Metal Bending by Hoang Doan and Danny Goldsmith

Created by: Hoang Doan, Danny Goldsmith

Metal Bending is a visually striking close-up magic effect where the performer appears to bend metal objects (such as spoons or forks) using only their mind or minimal physical contact. The trick often involves subtle sleight of hand, misdirection, and sometimes gimmicked props to create the illusion of psychokinesis. Performers can make coins appear, vanish, or bend at will, often incorporating straws or other props to enhance the mystery. This effect is perfect for social media, live performances, or mentalism acts, and it can be adapted for both beginners and advanced magicians.

Key features

Can be performed with everyday objects like spoons, forks, or coins
Includes variations for different skill levels, from beginner to advanced
Often involves gimmicks or subtle sleight of hand
Works well for both live performances and social media
Angle-sensitive, requiring careful performance positioning

Pros

Highly visual and baffling for audiences
Versatile for different performance settings
Includes tutorials and bonus materials for learning
Can be adapted for mentalism or pure sleight-of-hand routines

Cons

Some routines require gimmicks or specific props
Angle limitations may restrict performance options
Not recommended for absolute beginners in coin magic

Effect

The Metal Bending trick creates the illusion that a performer can bend metal objects like spoons or forks using only their mind or minimal physical contact. The effect is often presented as a demonstration of psychokinesis, where the metal appears to soften and bend under the performer's mental influence. Some variations include coins appearing or disappearing in connection with the bending effect, adding an extra layer of mystery.

Full Details

Metal Bending routines can vary in presentation. Some performers use subtle sleight of hand to bend the metal while diverting attention, while others incorporate props like "Liquid Forks" to enhance the illusion. The trick may involve:

Visual Bending: The metal visibly warps or bends with minimal or no physical force.
Coin Integration: Some routines combine metal bending with coin magic, making coins appear or vanish in connection with the bending effect.
Straw or Water Gimmick: Certain versions use a straw and water to suggest the metal is being affected by an external force.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Metal Bending is ideal for magicians who:

Enjoy mentalism or psychic-themed performances.
Want a visually striking effect that works well in close-up or social media settings.
Are looking for a routine that can be adapted for different skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

Difficulty Level

The difficulty of Metal Bending depends on the method used:

Basic Methods: Some techniques involve simple misdirection and manual bending, making them accessible to beginners.
Advanced Techniques: More refined versions require precise timing and angle management, making them better suited for experienced performers.
Gimmick-Based Approaches: Using props like Liquid Forks can simplify the effect but may require additional handling to maintain the illusion.

What Magicians Say

RealMagicReview mentions that Metal Bending in "Beast" is not a traditional metal bending routine but involves a straw and water to make coins appear and vanish, calling it "really stunning."
PigCake critiques modern metal bending performances, comparing them unfavorably to classic acts like Uri Geller, stating that many modern versions lack skill and rely on obvious physical manipulation.
AlakazamMagicUK praises Liquid Forks as "the best forks for metal bending," highlighting their ease of use and strong audience reactions.
magicorthodoxy notes that Metal Bending in "Beast" is part of a broader coin magic routine, describing it as visually impressive but requiring practice to master.

Metal Bending remains a popular effect due to its strong visual impact and adaptability to different performance styles. Whether using gimmicks or sleight of hand, it offers a compelling illusion that can enhance a magician's repertoire.

What people are saying about Metal Bending

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Liquid Forks are literally the best forks for metal bending. The reactions are just Sublime, and it's a great way to start if you've never done metal bending before.

magicorthodoxy says...

Metal bending isn't really a metal bending effect—it's a straw-based routine where coins appear and disappear, making it a visually stunning addition to any act.

PigCake says...

The secret to most spoon bending or Fork bending is just bending the [object] when you're not looking and then displaying it in a way to make it seem like you're actually bending it in real time.

RealMagicReview says...

Metal bending which isn't actually a metal bending routine it's called metal bending where hang kind of sits at a table and has a straw puts a little bit of water on the straw and blows into his hand and one at a time coins appear and then vanish again.