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Strangelittleman Regular user Sydney Aus 184 Posts |
Hi everyone,
Ok, where is the best place to go for supplies now that Canons Great Escapes is no longer operating. I could not see if a list of shops had been put up (and if it had it should be sticky) - so where does everyone shop for their stuff. Thought it might be good to put together a list of escape suppliers Regards |
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Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
Nope. Not a good idea at all.
Don't get me wrong, having Cannons Great Escapes was lovely. They made everything so accessible. However, that also became part of the problem. Stores like Cannons Great Escapes make things too accessible. I believe this is the case with all magic. But with escapes this can be particularly detrimental. I believe that having escape items easy to get at reduces the amount of creativity within the field. Magicians are naturally lazy. They will always take the easy road if one is layed out for them. I don't think this is a good thing. What happens is inexperienced performers decide to try a stunt and they hurt themselves because they view the stunt as a magic trick, they view it that way because everything you need to perform the stunt is provided.... Everything except the experience that is. I was reading on Facebook just yesterday about a kid who decided to perform Human Blockhead. Long story short, he ended up in A&E (ER) because he'd done it wrong. I know HB isn't an escape, but its that story is a prime example of what happens when magicians treat the "real stuff" like a magic trick. It's not the only example either. If you think back to the modern escape masters, they produced some amazing stunts and did it by being creative and not relying on someone else to come up with the idea for them. The one that springs to mind straight away is The Doors of Death. The modern approach of picking routines "off the shelf" like you would a suit breeds poor reproductions, with every act doing the same stuff. Just like you walk down the high street and everyone's wearing the same suit. It kinda fits, but nobody is truly comfortable. These days you essentially see Mark Cannon's act all over the place. How many full view metal box escapes have you seen performed? Its so popular Danny Hunt even used footage of him doing it on his escape DVD! If you use the search function here you'll find plenty of skilled craftsmen that can help you produce the props you need. Plus they'll be unique and fit you. But you have to have the ideas first.
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
My home online Join me on Facebook Follow me on twitter |
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Kondini Inner circle 3609 Posts |
On the button Ros.
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dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
Eye.....
It's not hard to find quality sound functional escape stuff .... And easy enough to get hold of. It may be a little pricey but that's for the reasons Ros posted and possibly more relevant - small production runs so materials not as cheap as they could be. Having said that there are lots of places selling locks, and chains and other stuff that can be used. There are ,agin shops that sell "escapology equipment". Seek and yeeee shallll finde. |
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Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
Plus, if you have no creativity, you won't go far in ANY art.
Where do I go for "escape equipment"? Lowe's Rural King Tractor Supply Co. Tandy Leather Antique Malls Flea Markets
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
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dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
Fetters too
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dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
Oh and Jay Lesley
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magicbymccauley Special user 830 Posts |
The modern approach of picking routines "off the shelf" like you would a suit breeds poor reproductions, with every act doing the same stuff. Just like you walk down the high street and everyone's wearing the same suit. It kinda fits, but nobody is truly comfortable.
"Tricks are about objects, Magic is about life."
-Max Maven |
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magicbymccauley Special user 830 Posts |
^Best post ever.
"Tricks are about objects, Magic is about life."
-Max Maven |
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Strangelittleman Regular user Sydney Aus 184 Posts |
Hi guys,
Did not mean to come across the way I did - but thanks for the responses. I agree completely with 'off the shelf' effects so you have no argument there. My main issue was finding 'reputable' dealers of cuffs, shackles etc 'modified' or not. I have been burnt by dodgy dealers before of other equipment - so thought you guys might have been best to get in touch with for some names. I was not after any off the shelf routines - as I have an idea Im working on, and was just looking for where I could go that might have the necessary 'bits' to get it all together. Chains/rope etc - that's pretty easy, but 'antique' style equipment (padlocks, cuffs) - that's a bit harder lol Side-note - the kids that did HB - not wanting to sound cruel - but I've dealt with a LOT of these people in the last 4 years - darwin was right! |
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magicbymccauley Special user 830 Posts |
I was thinking of buying stuff myself, but the process of making my own stuff has been far more rewarding.
