Robert
First of all, to answer the question that keeps getting asked all over the place: It is solid METAL. No plastic. It's not light and it's not cheaply made. I actually have a collection of skeleton keys more than 100 years old, (of varying styles and sizes), and I can tell you that this manufactured product looks and feels quite authentic. It is similar in size, weight, feel, design and look to half of the authentic antique keys I have. There are even some 'imperfections' that give the key the look of having been used decades and decades ago. There is some 'rusting' color in just the right places that also look every bit authentic.
In case you're unfamiliar with the effect or are wondering...This is a good item/trick for both beginners, (because it's easy to do), and seasoned performers, (because it lends itself to good scripting).
I think the weight of this key makes the necessary 'moves' easier and less likely to be telegraphed.
As for the 'tutorial' video: You get a link and a password. It teaches the basic move to start with, but it's more comprehensive than I would've expected, covering placement of the key, as well as arm and body placement to achieve the best results with the least amount of telegraphed movement. it even gives a suggestion about how to pick up the key and get it into position with one, swift, one-handed move. Not a big deal...but it makes for a nice subtlety. Sometimes it's the little things that can make all the difference. I didn't think I could learn anything about the basic handling of a trick I've done for nearly two decades, but I actually did.
That being said, I wasn't all that impressed with the rest of the tutorial. It's all fine...but there's nothing beyond the subtleties in the basic explanation that I'll ever bother doing. As you may expect, you'll need another item to pull it off. Not a big deal...just not my thing. But if you're into that, then it's an item that a lot of magicians either use or have in a drawer somewhere. If you don't have it, it's easily and cheaply acquired here at Vanishing, Inc., as well as practically every other magic retailers you can think of. One thought: if used with tarot or oracle cards, (they didn't do that in the video - it was just an idea that I had when watching it), instead of playing cards - such as during some kind of seance routine or something - there's one of the routines taught that would probably send people scrambling for the light switch. ...If done correctly with the proper acting/scripting.
Overall, it's the best Haunted Key I've ever owned or used. I've bought a few variations over the years, (this is either my third or fourth - I think it's the fourth in nearly 20 years), and this one tops them all. And I think the price is right. Can't charge less...it's made too well. Can't charge much more because, let's face it...it's just a key. LOL
Well made, authentic looking and feeling in every way I can think to mention. This is a long overdue upgrade to a classic trick/prop in magic. It has finally grown up and become useable instead of looking and feeling like something no one could take seriously. THIS Haunted Key will be taken seriously. Like with any other magic prop, this is limited only to your imagination. I recommend it. ...Even if you're just going to throw it in a drawer until you get that Halloween gig two years from now; because when that happens, you'll wish you had it handy.
