The matchbox penetration I do uses... a matchbox. It uses no sleights; it's totally self-working. Still, it gets great reactions.

Gospel Dan, I think you got an "out of spec" piece of brass. Mine works flawlessly. I squeeze the sides of the box nice and hard as I pivot toward their hand, then dump the brass into their hand. Works every time.

http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=41

Is this the one everyone has? I have always been interested in this effect, is this the best one?

Mine works fine too.

I do believe that Garret Thomas has a super routine using this item and its worth checking out his handling.

Dean

There is what appears to be the "good" made-in-Spain version on the Big Auction now.

Not to discount the brass block penetration, I would also like to suggest Dick Zimmerman's "Crystal Clear".

Matchbox shown with holes on top and bottom of the sleeve. A needle, threaded with a narrow ribbon is introduced. It is shown that the needle and ribbon can go through the holes. The box is shown all around. The ribbon is removed and then the drawer of the box is slid open to reveal a solid block of clear plastic filling the drawer. Everything can be examined--and nothing can be found as nothing is gimmacked! Just clever thinking!

Check the dealers! I really like the trick.

Enjoy the search.

Regards,

Paul Green

He does have a killer handling of the Matchbox Penetration which can be found on Inside The Mind of Garrett Thomas Volume 3 called Brass Block. It states in the product description that it's worth the price of the three-disk set, and it really, truly is. I perform it at my regular strolling gigs all night and it never fails to get audible gasps, yelps, cheers, laughter...you get the idea.

Crystal clear sounds wonderfull too and I will go in search for one.

Thank you

Dean

My brass block is silent and tight but I don't squeeze the box or open it for the spectator. I have been accused of palming the block and secretly putting it into the matchbox too many times. After the penetration I say, "not impresses? Oh wait, there is something in here!" and I rap the matchbox on the table about two or three good times and then hand the matchbox to the spectator letting them open it.

I have a version that uses a clear glass block - makes no noise and is examinable since it is just that - a piece of glass.

I would gues sthat vanishing the brass block at the very end of the routine might be anice clean finish.

Can't wait to start perfomring this effect again after letting it sit on the shelf, un-used for so many years.

Thanks to all who have contrivuted their thoughts and insights onto this inspiring thread.

Jonathan

Check out Roy Johnson's 'Matchblock'. It has a triple climax and some very funny
patter. Beautifully structured routine. A real gem!

Steve

Where is Roy Johnson's routine in print?

Thanks in advance

Julie

I love this effect. Sometimes there is a bad piece in a group, but usually they will do an exchange for you depending on the shop. I have used this before many times when I use to do table hopping, but it seemed to short and some folks expecting more even though confused. Since getting back into things I have added a little extra to the effect that has worked quite well for me.

Short and quick... I do a signed bill vanish that reappears in the box under the block with visible punctures through it after the toothpick goes through to add even more confusion and "how did it get through the block??" replies and "how did the bill end up in there as well??" This adds an to their souvenir (really them getting there own money back but with the holes now in it and such.)

This does take some good extra sleights and takes away from the self-working part, but it has gotten great reactions from my spectators. I still like the matchbox trick by itself as it does stump folks, I just found it too quick and wanted to see if I could add more.

-Luke

Julie,
It can be found in Pure Gold by Roy Johnson.

The best version was made in Italy. You can hand it out without detection.

Does anyone know where you can purchase a duplicate solid brass block to switch out for the brass block that comes with the Matchbox Penetration?

Thanks...