person who made them for him had died and he hasn't been able to find a skilled craftsman who can make any more since then. But he is interested in producing it again. |
danskefogden New user 63 Posts |
Anyone looking for Enchanted Key by Tony Curtis?
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