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Key Penetration by Nicholas Lawrence

Created by: Nicholas Lawrence

The Swiss Key is a versatile key penetration effect where a key seemingly passes through a folded dollar bill, with the bill remaining unharmed. This close-up magic trick offers more than just the core penetration effect, including additional tricks like the Static Key, Gravitation, Vanishing Key, Dissolving Key, Zigzag Key, and a bonus sign coin to anywhere trick. The package includes an hour of instructional material from Nicholas Lawrence, showcasing the durability and inspectability of the well-made gimmicked keys that resemble real keys. Suitable for magicians and mentalists, the Swiss Key is a creative and deceptive tool that offers a variety of performance options.

Key features

  • Includes multiple effects beyond the core key penetration trick

  • Gimmicked keys are well-made and resemble real keys

  • Durable gimmick with no fragile components

  • Clear instructional video provided by Nicholas Lawrence

  • Suitable for close-up magic and mentalism performances

Pros

  • Creative and versatile

  • Inspectable gimmick

  • High-quality construction

  • Includes an hour of instructional material

  • Offers a variety of effects for different performance styles

Cons

  • Some effects may be more challenging with plastic bills

  • Not all included tricks are equally strong

  • Requires audience to be in front for the key-through-bill effect

Effect

The Swiss Key is a key penetration effect where a key appears to pass through a folded dollar bill. The magician can pull the key back out, and the bill remains unharmed with no visible hole. The trick creates a strong visual illusion that defies logic, making it a compelling piece of magic.

Full Details

The Swiss Key is more than just a single trick. The package includes multiple effects, expanding its versatility. The gimmick is well-made, resembling a real key, and is designed to be durable without fragile components. The instructional video, taught by Nicholas Lawrence, runs for over an hour and covers several routines:

  • Key Through Bill – The core effect where a key penetrates a folded bill.
  • Static Key – The key appears to magnetically attach to the bill.
  • Gravitation – The key defies gravity by staying on the edge of the bill.
  • Vanishing Key – The key crumples into a piece of paper and disappears.
  • Dissolving Key – The key slowly dissolves from one side of the bill to the other.
  • Zigzag Key – A hand routine performed without a bill.
  • Bonus Effect – A signed coin to impossible location trick.

The gimmick is highly deceptive, with David from Magic Orthodoxy noting that even after close inspection, it was difficult to identify which key was gimmicked.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Swiss Key is ideal for magicians who want a visually deceptive and versatile gimmick. It suits performers who enjoy impromptu-style magic with borrowed bills. Mentalists may also find the Static Key effect particularly useful. Since the gimmick does most of the work, it is accessible to both beginners and experienced magicians.

Difficulty Level

The Swiss Key is designed to be easy to perform. The gimmick handles the heavy lifting, and the video provides clear instructions. Some effects, like the Key Through Bill, require the audience to be in front, but most routines cover angles well. David mentions that plastic bills may be slightly more challenging, but the video includes a solution for this.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy praises the Swiss Key, calling it a "completely original style of thought trick." He highlights the quality of the gimmick, stating, "I sat there forever with this key trying to figure out how it was gimmicked and I could not figure it out." He also appreciates the variety of effects, though he notes that not all are equally strong.

Other reviewers, including Lloyd Barnes and Wizard Magic Review, have also given positive feedback. The Swiss Key is seen as a well-made, deceptive, and creative addition to a magician’s toolkit.

What people are saying about Key Penetration

magicorthodoxy says...

This is a completely original style of thought trick... it's very cool and offers more than just one trick. The keys are so well-made, I couldn't figure out which one was gimmicked.

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