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Vanishing Key by Nicholas Lawrence and Hansen Chien

Created by: Nicholas Lawrence, Hansen Chien

The Vanishing Key is a versatile close-up magic trick that allows performers to execute a variety of effects with a single gimmicked key. Spectators witness the key visibly penetrate through a bill or paper, vanish from a crumpled bill, and even perform a zigzag illusion, among other routines. This self-contained gimmick requires no additional setup, making it ideal for impromptu performances. It's designed for magicians who appreciate organic, off-the-cuff magic with a high-quality, durable tool that can last a lifetime.

Key features

  • Enables multiple effects including bill penetration, vanishing key, and zigzag illusion

  • Self-contained gimmick requiring no additional setup

  • High-quality and durable design

  • Includes a detailed hour-long tutorial by Nicholas Lawrence

  • Ideal for impromptu, visual, and interactive magic

Pros

  • Versatile with multiple effects possible

  • High-quality and durable build

  • Self-contained, no need for additional setup

  • Comes with a comprehensive tutorial

  • Great for impromptu performances

Cons

  • Requires practice to perform smoothly

  • Minor issue with internal foam peeling after extended use

  • Angle sensitive in some routines

Effect

The Vanishing Key is a magic trick where a key visibly penetrates through a bill or piece of paper, is ripped out, and the paper remains completely unharmed. The key can also vanish from a crumpled bill and reappear elsewhere, such as on a keyring. The effect is visual, interactive, and leaves spectators puzzled as to how the key could pass through or disappear from the paper without leaving any damage.

Full Details

The Vanishing Key is part of the Swiss Key gimmick, a versatile tool that allows multiple effects. The gimmick is self-contained, meaning no additional setup is required. It includes a high-quality metal key that looks and handles like a real key, making it safe to hand to spectators. The gimmick is durable and designed to last a long time, though some users report minor issues with internal foam peeling after extended use.

The trick works with any type of bill or paper, regardless of material (paper or polymer). It includes several routines:

  • Classic bill penetration
  • Visual melting key through bill
  • Vanishing key (key disappears from a crumpled bill and reappears elsewhere)
  • Zigzag key (illusion of the key bending and restoring)
  • Signed coin to anywhere (a coin vanishes and reappears in impossible locations)

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Vanishing Key is ideal for magicians who enjoy impromptu, visual, and interactive magic. It suits close-up performers, whether in formal or informal settings. Those who prefer organic, everyday carry (EDC) magic will appreciate its versatility and ease of use. It is also a good choice for magicians who want a durable, self-contained gimmick that requires no additional setup.

Difficulty

The Vanishing Key is beginner-friendly but requires practice to perform smoothly. The basic bill penetration is straightforward, but mastering all the routines takes time. Fiddlin' Johnny notes that even experienced magicians need about 30 minutes of focused practice to get the choreography right. Some routines, like the zigzag key and signed coin to anywhere, are more advanced and may require additional rehearsal.

Angle sensitivity is a consideration. The trick cannot be performed with spectators directly at your sides or behind you. However, it works well for audiences in front of you or at a table.

What Magicians Say

Fiddlin' Johnny praises the Swiss Key's build quality and versatility, calling it a "worthwhile investment." He highlights its durability and the detailed tutorial but notes that practice is essential for smooth performance. He also compares it favorably to similar products like Phoenix, emphasizing its advantage of not needing prepped bills or refills.

Roo from RoosReviews describes the Swiss Key as "the coolest key gimmick" he’s ever seen, comparing it to a "James Bond gadget." He loves the self-contained nature of the gimmick and the standout signed coin routine. While he mentions a minor issue with the internal foam, he finds the gimmick more deceptive without it and plans to keep it in his everyday carry.

Both reviewers recommend the Vanishing Key for its visual impact, versatility, and high-quality construction.

What people are saying about Vanishing Key

fiddlinjonny says...

Swiss Key is a high-quality and durable gimmick that enables magicians to perform a range of effects, including bill penetrations and vanishing keys, all with a single device. [...] It's a worthwhile investment for its durability and the breadth of magic it can perform.

RoosReviews says...

Swiss Key is the coolest key gimmick I've ever seen, offering seven different effects with a self-contained, high-quality tool. [...] It's like Batman’s utility tool for key magic, highly recommended for impromptu, visual, and interactive magic.

Review videos