SleightfulMelting Key Through Bill by Nicholas Lawrence and Hansen Chen
Created by: Nicholas Lawrence, Hansen Chen
Key features
Uses a high-quality, undetectable gimmicked key
Works with any currency (paper or polymer)
No pre-show setup or refills required
Includes a detailed 1-hour 14-minute tutorial by Nicholas Lawrence
Offers multiple routines (e.g., vanishing key, static bill, zigzag key)
Everyday carry—can be added to your keyring
Pros
Highly versatile with multiple routines
Durable gimmick built to last a lifetime
No angle issues for most routines (except strict side angles)
Beginner-friendly with clear instructions
Organic and impromptu—uses borrowed items
Cons
Requires practice to master the choreography
Gimmick may make slight noise (though often covered by performance sounds)
Sticker on the gimmick may come loose over time (easily fixable)
Not fully surrounded—angles must be managed
Effect
The Melting Key Through Bill is a visual magic trick where a key appears to melt through a borrowed bill. The magician holds the key against the bill, and with a simple motion, the key seems to dissolve and pass straight through the currency. The bill remains completely unharmed, creating a striking and impossible moment for the audience.
Full Details
The Melting Key Through Bill is one of several routines possible with the Swiss Key gimmick. The effect uses a specially designed key that blends seamlessly with a normal key, making it undetectable to spectators. The trick works with any type of currency, whether paper or polymer, and requires no preparation of the bill beforehand.
The gimmick is well-made and durable, designed to last a long time. It comes with a detailed tutorial that explains multiple routines, including the melting key effect, bill penetration, vanishing key, and more. The key looks and feels like a real, everyday object, allowing the magician to hand it out for inspection if needed.
Who Should Consider the Trick
This trick is ideal for magicians who want a versatile, impromptu effect that can be performed with borrowed bills. It suits close-up performers, street magicians, and those who like organic, everyday objects in their magic. Since the gimmick is small and can be carried on a keyring, it’s great for magicians who prefer minimal setups.
Difficulty
The Melting Key Through Bill is beginner-friendly in terms of mechanics, but it requires practice to perform smoothly. Fiddlin' Johnny notes that while the basic move is easy to learn, the presentation and timing need refinement to make the effect convincing. About 30 minutes of focused practice in front of a mirror is recommended before performing it live.
The trick has angle limitations—spectators should not be directly at the sides or behind the performer. However, when performed correctly, the effect is highly deceptive and visually impressive.
What Magicians Say
Fiddlin' Johnny praises the Swiss Key for its quality and versatility, calling it a "lifetime gimmick" due to its durability. He mentions that the melting key effect, along with the other routines, offers strong magical moments with minimal setup.
He also compares it to similar tricks like the Phoenix bill penetration, noting that the Swiss Key has an advantage because it doesn’t require prepped bills or refills. While the gimmick makes a slight noise, Johnny says this is not an issue in performance, especially since the sound of the bill being handled covers it.
Overall, the Melting Key Through Bill is a well-regarded effect that combines simplicity with strong visual impact, making it a solid choice for magicians looking for a reliable and versatile trick.
What people are saying about Melting Key Through Bill
fiddlinjonny says...
The gimmick is really, really good—I couldn't say one bad thing about it. It’s high quality, lasts a lifetime, and the layperson will never detect it. [...] Even though it’s beginner-level, it requires practice to make it look flawless.
Review videos
Magic Product Review - Swiss Key By Nicholas Lawrence
fiddlinjonny mentioned this magic trick in this video.