SleightfulFree William Hick by Dead Rebel
Created by: Dead Rebel
Where to buy
 | Monster Magic | Free William Hicks by Dead Rebel Productions | £32.99 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
 | Alakazam Magic | Free William Hicks by Dead Rebel Productions | £33.99 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
 | Magicbox | Free William Hicks by Dead Rebel Productions | £34.63 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
Key features
No gimmicks: Uses standard padlock and keys.
Single outcome: Only one key unlocks the lock, with uncut keys as a kicker.
Not repeatable: Method becomes apparent if performed for the same audience twice.
Strong impact: Works well as a closer or with a valuable item locked (e.g., a wedding ring).
Easy to perform: No sleight of hand required.
Pros
Highly deceptive for spectators.
Uses everyday, non-gimmicked props.
Strong, unexpected kicker with uncut keys.
Easy to perform with no sleight of hand.
Versatile—can be adapted to different routines.
Cons
Not repeatable for the same audience.
Method may be quickly recognized by experienced magicians.
Padlock is somewhat bulky for carrying.
Effect
The Free William Hick trick presents a padlock and several keys to a spectator. Only one key fits the lock, while the others are visibly uncut, making them impossible to open the lock. The spectator freely chooses a key, yet they always end up with the correct one, creating a strong moment of surprise when they realize the other keys were never functional.
Full Details
Free William Hick uses standard, non-gimmicked props—a real padlock and a set of keys. The method relies on a "free will plot," meaning the spectator feels like they have a genuine choice, but the outcome is predetermined. The trick is structured so that no matter which key they pick, they always end up with the correct one. The other keys serve as a convincing kicker, proving they were never viable options.
The tutorial is thorough, explaining the handling of the keyring and the psychology behind guiding the spectator’s choice. The props are durable and well-made, designed for long-term use.
Who Should Consider the Trick
This trick suits magicians who want a strong, self-working effect with minimal sleight of hand. It works well for close-up or casual performances, especially as a closer in a routine. Since the props are ordinary, it blends naturally into impromptu settings. However, it should not be repeated for the same audience, as the method becomes apparent with multiple viewings.
Difficulty
Free William Hick is easy to perform, requiring no advanced sleight of hand. The challenge lies in presentation—guiding the spectator’s choice naturally while maintaining the illusion of free will. The handling of the keyring has a slight learning curve, but the tutorial covers it in detail.
What Magicians Say
Magic Orthodoxy’s David praised the trick’s deceptive power, noting that while he recognized the method quickly, lay audiences would be completely fooled. He highlighted the strong kicker—the uncut keys—as a moment of surprise that spectators won’t expect.
He also compared it to similar effects like "Loki," emphasizing that Free William Hick’s method is just as effective but with different props. The trick’s simplicity and strong impact make it a worthwhile addition to a magician’s repertoire.
David did mention a minor drawback: since he was familiar with the method, he wasn’t fooled himself. However, he stressed that this doesn’t diminish the trick’s effectiveness for audiences.
Overall, Free William Hick is a clever, well-structured trick that delivers a powerful moment of magic with minimal effort.
What people are saying about Free William Hick
David (Magic Orthodoxy) says...
This is one of the coolest versions I've ever seen. The kicker is insane—they will never expect it because they're thinking all the keys open the lock. Nope, not even close.
Review videos
Magic Review - Loki by Adam Dadswell
magicorthodoxy mentioned this magic trick in this video.