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Coffee, Tea or Handcuffs?

91 visible archived posts · 91 preserved total · topic ID 1045
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Monica 05 Jan 2006
#1
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Rothen 05 Jan 2006
#2
You really shouldn't have put it like that. I'm an incurable gadget freak and if I start thinking of cuffs as gadgets my bank balance will never forgive me! It's already wincing in anticipation of the new Powerbooks...

But you're right, there is something very odd about handcuffs. I was discussing such things with one of my friends in the police at one point, and he agreed. He even has a five-year-old niece who was very upset when she proved too small for his cuffs, but she still likes to fiddle with them.

Although, does a similar appeal extend to any well-designed and well-made piece of machinery? I think it does... look at the attraction held by a good car, or the Sony PSP (flaws and all, it looks gorgeous), or just about anything made by Apple in the last five years, or the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP, a triumph of practical design (except for the headphone port) which puts the newer DS to shame in its appearance and clunkiness.

Of course, cuffs are the only things which cause people to quite happily let other people lock them up, and that's really odd indeed.
Steve Santini 05 Jan 2006
#3
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
This is an interesting discussion.

People do indeed seem drawn to handcuffs.

I cannot count the times friends have brought other people whom I have never even met over to my house just to see the cuffs and restraints.

And while people seem to want to play with them as you have said, the first and most marked reaction is that people who see them are simply blown away by all of the different styles and forms they take.

Most folks do not seem to be aware that these devices have been around for a long, long time.

One time we did a display of historical handcuffs at a museum in Manitoba and the curator of the museum remarked in his promotional material that handcuffs are "Something we all are somewhat familiar with but seldom think about".

How true!

To the average person, cuffs are known to them but only in the basic common form.

When they see the ingenuity that has gone into them over the centuries they are cpativated (pardon the pun).

Steve Santini
Rothen 05 Jan 2006
#4
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Well that's what really gets me about it Steve, the sheer amount of thought and engineering and ingenuity that's gone into handcuffs, leg irons and other restraints over the years. I was only originally interested in them as an article of police equipment, but it didn't take me long to become interested in them for their own sake.

Doesn't take long on the Internet before you realise just how huge the whole history of restraints is. And also how frighteningly good some of you escape artists are.
Steve Santini 05 Jan 2006
#5
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
And speaking of escapes...

It is always very interesting to study how handcuffs and restraints have evolved by need merely because of the inventiveness of others at getting out of them.

And not merely "escape artists" either.

In short, it has always been a game of "build a better mousetrap".

This topic, in and of itself, is simply fascinating.

A study all on it's own...

Steve Santini
BFW 05 Jan 2006
#6
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Yes, handcuffs are indeed a fun item, unless you're the manufacturer's intended end user. As I see it, the evolution of the things took into account (1) getting a miscreant into the things, (2) keeping him in them and (3) getting him out once he calmed down, made bail or whatever. After all, if any design were truly "escape-proof" you'd never get them off after they were put on.

In going through the old patent files, there were indeed many innovative solutions to those three concerns, but I think what finally won the battle was a fourth: how easy is it for a cop to carry the things around? Let's face it; once Peerless came out with the flat, swing-through design, all other styles of cuffs were obsolete (except for high security situations). Can you imagine having to tote a set of Darby's around all day on your gunbelt or in your hip pocket? And when you really HAVE to get a set on somebody, the last thing you want to be doing is fumbling around looking for the key to open them up.

From what I've encountered, it seems the vast majority of the public know very little about the current, standard issue type of handcuff. They think only a police officer can buy the things. On top of that, the cop usually carries them around in a closed-top case on his duty belt, hidden away, which adds to the mystery.

Among friends around the house, I found out the thing that men were first interested in was my sidearm, then the handcuffs. Women, however, nearly always first asked to see the handcuffs. On nearly every occassion when I let somebody fool around with my cuffs, male or female, the first thing that fascinates is the swing through ratchet design; they figure that out really quick. Their next comment is then usually along the lines of, "Uhhhhh, do you have a key?"

Then follows the incredulous stage, with them refusing to believe that silly looking, dinky excuse for a key will open every pair of handcuffs that every cop on the North American continent carries.

