The Iron Garrote by Peter Loughran
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Effect: The performer passes the Iron Garrote amongst the audience, and they note that it is a extremely solid chain! It is then wrapped and tied tightly around the performer's neck (with the help of volunteers if you like). Suddenly the performer pulls the Iron Garrote, ripping it right through his neck!

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What exactly is a Garrote you ask? Good question. I made a quick run to a dictionary and found the following:

Garrote:

• A method of execution formerly practiced in Spain, in which a tightened iron collar is used to strangle or break the neck of a condemned person.
  
• The iron collar used for such an execution.
  
• Strangulation, especially in order to rob.
  
• A cord or wire used for strangling.
  

Pretty creepy and spooky says I!
But hey, with Halloween just around the corner, I can see more then a few magicians having a jolly old time performing this for a group of onlookers.

Illusionist Peter Loughran has taken a very old idea, dressed it up a bit, and devised a very clever method which achieves very startling results.

This trick is almost self-working, I say almost because good presentation is the real key here. The actual effect happens in a split second, so this is a trick you will want to build up to. Don't rush it, you have plenty of time, believe me.

The prop itself reminds me of a jump rope that Wednesday from the Adams Family might have used. Two wooden handles with a chain stretched in between. The chain is approx. 6 feet in length, so no matter what your height, this will work just fine. You also receive the special gimmick that makes this all possible and a very well written booklet explaining everything you need to know to start creeping out the in-laws in no time at all.The booklet contains a little history of the Garrote, and twelve pages of instructions complete with photos to help you master this bad boy in record time.

I tried this out in front of a mirror several times and it looks very real. I also performed this for a few lay-people who totally freaked out on me. Yea, this is very cool. In fact, I would caution you to be extra careful with this because the reactions I got were more then I expected.
Obviously this is not something you would do if you perform for children or at church.

Having said all that, I think the prop is good quality and is well worth the money spent, especially for folks who perform the strange and bizzare on a regular basis.
It's very portable (can be carried in your pocket), and can be done up close and surrounded (great for you street performers).
I will add that this would also be an excellent effect if used in conjunction with a haunted house around Halloween time. Recommended.
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My rating:

Suggested retail is: $69.95

The Iron Garrote is Available from:
Hocus Pocus (Exclusive dealer)
2311 McKinley Avenue, Fresno, Ca. 93703
Order Toll-Free!: 800-407-4040
Questions, chat: (559) 266-5150
24-Hour Fax: (559) 266-4517

You can also contact Hocus Pocus directly at: sales@hocus-pocus.com
To visit the Hocus Pocus site: Click here!

The Iron Garrote can be ordered directly from Peter Loughran:
You can contact Peter directly at: peter@masterofillusions.ca
Visit Peter's site to order direct:
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

MASTER OF ILLUSIONS ENTERTAINMENT
97 BirchPoint Dr.
R.R. 2, Ennismore,
Ontario. K0L 1T0
CANADA
(705) 292-8947