Manufactured by: Mikame Craft
Reviewed by: John Teo

The Chinese Sticks is a classic in magic. Most magicians will want to own a version of this trick. The best version to have is the set manufactured by Mikame Craft.

Mikame is renowned for its excellent workmanship, especially in wooden products. You get 2 wooden rectangular rods nicely manufactured and elegantly finished. At one end of each rod runs a yellow rope – one end of the rope itself has a spherical stopper and the other end of the rope has a nice tassel.

What is good about the Mikame Chins Sticks is that the props are large, and is suitable for parlour and even stage performances. The 2 rods are 16 inches in length each while the ropes are each 27 inches long. The props operate very smoothly – a testimony of the excellent workmanship of Mikame.

For those not in the know, here is the effect of the Chinese Sticks. Two sticks are displayed – each has a yellow rope through one end. One rope is short, while the other one is long. When the performer pulls on the short rope it becomes long and at the same time, the long rope at the other stick becomes short. Because the rods are held closed together, the audience suspects that one piece of rope

runs through the 2 rods. The rods are now separated in a V shape – with the non-rope ends of the rods touching each other at the base of the V. The ropes still behave as previously – ie when one rope is manipulated, the other rope moves in conjunction with it. The audience suspects that the 2 rods are connected at the non-rope ends. The rods are separated into 2 individual rods and placed together at the mid-points to form a large X. Still the 2 ropes behave as though they are connected to one another inside the rods. Finally the 2 rods are separated far apart – one is placed into the performer’s top pocket while the other is held at a distance away. The ropes still behave as though they are internally connected together.

The effect is colourful, has a lot of actions, and can be performed silently to background music or to suitable patter. It is a wonderful trick for both children and adults.

If you wish to own a set of Chinese Sticks, the Mikame Chinese Sticks is the best one to invest. You will be proud to own and operate it.
Highly recommended!