After a bit, invariably, on the sly where no one else can hear, they'd ask if they could borrow them for a few days (nights?). I'd grin at them for a long moment, then go to the desk, get another set and an extra key and simply tell them, "You'll find two sets are more fun, keep the extra key in the living room and please don't get any whipped cream, chocolate sauce, honey or anything like that in the locking mechanism."

Any way, as far as their principle intended purpose is concerned, the design works and works very well in the overwhelming majority of cases; provided they are properly applied with the prisoner's hands behind his back and the mechanism double-locked. Even hardened criminals rarely carry a key, let alone a shim or pick.

Yes, every now and then we hear of a prisoner escaping. But in those rare instances either one or both of two elements were present: (1) the cuffs were not properly applied and/or (2) the prisoner was left unattended for an extended period of time. Do I still carry a handcuff key on my keyring? Sure. And were I to be arrested this afternoon, I'd have a dickens of a time trying to fish it out of my trouser pocket without anybody noticing.

Now, if you guys out there really want to have some fun, go up to any cop out there, show him or her an old chain twister and ask them if they know what it is. You won't find one in a hundred who'll know what it is, unless it's some old relic like me. Then comes the fun part: demonstrate its use and application and watch the cop wince in pain when you crank down on it. And then, when he askes where he can get one, just smile and say, "It's a secret."
Dorson 06 Jan 2006
#7
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
BFW, you make me laugh...
I wonder why they stopped using twisters, and what about nippers like the Argas Claw...
I hear they don't teach alot of things that they used to teach many years ago in using handcuffs and cuffing techniques. I know one is handcuffing one wrist on the fly to gain control of the suspect. But the handcuffs can not have a strong spring tension or you will do damage and miss snagging the wrist.

-Dorson
BFW 07 Jan 2006
#8
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Dorson, I think twisters and come-a-longs were killed off by the Peerless design. In talking with the old guys before me (all dead now) by the late 1920's/early 1930's most officers were carrying the swing-through handcuffs. I don't think those old things were ever really used that much. Can you imagine trying to subdue a combative prisoner with those things? Talk about a street fight. And why pay money for such contraptions when a bootlace is much cheaper and more effective?

As for handcuff training, in 1968 they spent more time teaching us how to fill out traffic tickets than they did on how to use handcuffs. We were left to ourselves to determine how and when to use them. Of course, back then, we were operating under the old common law rule that you could use any degree of force (including deadly force) to apprehend a felon or prevent escape; even if you shot the guy, there was no liability. Accordingly, there were no legal restrictions on what a cop could do and get away with.

That all changed in 1985 when the United States Supreme Court ruled that the 4th Amendment prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures applied to an arrest situation. In the ruling, the Court laid down a balancing standard that requires that the type and amount of force used in the apprehension and detention of a suspect must reasonably match the circumstances in each particular case as viewed from the officer's perspective. Thereafter, we could no longer with impunity shoot the little old lady who, after being pulled over for running a stop sign, tells you "buzz off, sonny" and drives away, resisting arrest and fleeing the scene of the crime.

In response to the Court's ruling, police departments all began to adopt written rules that have removed all discretion from the officer on when and how to use handcuffs. Every time you make an arrest, you have to handcuff the prisoner in the prescribed fashion (hands in back, palms out, double bows out, keyways up, tip-of-your-index-finger gap between the cuffs and skin, double-locked). Regardless of what the offense is or how cooperative the suspect is, you have to do this in all situations. That's the only thing that is now taught because there is no reason to teach anything else (like how to close the handcuffs one click, double lock them and fold them over in case you forgot and left your brass knuckles at home).

Years ago, if I had to pick up a little old lady because a bench warrant had been issued for her because she failed to pay a traffic ticket, I could put her in the front seat of the patrol car, along with her knitting basket so she'd have something to do, and drive her down to the courthouse to wait and see the judge. Today, I'd have to handcuff her, put her in the back seat and call for another patrol car to drop off an escort officer who has to sit next to grandma in the back seat on the drive downtown. Why? Because departmental rules require you do this every time.