Books like Burling Hull's handcuff act and Abbot's book of escapes, and U.F. Grant's Escapes have been very inspirational, as has reading on Osbourne and Stainmeyer. I created a new illusion/escape and guess where it's available? Nowhere but my basement. I now have a handcuff escape that I can do with any pair of handcuffs and they can be locked on and examined by spectators. (You know, through my own efforts and work from an idea in one of these books. People are doing Straightjacket escapes all over the place (because cheap ones are readily available.) So I don't do one. Steve is right: Home Depot, and plumbing supply stores are where I frequent. There is one trick I got from Cannons that I couldn't possibly make, so I too wish there were another store like cannon's out there. Jay Leslie has some good stuff too. As far as antique locks go, try amazon and ebay. They have everything on there. As a for instance: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W0U......0Z6NWNRB
"Tricks are about objects, Magic is about life."
-Max Maven |
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Ian McColl Inner circle 1493 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-11-01 21:59, Strangelittleman wrote: Good to hear from another Aussie. I have sent you an email and I am sure we can work out what you need. And I agree, Darwin was right. Thank goodness there are awards given out too. Ian
handcuff keys https://www.facebook.com/groups/274871910110997/
old business https://www.facebook.com/Stockade-locksmiths-276492435716704/ |
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Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-11-01 22:37, magicbymccauley wrote: If you're talking about the Grant "Escape from Any Handcuffs" routine, be warned that it has definite limitations; for instance: 1) The challenger wants to double lock the cuffs himself and retain the key. 2) He insists on retaining his key...period. 3) It's a freak cuff or weird antique with a 5" long key. 4) It locks with a combination lock. 5) The key is on a large, welded key-ring. Shall I go on...?
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
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Cliffg37 Inner circle Long Beach, CA 2491 Posts |
I think he meant any standard pair of cuffs. How many cops carry bean giants anyway... On the other hand, many carry zip ties.
Magic is like Science,
Both are fun if you do it right! |
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Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-11-02 19:02, Cliffg37 wrote: What about points 1,2 and 5?
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
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jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Yeah.
There you go Zip Ties on top of the cuffs. I was being tied in a bag (long ago) and couldn't figure out why they were taking so long. They used two belts and made holes for the dogs so they could cinch the belts all the way then use the remainder for half-hitches. That's what happens with challenges. Ask and ye shall be f'd with.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
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magicbymccauley Special user 830 Posts |
Well, Steve, I wasn't referring to that one.
People around here don't have any type of cuffs other than peerless and S&W, so challenging audience members to bring "different kinds of cuffs" to a show isn't very helpful. Everyone just brings up the same kinds with the same kinds of keys, or worse, they bring cheap cuffs that make it look fake. So if I was going to do the challenge handcuff escape I'd use a different method, which goes by the name of an army that used to live in the southern united states. That's the only way you're going to get different kinds of cuffs. The cuffs I'm referring to are what I call partial cuffs. They have served me well over several performances and they baffle audiences. 1. Cuffs are visually examinable (no holes in cuffs, etc. No noticeable marks). 2. Cuffs can be locked on the audience, they CANNOT get out. 3. Cuffs can be of any type or police issue. 4. You don't need any, ANY picks or keys, pieces of metal, etc. Nothing added or taken away. 5. You can make them yourself, no need to buy special cuffs or anything. 6. Foolproof, simple, easy, no skill to get out. You can read about them here http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......rum=46&0 Also, though using sleight of hand with a key is possible, I think it's the wrong angle. I would use sleight of hand with something else.
"Tricks are about objects, Magic is about life."
-Max Maven |
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magicbymccauley Special user 830 Posts |
I've actually been thinking recently that it would be better to have the audience bring LOCKS of their choosing to do a chain escape with rather than handcuffs. Everyone has all sorts of locks at home. In other words, I think a challenge LOCK escape makes more sense than a challenge handcuff escape. People aren't going to bother to bring find or admit to having handcuffs around the house. There's too many stigmas associated with them. But everyone has a lock, and it's a more ordinary item.
Then you can do siberian with their chain or oval or some other method.
"Tricks are about objects, Magic is about life."
-Max Maven |
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Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
I was about to say, have them bring their own locks to fasten your chain devices, pillories, boxes and/or etc.
A standard practice.
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
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Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
McCaully, That is an old method. Nothing new has been added at all.
Why is it being discussed on a public forum? I know you need 50 posts to access it, but any muppet can get those. Apart from the exposure issue it's not your method. Therefore even if that forum was the most secure there is, which it isn't, you have no rights in revealing it. It's not yours to reveal. As for borrowing locks and/or handcuffs have you not heard of Houdini? It's kind of a staple with most EA's.
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
My home online Join me on Facebook Follow me on twitter |
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