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Key-Through-Bill Penetration And Restoration by Nicholas Lawrence and Hansen Chen

Created by: Nicholas Lawrence, Hansen Chen

The 'Swiss Key' by Nicholas Lawrence is a versatile gimmicked key designed for close-up magic, enabling up to seven different effects. The primary effect is a key-through-bill (or paper) penetration and restoration, where the key visibly pushes through a bill, is ripped out, and the bill remains unharmed. This self-contained gimmick requires no additional setup, making it ideal for impromptu performances. Other effects include a signed coin to anywhere, vanishing key, zigzag key, and more, offering a wide range of magical possibilities.

Key features

  • Self-contained gimmick requiring no additional setup

  • Enables seven different effects including key-through-bill penetration and restoration

  • High-quality metal build with minor foam issue

  • Includes an hour-long tutorial by Nicholas Lawrence

  • Versatile for impromptu, visual, and interactive magic

Pros

  • Versatile with multiple effects possible

  • High-quality and robust build

  • Self-contained, no additional setup needed

  • Clear and practical hour-long tutorial

  • Highly recommended for impromptu performances

Cons

  • Minor durability issue with internal foam peeling after extended use

  • Some effects may put too much emphasis on the key rather than the bill

Effect

The Key-Through-Bill Penetration and Restoration is a visual and interactive magic trick. A magician takes a borrowed bill or piece of paper and visibly pushes a key straight through it. The key appears to penetrate the bill completely, and when removed, the bill remains unharmed with no tears or holes. The effect is immediate and baffling, making it ideal for impromptu performances.

Full Details

The trick uses a specially designed gimmicked key that is self-contained, meaning no additional setup or preparation is needed. The key is made of high-quality metal and is durable enough for regular use. The gimmick allows for multiple effects beyond the basic bill penetration, including:

  • Visual melting penetration (where the key appears to melt through the bill).
  • Vanishing key routine (a signed key disappears from a crumpled bill and reappears elsewhere).
  • Zigzag key illusion (the key appears to bend and restore).
  • Signed coin to anywhere (a signed coin vanishes and reappears in impossible locations).

The key comes with a standard non-gimmicked key for switching if needed. The tutorial, taught by Nicholas Lawrence, is an hour-long video covering all routines in detail.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is best suited for magicians who enjoy impromptu, visual, and interactive magic. It works well in casual settings, walk-around performances, or as part of a structured routine. Those who appreciate utility gimmicks with multiple applications will find it especially valuable.

Difficulty

The trick is moderately easy to perform, with most of the work handled by the gimmick. The tutorial provides clear instructions, making it accessible to intermediate magicians. Some practice is needed to perfect the handling, particularly for the additional routines like the signed coin vanish.

What Magicians Say

Roo from RoosReviews calls it "the coolest key gimmick" he has ever seen, comparing it to a "James Bond gadget." He praises its versatility and durability, though he notes a minor issue with internal foam peeling after extended use. He particularly highlights the signed coin routine as a strong worker’s piece.

Roo states: "This is Batman’s utility tool for key magic." He recommends it for performers who want organic, off-the-cuff magic with multiple applications.

The Key-Through-Bill Penetration and Restoration is a practical, deceptive, and visually impressive trick that fits well in a working magician’s repertoire.

What people are saying about Key-Through-Bill Penetration And Restoration

RoosReviews says...

This is Batman’s utility tool for key magic. [...] I've never seen anything like it in fact I showed my girlfriend it and she was like that's so so cool it feels like a James Bond gimmick built into a key.

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