hey, ive never done anything in the realm of escapology, and was wondering if you guys could give me some tips. i want to learn escapes, using none gimmicked stuff. im planning on getting dixie dooleys 3 dvd set on escapology. are there any other dvds or books that are good?

what are the best strait jackets to use?
what are the best handcuffs to use?
what are the best chains to use?
what are the best locks to use?

i dont care about the money. also, could you please tell me from where i can purchase the equiptment.

one more question, could you guys tell me if thumb cuffs are any good, and where i can get good ones. and, these things that go around your whole head, are they any good. and, lastly, ive heard of metal strait jackets, are they any good?


thanks. i really appreciate any replies.

You are asking way too much, way too fast, but that's natural. I asked the same questions when I started, 36 years ago.

You say that you don't want to use any gimmicked equipment. It's good that you want to learn the 'real' techniques, but remember that a good escape artist uses both 'real' techniques and gaffed apparatus as appropriate.

Check out Cannon's Great Escapes, online. Specifically, check out the book section. I recommend starting with the 'Encyclopedia of Escapes' by McLaury.

Study hard, practice hard, but above all, STAY SAFE.

Good luck.

http://www.cannonsgreatescapes.com/Shop ... chase.html

http://www.cannonsgreatescapes.com/Shop ... chase.html
thats the SJ i have its good for beginners. its a humane. those thumbcuffs are good as well. also chek out
www.discounthandcuffwarehouse.com

okay, those thumb cuffs and strait jacket look cool.

but what about hand cuffs? i checked out cannon's and there are so many, that i dont know which one to choose.

also, alot of handcuff escape book stuff at cannon's you need to be a locksmith, federal law officer of magician/escape artist.
im a magician, but you need to put in some kind of ID code, where do you get this?

dicount handcuff warehouse is better. much better prices for the handcuffs. you might wanna browse around there first

BUT...keep in mind you're just starting. Get some general escape books first (you don't have to get handcuff picking books right away).

would you recommend any good ones? i will get encyclopedia of escapes at cannons. any others?

"33 Rope Ties and Chain Releases" by Burling Hull

"Modern Handcuff Secrets for Magicians" by D. Norman

"Gold Medal Showmanship" by Hull (chapter on escape showmanship)

The John Novak "Art of Escape" series

Norman Bigelow's 'Cords' series

"Abbott's Book of Escapes" (Abbott's Magic Co.)

"Real Methods & Secrets of the Challenge Escape from75 Feet of Rope" by Lee Jacobs

"What Lee Jacobs Didn't Tell You About the 75 Foot Challenge Rope Escape" by John Novak

"How to Make Your Own Trick Handcuffs (and use them) PlusS Thumb Cuff Secrets and Handcuff Collecting" by John Novak

Cannon sells most of these.

Note: as to the 'magician's ID code,; Cannon is asking for a magic club membership number, as for the SAM or IBM. This way he has legal proof that you are a magician buying picks or lock books for ENTERTAINMENT purposes.