Spoon Bending by Jay Sankey

Created by: Jay Sankey

The Spoon Bending trick is a classic close-up magic effect where a seemingly ordinary spoon is bent under the cover of a handkerchief while a spectator holds it. The performer uses misdirection and precise timing to make the bend appear effortless and magical. This trick works best with bendable spoons, such as those found in diners, and can be performed in casual settings like restaurants or at a table. The spectator is left with a genuinely bent spoon, creating a strong visual and tactile surprise.

Key features

Uses everyday items (spoon and handkerchief)
Requires a bendable spoon for best results
Relies on timing and misdirection
Can be performed impromptu with borrowed items
Strong visual and tactile impact

Pros

Simple to learn and perform
Uses common objects
Highly visual and surprising
Can be reset quickly for multiple performances
Works well in casual or restaurant settings

Cons

Requires a bendable spoon (not all spoons work)
Timing must be precise to avoid detection
May not work with high-quality or heavy silverware

Effect

The Spoon Bending trick creates the illusion that a spoon bends on its own, seemingly through mental power or magic. The performer wraps a spoon in a handkerchief, asks a spectator to hold it, and then, without any visible force, the spoon appears to bend inside the cloth. When the handkerchief is opened, the spoon is visibly bent, leaving the audience amazed.

Full Details

The trick relies on a bendable spoon, typically made of softer metal like diner-grade cutlery. The performer secretly bends the spoon under the cover of the handkerchief while the spectator holds it. Timing and misdirection are crucial—the bend happens quickly, and the performer distracts the audience with patter or a visual element (like a signed drawing of a spoon). Some versions incorporate the "Out to Lunch" principle, where a signed drawing of a spoon appears to bend before the real spoon is revealed as bent.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy:

Impromptu performances (can be done with borrowed items).
Mentalism or psychic-themed acts.
Comedy magic, as it allows for playful audience interaction.
Close-up or restaurant performances, where spoons are readily available.

Difficulty

The trick is moderately easy to perform but requires practice to master timing and misdirection. The physical action of bending the spoon is simple, but selling the illusion convincingly depends on smooth execution and engaging presentation.

What Magicians Say

SankeyMagic emphasizes the importance of using a bendable spoon and proper grip: "The key is the fulcrum point—press with your thumb, and the spoon bends easily." He also highlights the need for timing: "It's not about what you do, but when you do it."
PigCake critiques modern spoon-bending performances, comparing them to classic acts like Uri Geller’s: "Old-school performers made it mysterious; now, people just bend the spoon outright." He notes that cheap spoons make the trick easier but less impressive.
Magic-TV (Craig Petty) praises Jay Sankey’s version for combining comedy and magic: "The Out to Lunch principle adds a fun twist—first the drawing bends, then the real spoon." He also mentions its practicality for restaurant magicians.

The Spoon Bending trick remains a popular choice for its simplicity, strong visual impact, and versatility in different performance settings.

What people are saying about Spoon Bending

magic-tv says...

Jay Sankey's Spoon Bending trick combines comedy and magic using the Out To Lunch principle, making it a super commercial routine with an instant reset.

PigCake says...

Modern spoon benders just bend the thing outright, eliminating any illusion or artistry. It's a shortcut, lacking the charm of classic magic like Uri Geller's performances.

SankeyMagic says...

The key to this effect is that you bend the spoon at the perfect time while you're covered with a handkerchief, and nobody notices anything. [...] Choose a diner spoon—they're usually bendable, unlike fancy restaurant silverware.