Anyone have advice on where someone just getting into escape work begins? I know probably cuffs, but does anyone still do the Metamorphosis? Also what stuff do you avoid as to any handcuffs that are poorly done or look generic?

I have two volumes of the Novak series already. Have to order the rest of the set. Also does anyone have the Tarbell course in magic? What do you think of Vol. 6? Best of luck to all. Don,

Don,

I would suggest some starting by ordering something like John Novak's Selected Chain Escapes (I think it's volume 2 in his Art of Escape series).

The Art of Escape series has a lot of useful information and ideas, as well as giving you quite a few routines. I ended up getting all 8 volumes ... and have never regretted it!

Regards,

James.

Rope is always a good place to start. Many variations of ties and very cost effective.

Wiz Kid Qua-Fiki has some nice escapes for beginners in his book "Escapes For Teens" on my site.

I am fairly new myself & can confirm the chain escape is good as are heavy duty plastic ties. These used as thumb ties can be seen to be so tight that they change skin tone, can be seen to be real & ungimmicked, but still be a good starter escape.
The plastic ties are cheap to buy & people are use to them.
Rope thumb ties are to escapology what the cup & balls are to magic. You need to learn how to escape your thumbs being tied.
Karl Fulves, Self Working Rope Magic includes a couple & if doing escapology, it is good to know at least a little about rope magic, as some sit very easily with escapology & help to round the act.

Start with rope. The lessons to learn from it, apply to almost everything else.