For this thread, lets talk about escapes. Lets not debate the philosophy if inusts or any other junk like that. Here, I'll start

I saw a pair of hand stocks in a magic shop. I am thinking of buying them. They have a gimmick I have not seen perviously. I don't think they would stand on their own. That is I would combine them with a bag escape or some other device that makes the audiece think they saw the whole business when they did not. anyone else seen or working on any unusual equipment?

.... Erm.... Nope.

If the audience wouldn't see the gaff, why can't they stand on their own?

What are they Cliff? This could help us!

I just got done working on a stocks escape that uses an old principle in a new way. Will send video soon.

Good question Harley. The answer is that the gaff is invisible under normal conditions, I canhave a volunteer handle them under control and lock me in. The problme is that when the gaff is activated, it becomes totally obvious...

1. What and why it is
2. That I did not get out by opening the lock

So, I suppose I could have a volunteer hold my jacket over my hands while I got out, but that seems a bit anti-climactic.

Curtis: They are hand stocks. wooden blocks that hinge and hasp together about 12" by 8" or so with two holes for hands to be locked in.

Cliff: then I would say provide red herrings. Red herrings are often essential to an illusion (which this sort of is). Make like you are picking a lock, repeatedly point out you don't have a pick hidden anywhere, use a suspicious looking handkerchief. Provide alternate explanations but none that will suffice.

Sounds like Abbott's Stocks of Solomon or variant.

I shall always maintain that equipment is rarely the problem, if you have the right presentation. I also like very simple equipment.

I have simple equipment ........ Oh no she said un impressive

From talking to Riley and Mick Hanzlic ..... David De-Val got away with a lot with the right handling.

Steve, I have the Abbott's plans but they seemed too difficult for me to make with just a table saw and some drills. I tried a different method, but the method was flawed. Then I went to home depot and came up with three new methods. One didn't work, and then we (myself and my carpenter) picked the better one. I think it's new. Maybe people won't like it and think it's lame. Who knows, maybe it's a bad idea.

I'm bet this escape,Cliff, is the Indian copy of DeVal's wrist stocks.
You should know what those are.

Jay, are the wrist stocks you sell De Val's? Or are they your own design?

If they are the De-Val ones (I have only used them once) then the release kind of relies on cover and 2 spectators 'helping' restrain you. The ones I have are a bit too loud and clunky ...... They may well be a rip off. Ill take em along to UKEA next march and get throes who knew David check em over.

I have a great set of Le Peggy Depose Handcuffs which are the ONLY gimmicked set I have. Never used them for shows but keep them in my collection as they were given to me by Philippart and Anja as a gift. Have not yet seen or heard of another set like these. No one answered on the handcuffs forum before to tell me what they were worth or if anyone else has a set. Apparently they are easy to gimmick, but, if they are or not is of no concern to me. I just really like my set.

Jay, without giving anything away here, I think they are not that. They are a design different from one's you have and different from what I got in PM's about them.

Even so. Use the imperfections of the device and it's idiosyncrasies to your advantage.

Where's a picture?

I haven't bought it yet. Hang on, coming soon...

Hmm... How much is it Cliff?

Still negotiating....