So, for any police cadets out there, endear yourself to your handcuff instructor by asking what you're supposed to do if you need to arrest a guy with only one arm.
Steve Santini 07 Jan 2006
#9
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Hi,

I have always thought that the only really effective use of chain twisters was if the subject was already handcuffed in front of the body and was being escorted to court, the cells, etc.

The officer could grab the twister and use it as a come along to lead the handcuffed prisoner.

And, if the prisoner tried to pull away or got fiesty, OUCH!!!

If you look at a lot of the old pics of gangsters, mafia dudes, etc, you will often see that when being escorted to the wagons, or to court, they were frequently cuffed in front.

The twister when used in such a situation would effectively prevent the prisoner from swinging cuffed arms at guards or cops.

While the chain twister certainly does work well on one wrist, it does nothing to restrain the other free arm which could, and probably often did, swing around to smash the escorting officer.

Perhaps twisters were really made for the one armed man of "The Fugitive" fame.

Steve Santini





The Amazing Michael 07 Jan 2006
#10
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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BFW, I am not a cop, but I come from a long line of them. I was also a Criminal Justice major in college for three years and I have seen the difference between how law enforcement has to act today as compared to, say, 1967-1968. My Grandfather was on the force in 67 & 68 when Detroit was under marshall law. We live in a suburb of Detroit but there was trouble down this way too. You may remember the Watts riots, right? Well, the Motor City had it's own Watts Riots. Any way, my Grandfather has given me a few old relics from the days of old, including a "human battering ram" that was custom made for him back in those troubled times. This thing was made of hard wood, was about three feet long, and had the raw-hide loop like the old night sticks had so Gramps wouldn't loose his grip! He told me that ANYTHING went back in those days! He also said that he battered-rammed quite a few people with it too. Today this device has "law suit" written all over it!

Cheers, Mike

BFW 07 Jan 2006
#11
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Steve:

From what I've been able to discern, twisters were never a compliment to handcuffs (despite what the folks on eBay may say) but a substitute. Something that could be easily carried in a cop's pocket as opposed to a Darby, Tower or Bean.

Think about it. If you've got a set of true cuffs on someone, with both wrists manacled, why in the Sam Hill would you need a twister? If the guy gets out of line, just grab the links, start pulling and you've got BOTH wrists under control, whether he's handcuffed in the front (stupid) or the back.

As best I recall, the last U.S. patent for a chain twister was granted in 1926, just a scant 12 years after the Peerless came out, and along about the time they caught on.

Tim 07 Jan 2006
#12
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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BFW,, You have some good insight on certain things, but quite frankly, it is probably a good thing you retired. I am in my 20th year, and letting a little old lady bring her knitting basket and no cuffs in the front seat in these times is a good way to wake up dead. The handcuffing policies are not purely a product of liability, but of officer safety. Look at the FBI stats of officers killed in the last 5 years.
See a common thread? No, because there is no longer anything common. Cops are killed weekly on everyhting from traffic stops to arresting little old ladies for outstanding tickets......

Also, the Iron Claw came awhile after the Peerless handcuff, and thousands were sold and issued. The purpose behind it is simple, not everyone you want to grab ahold of and move is going to jail. The action of placing one in handcuffs is, at the least, a detention, and is being upheld more and more as an arrest. The Claw works wonderfully in locking on , using a straight arm bar, and taking down anyone, I mean anyone, to the ground or out a door. I still have one in the armrest of my cruiser, and as far as being obsolete by the time the Peerless cuffs came out, you must be from another part of the country other than the south or midwest. Chicago PD and the outlying depts. issued the Iron Claw well into the 80's. Some of those guys were artists with one, and they were / are carried as a companion to cuffs, not a replacement. Much like the ASP baton and pepper spray today. Times have changed, and keep doing so daily.
My 2 cents
Tim
BFW 07 Jan 2006
#13
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Tim:

I apologize for the comment on knitting needles. It was an illustration left over from one of the classes I used to teach. I'm sorry if you or anyone else took it in the way not intended.

