Post
Sealed 3 by Axel Hecklau
This is Axel’s take on the classic signed card in sealed envelope plot. We all know the plot. Usually, it involves a magician removing an antique-looking, huge leather wallet from the breast pocket of a suit jacket and finding an envelope sealed inside. When that envelope is opened, they find their signed card.
Axel has eliminated the need for the old wallet and simultaneously turned the trick into a nest of envelopes routine. One sealed envelope is opened and shown to contain a smaller sealed envelope. The smaller sealed envelope is opened and is seen to contain an even smaller sealed envelope. That final envelope is turned over to reveal it is a window envelope, and through the plastic of the sealed envelope, you can clearly see the signed card.
Like most magicians, I have used the card-to-wallet plot many times. However, I have never been a fan of the sealed envelope aspect. I can’t really say why I never did it. I guess I didn’t like the preparation of the envelope or the need for the slide, but it was more than that. Something about it felt off. I preferred to make the card appear in the ID compartment of my real everyday wallet because that made sense on some logical level. But it never made sense to me to pull an envelope out of a wallet. There was just something that never sat right about that to me. It feels so random. Sealed 3 was the first time I’ve seen this plot, and I immediately knew I would use it. I LOVED that by eliminating the wallet, this now looks like something special and not something you just carry with you every day. It looks like something that immediately has meaning and interest. Multiple storylines started to come to mind, with the most exciting being that I can turn this into a trick someone has mailed me, so that I get to experience the magic with the spectator.
Let me just start by saying this is one of the most well-thought-out products I’ve ever seen. These envelopes are works of art in their function. The main envelope that houses the majority of the secret is just genius from beginning to end. Axel has addressed every little area that could be a concern with a clever slit or a clever fold of paper that makes it all come together like beautiful origami. It is clear that this has been in the works for a long time, with a lot of R&D taking place. I can only imagine how many prototypes it took to get to where it is now. It’s rare for me to buy something and just be in awe of how well thought out it is, but that’s exactly what happened with this. I watched the explanation and felt thankful that Axel had thought of everything, and I truly was in awe—not with the trick or the method, but with how much attention Axel has put into every little detail to ensure this is a worker’s dream.
The system comes in a gorgeous themed box that has a special place for every single prop. Not only do you receive the props, but you also get a booklet that immediately walks you through how to set up the envelopes with great illustrations and explanations of the process. That booklet has the QR code and URL for the tutorial. The tutorial is extremely well shot with multiple camera angles and a very clear explanation of each step, with no words wasted. I definitely recommend watching the full tutorial before attempting to put the stack of envelopes together, but once you've watched it, the booklet is a great reminder for how to do the setup without having to pull out your phone and scrub through the video every time.
The envelopes look aged and come with stickers that look like a red wax seal, as you can see above. Axel also teaches how to use a real wax seal if you want to go the extra mile, but the stickers look great. The outermost envelope houses all of the tricky stuff. Nothing has to be added or removed from the envelope to make it work. All you need is the set of nested envelopes, and you’re ready to go. The outer two envelopes have pull tabs to make it very easy to open. The final envelope doesn’t have a pull tab because the idea is that they get to keep their signed card sealed in the envelope as a memento. There’s no longer a need to open it since it is a window envelope. The first envelope has to be opened by the performer, but the other two envelopes are freely handled and opened by the spectator. Another huge benefit of this is the glue Axel has chosen to use. There’s no mess, no drying time, and it’s super easy to apply. Axel says you can set it up months in advance, and it will still glue perfectly when you need it to. I believe him. It’s a huge breakthrough in this plot. He’s even thought to include an item to make the envelope sit in the right spot in your jacket pocket, but you can also load the card from your back pocket if that’s more natural.
Axel also sells an expansion pack that allows you to reveal rings/signed coins. This expansion pack comes with aged paper to print a message on and tiny, clear envelopes. The idea is that when the second envelope is opened, they see a piece of paper with a message. When they unfold this paper a few times, they find a tiny, clear envelope stuck to the paper, and in that sealed envelope is their ring or signed coin. It’s a great add-on if you plan on revealing a coin, ring, folded card, or other small object.
The entire project is a little pricey at $117 for thirty-five sets of envelopes, but I promise that when you see the thought that has gone into this from the moment you open the box, you will see that the price is fully justified. He also sells refill packs that are $166 for seventy sets of envelopes. Apparently, in a few months, he will also be selling a video download of other ideas you can do with Sealed 3. The shipping is also quite expensive, but it seems that Axel tries to help out by adding some discounts once you check out.
Truthfully, I don’t know exactly how I’m going to use it just yet, but I know I will be using it as an interactive trick that “someone sent me.” One cool thing is that Axel has designed the first envelope with a second compartment that could contain a letter. I think I’ll use that to my advantage. This is practical enough that you could make up a dozen envelope sets in 15-20 minutes and carry 5 or 6 in one pocket and 5 or 6 in another, and use this for walk-around or table hopping. It would make a great finale to any signed card routine. This is one of the most impressive releases of the year.
You can pick up Sealed 3 for $117 here:
Never miss a post! Subscribe now!