Sleightful
Tricks

Crazy Man's Handcuffs

Created by: Michael Ammar, Alex Ng

Crazy Man's Handcuffs is a classic close-up magic trick where two rubber bands appear to link and unlink in an impossible manner, popularized by Michael Ammar. The trick involves ordinary rubber bands, making it highly accessible and practical for magicians. It's a staple in close-up magic due to its strong visual impact and the use of everyday objects. The 'Star Shatter' enhancement by Alex Ng adds a magical follow-up where one of the rubber bands transforms into a star-shaped band, and then explodes into tiny stars, offering a visually stunning finale that can be given away as a souvenir.

Key features

  • Uses ordinary rubber bands for a highly accessible and practical trick
  • Strong visual impact with the linking and unlinking of bands
  • Includes a follow-up effect where a band transforms into a star and then explodes into tiny stars
  • Comes with a detailed tutorial video, rubber bands, star-shaped bands, and tiny stars
  • Offers multiple handling options and alternative methods for performance

Pros

  • Highly visual and strong magical effect
  • Uses everyday objects, making it practical and accessible
  • Includes a memorable finale that can be given away as a souvenir
  • Detailed tutorial with multiple handling options
  • Commercial potential with broad audience appeal

Cons

  • Requires some setup and reset time
  • The load sequence may involve a prop not welcome in all venues
  • Alternative methods may be needed for certain performance contexts

What people are saying about Crazy Man's Handcuffs

Nique Tan says...
The crazy man's handcuffs is kind of like a staple for close-up workers... it uses really ordinary looking props it's just rubber bands and the effect is really strong... adding this on at the end I'm sure just takes it up a notch.

Crazy Man's Handcuffs videos

Thumbnail for Nique Tan Chats - Star Shatter by Alex Ng
niquetan

Nique Tan Chats - Star Shatter by Alex Ng

Nique Tan takes a close look at 'Star Shatter' by Alex Ng, a magical enhancement to the beloved 'Stargazer' routine where a rubber band morphs into a star before bursting into tiny stars. He opens up about how 'Stargazer' played a special role in his friendship with another magician, adding a personal touch to the review. The package comes loaded with everything needed: rubber bands, star-shaped bands, tiny stars, and a detailed tutorial video. While Nique highlights the effect's visual wow factor and commercial potential, he doesn't shy away from mentioning the setup and reset time involved. He also points out the clever gimmick for the load sequence and suggests alternative methods for performing the trick. For magicians who already perform 'Stargazer', Nique gives 'Star Shatter' a solid recommendation as a must-have addition.

Read more

Takeaways:

  • 'Star Shatter' is a visual kicker effect that enhances the 'Stargazer' routine.
  • The package includes rubber bands, star-shaped bands, tiny stars, and a tutorial video.
  • Nique shares personal memories connected to the 'Stargazer' effect.
  • The effect requires some setup and reset time but is practical and commercial.
  • Alex Ng provides multiple handling options and alternative methods for the load sequence.
  • Nique recommends 'Star Shatter' for magicians already performing 'Stargazer'.