The subject of prisoner restraint is truly important to me, both for the suspect and the officer. I think one of the greatest things to come about is, what down here in Texas, is called the Ripp restraint. It's that thing made out of Velcro, and it is far superior to the bootlaces, string, rope and all the other garbage used "in the old days" to avoid hard contact with a combative subject.

I do find it interesting that the Iron Claw is still in use up North. The only time I ever saw one was when somebody picked one up at a flea market and brought it to work so we could all laugh about it. If any of us were caught with such a thing, we'd have been dismissed immediately.

And, yes, you're right, it is a good thing I'm retired.

Steve Santini 07 Jan 2006
#14
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Hi,

The above title was mentioned as way to control a combative subject that has already been handcuffed.

While this perhaps could work, I personally have heard countless horror stories of police and or jail officials who have tried to control this way only to have the prisoner twist the handcuffs inwards, crushing or breaking the official's fingers.

It does happen.

The practice of the use of the twister or claw in addition to handcuffs and as a means of controlling a handcuffed subject is not only time honored but is also similiar in many ways to a number of new devices such as handcuff hooks and leaders that are mean to clip onto the chain of a set of cuffs to aid in control.

Many of these devices are being used in US prisons today.

In fact, I personally have seen them featured in a number of TV documentaries such as "American Justice" and others.

Steve Santini



Rothen 07 Jan 2006
#15
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
That's why most British police forces use Hiatt Speedcuffs (or sometimes CDS Quik-Kufs, which are the same but cheap knock-offs really). Very little chance of anything bad happening if you grab the middle of a pair of those to control a prisoner.
Monica 07 Jan 2006
#16
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Do any police still use "come-alongs"? Surprised not to hear any mention of them in this discussion.
Rothen 08 Jan 2006
#17
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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I thought come-alongs, twisters and claws were all the same class of device - twisters simply being made out of chain instead of a rigid metal loop.

They're certainly not used over here - there are enough legal problems using handcuffs!
Jack Tanis 08 Jan 2006
#18
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Dear Steve,

Although predating non-darby handcuffs, for all intents and purposes you are correct. Expository excursions aside, both chain and mechanical nippers were used in conjunction with and were ancillary to handcuffs.

The Argus Iron Claw was designed to serve as a weapon as well as a restraint. That, and its exceptional marketing, being the most commercially successful mechanical nipper ever, helps explain its singular longevity.

Technological and procedural advances in law enforcement rendered nippers obsolete. None ever were banned in the US. Whatever injuries can be inflicted by them also can be inflicted by handcuffs and certain other police equipment.

Cheers,

Jack
Monica 08 Jan 2006
#19
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Rothen, "come-alongs", although used for pain compliance/coercion like other devices are entirely different in form from the others. It's a short, thin, round straight bar, heavy in weight, w grooves in it and requires a good bit of technique - which might explain why we don't see them much anymore.
chris65 08 Jan 2006
#20
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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hi monica, welcome to "blighty", glad to hear your doing the tea/social things. you are right people do have a strange attraction to handcuffs, even those who think they are cruel instuments of torture!. most people who hear of my "hobby" dont waste much time in asking to look/try, it usually follows a pattern, first try to pull the bow out of the lock case, then examine the ratchet teeth, then ask why so many types!...but nearly all just want to see how it feels to wear them, some instantly turn around with willing hands thrust out behind, some in front, funny how people perceive how they should be worn, i guess the tv is to blame for that!. the next most popular request is to borrow a pair!...lol...enjoy your stay in london, im here for a visit too, im english but live in canada now, just came over the holidays. i will be visiting alex nichols soon, wanna come along?...ttfn.c.
Tim 08 Jan 2006
#21
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Hi Monica,
Are you referring to the plastic or metal small Kubaton pressure point tool? These are about 6 inches long, 1/2" or so diameter and look basically like a piece of a steel rod cut in lengths. They were very popular in the 80's, but along came better dope and pain compliance doesn't work as good as it used to. They do make nifty keychains and hurt like the dickens to get smacked with a hard forward blow if the keyring is loaded down with various keys.
They had a great training course with these, I believe it was Monadnock ( maker's of the PR-24) for both police and civillians. Most now use them so you don't lose your keys, or the aforementioned smack with the keys, using it like a small midevil "mace".
Streamlight also has a item called the 'batonlite", which is basically a Kubaton with a built in LED flashlight. Those are great and I carry one off duty as it serves dual purpose.
BFW, I enjoy your posts and did not mean the retired part the way it came out. I re-read that and it sounded rude, which surely was not my intention. The gist of what I was trying to say is the changes in society make tactics that were good less than 2 years ago already antiquated. Oh, and we are still allowed to carry the Iron Claw here, but we are to refer to it in reports as the "mechanical restraint device". Ah, to be politically correct . I hope to get my 30 in and still have your sense of humor!
Kind Regards,
Tim
Monica 08 Jan 2006
#22
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Chris said: ..."...dont waste much time in asking to look/try, it usually follows a pattern, first try to pull the bow out of the lock case, then examine the ratchet teeth, then ask why so many types!...but nearly all just want to see how it feels to wear them, some instantly turn around with willing hands thrust out behind, some in front, funny how people perceive how they should be worn, i guess the tv is to blame for that!. the next most popular request is to borrow a pair!...lol"...

