First up is Ox Bender. We haven’t yet been able to get our hands (well, I suppose technically hand!) on this – but Ox Bender sounds to deal with one of those central issues with a coin bending routine – that historically have pretty much all needed two hands to do the ‘magic’.

As we’ve written elsewhere there is little more powerful in close up magic than making a spectator’s coin bend in their hand – and it also leaves you with an amazing souvenir of the magic. Well worth a look when it ships in a few days. £97.72

We haven’t focused on many new decks for a while, so allow us to indulge our love of a new deck of cards with several recent releases.

The Makers Playing Cards by Dan and Dave are exactly the kind of deck I love. They ooze luxury and I love the custom court cards and bold pips, gorgeous detail on the back design and impressive tuck case. £14.99

I think the Lost Wax Playing Cards are appealing at the moment mainly because I’m so cold! As I write the fan heater is trying desperately to keep my body temperature above zero but the Lost Wax cards bring associations of Africa and warmth in their beautiful orange and gold colour scheme. Ideal for collectors and art enthusiasts alike. £14.99

The Magic Notebook Deck is ideal for magic nuts like me and collectors alike (since each colour is a limited run of only 1200). It is a very minimalist solid colour back design and the tuck case contains a quote from Dai Vernon – in whose honour the cards have been produced. The bold-coloured solid Ace of Spades brings interest. £7.99

We love mentalism here at bicycle-cards.co.uk so we’re always on the look out for new utility devices which can be incorporated into our performances.The Jar is just such a device – but doesn’t just have applications in mentalism – it would make a fantastic card to impossible location effect – and just looks so innocent. Lots of possibilities here I think. £48.99 (PS this link is for the US version – though I suspect that is only related to a ‘special’ coin included – which could easily be replaced with a UK coin if you wanted it for that particular application – we’ll update the link as and when a UK version is here).

And finally, here’s a book which will make you think. We love good magic books – and over Christmas increased our own personal collection by three weighty tomes. In Grips Lines and Looks Marc Oberon has written a book which will help you think about the way you perform your magic and how you can make it more powerful. Who wouldn’t want to do that. It also includes a DVD. £40.99

We hope this gets you off to a good start to 2017. Do keep checking in to read all the latest magic reviews. Happy New Year!

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This was another month where the first recommendation was going to be easy. Sucker Punch is a fantastic set of gaffed poker chips which will allow you to perform a wide range of effects. Think of it as an easy way to get into coin magic – as this set reproduces many of the coin gaffs which make so many strong effects possible – but at a much cheaper price point. Many routines and moves are taught via video instructions. Poker seems increasingly popular in the UK so I think this is a no-brainer. £38.99.

Now, call me an old romantic, but it’s hard to beat a classic magic text. And when you take a text that is as classic as Erdnase’s Expert at the Card Table, and then re-print it in a gorgeous pocket sized edition you can have with you anywhere, then you’ve got a real delight on your hands. Gilt edges, chestnut brown faux-leather. What’s not to like? £16.50

And, by the way, if you’re in a nostalgic sort of a mood, why not treat yourself to Limited Edition Expert at the Card Table Deck. This is a gorgeous thing, with a side-opening tuck case matching the colour of the original release of the book, and loads of lovely detail. £14.99

Whilst we’re on the subject of decks, here are another couple of releases that caught our eyes.

The Bicycle Old Parchment Playing Cards appeal to my love of aged looking cards. It’s a pleasing back design, but I particularly like the designs of the court cards which are highly detailed and the intricate custom pips. £9.99

I’m not so fond of the design of the Alloy Amethyst Playing Cards, but if you’re a collector they’re certainly worth a look since they feature – apparently for the first time – iridescent foil on the backs of the cards (as well as on the tuck case). Also available in a Cobalt (Blue) edition or a Copper edition. £19.99

And finally, if you’re looking to keep your deck in top-notch condition, you will probably want to get hold of a card clip. Dan and Dave have released a Classic Clip which is a beautiful example of style and simplicity. It is available in Silver or Black for £29.99.

That’s all for this month.  Let us know if you’ve seen anything worth looking at…

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