Key Dissolve by Nicholas Lawrence and Hanson Chien

Effect

Key Dissolve is a visual magic trick where a key appears to dissolve through a bill. The magician shows a key placed on a bill. Slowly, the bottom part of the key vanishes, seemingly moving to the back of the bill. Then, the top part disappears as well, creating the illusion that the key has fully penetrated the bill. The effect is smooth and impossible to explain, leaving spectators puzzled.

Full details

Key Dissolve is part of the Swiss Key magic set by Nicholas Lawrence and Hanson Chien. The trick uses a specially designed gimmicked key that looks and feels like a real key. The gimmick is durable and built to last, with no need for replacements. The set includes a tutorial video (1 hour 14 minutes) that teaches multiple routines, including Key Dissolve.

The trick works with any type of currency, whether paper or polymer. No preparation is needed, making it easy to perform impromptu. The gimmick is subtle, and spectators can handle the key without suspicion.

Who should consider the trick

Key Dissolve is ideal for magicians who want a visual, easy-to-carry trick that works in close-up settings. It suits both beginners and experienced performers. Those who enjoy organic, everyday objects in magic will appreciate this effect. It’s also great for magicians who want a versatile tool that can be combined with other routines.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is beginner-friendly, but it requires practice to perfect the timing and handling. Fiddlin' Johnny mentions that even though the mechanics are simple, the presentation needs refinement. About 30 minutes of focused practice in front of a mirror is recommended to ensure smooth execution.

Angle sensitivity is moderate—spectators should not be directly to the sides or behind the performer. The sound of the gimmick is minimal and usually masked by the natural noise of handling the bill.

What magicians say

Fiddlin' Johnny praises the Swiss Key for its quality and versatility. He says, "The gimmick is really good... I couldn't say one bad thing about it." He also notes that while the trick is easy to learn, it still requires practice to make it look convincing.

He compares it to other bill penetration tricks like Phoenix, highlighting that Swiss Key doesn’t require prepped bills or refills. "It's all inclusive with no setup... I just pull it off my key ring and I'm ready to go."

A minor issue he encountered was a sticker coming loose on the gimmick, but he fixed it easily and considers it a non-issue. Overall, he recommends the trick for its strong visual impact and practicality.