SO TRUE!!!


Yes, Tim, I think they are also known as a "Kubotan". Like a little nightstick, they are. Your description is pretty much how I remember them. I've seen them on a lot of key rings, too. Either end - the keys or the stick - could hurt.
Rothen 08 Jan 2006
#23
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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My last Tai Chi teacher (the teacher I had before the teacher I now have) covered kubatons, which are in their full-sized form classified as offensive weapons in the UK and thus it's illegal to carry them. And with good reason - what you can do with something even vaguely kubaton-like is pretty impressive.

In an 'ow you broke my hand' sort of way.
marie 09 Jan 2006
#24
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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I was lucky enough to get a pair of Irish eights for christmas this year and I have thought several times that they are so aestetically pleasing they would make a great bracelet, problem being to wear on one wrist they obviously poke out and get in the way and to wear on both wrists makes driving somewhat difficult.....lol.....Monica if you want to meet new people over here I would love some American coffee and in exchange I will make you a traditional English tea complete with cucumber sandwiches )) Welcome to England
Marie
Rothen 09 Jan 2006
#25
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Wow, there are still Brits who eat cucumber sandwiches?

I gave those up when I was twelve.
grenchat 09 Jan 2006
#26
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Please pass the buttered Beans!

Pinkies up...
The Amazing Michael 09 Jan 2006
#27
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Marie, have you considered getting a modern pair of Hiatt model 104 Darby non-adjustables, cutting the chain off nice and even, and making two Darby bracelets? Just an idea.

Cheers, Mike
Monica 10 Jan 2006
#28
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Thanks for the invite, Marie. Didn't your parents warn you about meeting strangers off the internet? Off a handcuffs forum, no less! You could end up.....in handcuffs! Are you near London?

Actually, I have had the british tea - quite nice. I'm used to sun-seasoned sweet tea - a Southern US delicacy. I had some cucumber finger sandwiches at a party here not long ago. Not bad. I have made a point of being indoctrinated to the ways of the indigenous people.
Rothen 10 Jan 2006
#29
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
As long as you've not started eating donor kebabs...
Monica 10 Jan 2006
#30
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Huh?
marie 10 Jan 2006
#31
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Hi Monica, I am in Kent so not too far from London, and as too meeting people off the internet most of the people on here seem fairly sane....lol....and the ones have met have all been genuine people. That being said I probably wouldnt have sent the same invite to a bloke for obvious reasons!!! Anyway welcome to the U.K. hope you like it here.
Micheal....thanks for the suggestion I will look into it
Cheers
Marie
Monica 10 Jan 2006
#32
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Thanks, Marie. I was only joking. But, you could still end up in someone's handcuffs!

I agree with you, but I think, though, that the "outside world" (non-cuffers) would not agree with your declaration that this (any) handcuff forum is a "sane" place. We are sooooo misunderstood!

