Had a Matchbox Penetration - not too pleased with quality.

Local dealer had one that came with a needle. It was VERY THICK. Mine is just under 1/4 inch thick. This one seemed almost twice as thick! They both have grains that run lengthwise. The dealer's was much better quality than mine, and it came with a rather long needle that had a sringe-like bubble on one end.

Didn't buy it. Changed my mind a week later, but it was sold. Dealer gets a new one, but it is the same, thin version I had before. He said he couldn't get one like he had before. Hmmmm...

I have so far not been able to track down the version I would like to purchase. Was hoping a Café Member could help.

Thank you!

Woops, found it at Hocus-Pocus. Would still appreciate any feedback from owners of this version as to the quality they have experienced.

Mark

I believe the "original" came from Spain some years ago and was sold initially by Joe Stevens. The new generations (rip-offs?) were never quite as well-made.

I have one but I do not know who is the manufacture. Works grate for close up.
Eran

I remember this one. I believe the inventor's name was Martinez. This version is the real thing. The workmanship was so good, that spectator's could examine the block til doomsday without finding anything. This is one of the few tricks, where spectators MUST examine the prop, because that's the whole point of the trick. Unfortunately it is hard to find one of these. All of the rip-offs I have seen are so bad, it's a shame.

This is one of those item's that must be examined before purchase in order to get a good working model. I did not examine mine until I got home (from Las Vegas) then it was too late (and expensive) to return it for an exchange.
Some item's just need to be inspected before the purchase to make sure you are getting what you pay for, the sh**l for Mulitipling Billiard Balls is an excellent example too many do not fit properly or color does not match. This is just one reason it is important that we don't lose all of the "brick & mortar" Magic shops to the Internet.
Iven

I thought initially it was an Eddie Gibson idea but maybe not...

Paul.

I purchased mine a few years ago from Hank Lee. The block is larger, thicker and much better made than the thinner less deceiving ones you see.
The gimmick is not the usual lengthwise one. Without revealing it
let me just say it's much better than that. You can hand the block out
for examination without worry. See it here. (Go to bottom and left) http://www.hanklee.org/hankievision/index.html

David

David, thank you.

The block on the Hankievision presentation looks like the one I had been wanting, and found at Hocus Pocus.

The only difference is that the needle I will be receiving has a sort of "bubble handle" or grip at one end, and does not come with a ribbon to thread through the matchbox.

However, the block looks the same, and it will hopefully be the same in terms of quality as yours.

Mark

Hi,

If you can locate the version released my Dick Zimmerman, you will have a great routine to add to your repertoire. The Magician displays a matchbox and a needle attached to a thin ribbon. The needle and ribbon are threaded through the matchbox and shown on all sides. When removed, the drawer is slid open and a piece of plexiglass fills the drawer completely.

I have used both and prefer the Zimmerman set up. It is a real fooler.

Regards,

Paul Green

I ordered the one from Hocus Pocus. Unfortunately, instead of receiving the version pictured on their site, I received one of the thinner ones that come with a toothpick.

I sent it back to Hocus Pocus, and they will either send me the correct version (if they still have one in stock) or refund.

Chessmann,
Call Hank Lee. That's where I purchased mine.