Another in Andrew Mayne's low-cost, build-your-own illusions, in Razorwire, the magician appears to pass through a tangle of barbwire behind the cover of a cloth. It's a convincing one-person illusion that may be easily built for under $100. The effect only requires basic tools to construct it and doesn't need any assistants.
Walking Through Wire
In Razorwire, a magician has a spectator come on stage and examine a frame of barbwire. The spectator can closely examine the wire to make sure that it doesn't come apart (it won't). Also, the magician can show that the barbwire is sharp by popping a balloon on it.
The magician stands behind the frame of barbwire and raises a cloth in front of him with the top of the frame still visible. He takes a step forward and lowers the cloth revealing that he has passed through the barrier unscathed, but his T-shirt is now ripped from the passage.
Putting It All Together
According to Mayne, Razorwire may be built for under $100, which sounds about right. The biggest expense lies in a gimmick that you will have to purchase from a magic dealer and accounts for roughly half of the illusion's cost. The rest of the expense comes from the PVC tubing and wire, and the construction of the cloth.
The only tools that you&'ll need are various pliers and wire cutters to work with the wire and a saw for cutting the PVC piping. The plans offer clear explanations and are easy to read and follow. Mayne also offers good instruction on performing the routine.
Packs Big
Mayne says that the illusion may be built to come apart and fit into a briefcase. While this is possible, he offers no advice on how to do this. As it's explained, with its two PVC spans of 72-inches, this effect is not going to fit into even a large duffle bag, and it's rather clumsy to pack, transport and setup. Although with a few modifications, one can create a version that is easier to carry around.
At only $15 for the plans, Andrew Mayne offers another winner. If you've been wanting such an effect in your show, Razorwire is worth the look.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
