Hi All,

Just seen this on ebay;

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?View......55740527

In case the above doesn't work, it's a trick called PARAMOUNT LOCK. Effect works with ANY type of lock (apparently). Where can I get one? Anyone got one?

Thanks,

Frank.

Does *nobody* know what this thing is???????

I haven't heard specifically about this one, but I know a little about locks and have my own version that I made.

Let's do some reasoning here:

If it can be done with *any* lock, why does the package include the lock itself?

My guess is the "principle" works with any lock, BUT not without some(perhaps a LOT)modification.

There are several ways this can be done, and I'm relatively sure you can find other locks cheaper.

If you want to do this yourself, and know somewhere that you can get multiple keys made you can save yourself some money.

Of course, you're on your own to build your own routine this way, but you should be doing that anyway, right?

David

I must admit that I've been called a "Lock Nut" but I have not seen this one advertised. It appears that it is NOT a gimmicked lock and that a switch is involved, since the same effect can be made on door lock, etc.

If you find out anything else about it, please keep us posted.

The Lock Nut
..

One of the greatest ungimmicked lock effects of that sort is found in "Stunners" and was devised by Lee Earle and Larry Becker. Well worth studying.
PSIncerely Yours,
Paul Alberstat
http://www.stores.ebay.ca/abstagecraft

Am I missing something here, but doesn't this sound like a rework of Max's key to the future?

I will have to relook at it.

Kevin

Or...is Key to future a rework of something even older? The "Seven Keys" concept has been around for many years. I guess we won't know for sure unless someone buys each of them and learns the differences (or similarities) for himself.

I'm still of the opinion that the one being offered is a gimmicked lock. As they imply, the gimmicking "principle" can probably be applied to any lock (by someone adept at these things) I've rekeyed my own house locks before. It's not that difficult to get inside them to do the "dirty work" if that's what it takes.
:devilish:

David

I'd guess it's most likely a gimmicked lock. Though one other thing struck me, they talk about five keys all through the description, while six keys are displayed on the picture. Keyswitch?

//Daniel Young

...'locks' like none of us are any the wiser!

Jecar says...'It appears that it is NOT a gimmicked lock and that a switch is involved, since the same effect can be made on door lock, etc.'

A physical switch or a light switch?
sorry, sleight switch?

Frank.

"Keyswitch?" Yep...and not a gimmicked lock, at least, that's my guess..and only a guess. In my opinion, this would be the only way the claim that you can do the same thing with any door lock, would be feasible. Of course, I've been fooled many times. ;-))

Whether it's good, or not, is another question. *IF* it involves a switch....and if the method of switching is a good one, I'd think the trick would be a good one too....just as some other non-gimmicked lock effects are. Paul Alberstat pointed to 'Stunners' for a good non-gimmicked lock trick. Mark Strivings has published a good one, along with Richard Mark. And Barrie Richardson has a good one in his book 'Theater of the Mind', in which he tells who the premise of this trick originated from.

The part of the description that leads me to believe that it is a switch, is the part that says you can do it on a business door. Not many businesses are gonna sit by and let someone gimmick their door locks and it would take a locksmith to do it anyway, not a purchaser of a magic trick.

Jerry
..

I had a few minutes today and rewatched Keys to the future. I stand corrected, as it reads;

Key to the Future: A variation on the classic "Seven Keys to Baldpate", this effect uses an ungimmicked padlock and several keys, only one of which will open the padlock. The spectators psychic abilities are tested as she is challenged to intuitively pick the correct key. Whether she succeeds or not, the performer proves he knew the outcome in advance!

Hope that is of some help on this topic.

Kevin

Right after the text mentioning that the
"Paramount Principle" can work on any lock
is this fine print:

(Please note the item for auction is the Paramount Lock - Padlock Version. Email for details on other versions available.)

my guess is that you actually need ALL 5 keys to open the lock. ie insert each key, turn - when ALL 5 keys have been turned, it opens, therefore ONLY the 5th key will actually open the lock.

the 6th key is a key that opens it all by itself, for convenience sake.

Pretty simple in principle....

Only one problem with the above... a 'wrong' key will NOT *turn*, that's the point of the lock...this only happens in the 'Ye Olde English' type padlock which does not snap shut. I too thought about gimmicked keys, something on the line of shells, maybe.

Frank.

Has anybody actually seen the Paramount lock firsthand? Or, to rephrase, can anybody actually give us real fact on this instead of mere speculation?

More to the point Andy, does this thing actually exist? Seems like no-one has got one, seen one or used one! Search the dealers...nothing. Maybe it's a one-off!


Frank.

According to Pratical mental magic any lock can be used. In the book two locks are used I only use one.
Most magically yours,
WR

I have a feeling it's a method, not the lock( a very simple one at that). On that note, I would highly recommend Mark Strivings & keys to Baldpate routine.

You can contact Mark at- MarkyApril@aol.com

Basically, who really cares, its just a 7 key routine, and the suggested routine locking a bill in between plastic sheets has been around a while and is not a particularly good presentation.

I doubt very much it is Max's Keys To The Future from that description, though that routine could use any lock. I had a variation on that which appeared with Max's permission in my book "TOTAT Rides Again" several years back, which included a suggestion whereby you could get the booker to provide their own lock and keys.

Another version of mine without keys used a combination padlock and appeared in my book "Mental Mix".

The basic effect of course originated with Kolar. There are several good marketed versions,and some good unmarketed ones. The one described here didn't particularly excite me, but it's whatever floats your boat.

There was a thread on Seven Keys before Frank, may be worh doing a search.

Paul.

Ich.,
Thats the one I do it is off a tape called Annemann ....Something.
Most magicall yours,
WR