Hey, my husband is a bloke...er, yank.
marie 10 Jan 2006
#33
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
tis very true, i could end up in cuffs, it certainly wouldnt be the first time! As to the outside world I couldnt agree more, all my mates were curious about my collection at first now they just think im strange, and i am sure they would throw their hands up in horror at the thought of a "group chat" about handcuffs and collecting!!!!! if it was stamps they wouldnt give it a second thought...lol.....
Monica 10 Jan 2006
#34
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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I'd rather be cuffed than stamped. Any day.
marie 10 Jan 2006
#35
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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LOL!!!.....your not kidding, me too, I am on holiday at the moment and I have been sat here for 2 1/2 hours reading all the threads, i really must get out more!!!!!!!
You Know Who 10 Jan 2006
#36
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Monica, your wish is my command.
Monica 10 Jan 2006
#37
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Yes, I do know - I think. Is that you? What are you doing in here at this hour, hon?
YKW 10 Jan 2006
#38
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Watching you.
Monica 11 Jan 2006
#39
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
I lent out 3 pairs of cuffs to "beginners". There have been no cuff crises and, unabashed and grinning, two of the girls came back for leg shackles - and cuffing tips. Well, that didn't take long! I just hope word doesn't get out around town that I'm the local source for "hardware". Hey, wait, I see a new business in my future........
marie 11 Jan 2006
#40
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
it could be a lot more fun than blockbusters on a saturday night.....you could even have this weeks top ten rentals advertised....lol....
Monica 11 Jan 2006
#41
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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"Top 10 rentals". Now, that is funny, Marie.

Tied for #1 for this week are the Bean Cobb handcuffs - 2 sets on loan, and the Peerless leg shackles - also 2 sets on loan. Third place goes to Peerless handcuffs. Positions 7-10 are, as yet, unfilled. True.
marie 11 Jan 2006
#42
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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i think the Irish eights would have to go in there somewhere as 2 weeks after christmas I am still feeling it necessary to pick them up on a daily basis, then possibly the chubb escort cuffs for their pleasing appearance )
Monica 12 Jan 2006
#43
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
"...still feeling it necessary to pick them up on a daily basis, then possibly the chubb escort cuffs for their pleasing appearance"

Ah, yes, which begs the question: Are you PICKING them on a daily basis?
marie 12 Jan 2006
#44
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
havent quite sussed that one yet, im afraid im not quite the proficient escape artist that the rest of you seem to be, but i will persevere!!! and they are possibly not the best two models to start with are they?
Monica 12 Jan 2006
#45
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Marie, I don't have any personal experience w/ the two sets of cuffs that you mentioned, but, judging by what the experts say, yes, you picked a couple of the harder ones from which to escape. Have you tried? Any luck? Any close calls? How do you practice? Do you have an "assistant"?
marie 12 Jan 2006
#46
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
no close calls so far, but no luck undoing any either...not without a key anyway....its not as easy as it looks!!! and i only ever practise if my eldest son is around in case of emergencies, I have no wish to end up on the school playground at 3pm trying to explain why im cuffed!!!!! as i say im no expert, but its fun trying
Monica 12 Jan 2006
#47
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Starting at the top and working your way down?
marie 12 Jan 2006
#48
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
hmmm it would certainly seem that way, so far the only model i have managed to get out of without a key is a pair of "made in china....this is not a toy...." handcuffs....and I think we all know the trick to that one!!! but like i said perserverance, and a lot of patience and i might just manage my first real pair.......
The Amazing Michael 13 Jan 2006
#49
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Marie, I have a pair of Irish 8's very similsr to the ones you have mentioned. I have found that the latch spring in this cuff is so strong, that it defies the normal means of escape (without using the key). I have designed a special tool to open this type of troublsome cuff, however I can not go into detail on a public forum....sorry. I will say this, you picked the wrong handcuff to start with....the Irish 8 is one bad mother!

Cheers, Mike

BTW, here is a picture of my Irish 8.....enjoy!

marie 13 Jan 2006
#50
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Thanks for message Micheal, your right of course, not a great pair to start with but they are lovely to look at, and the novelty of them hasnt worn off yet.....lol......
Monica 13 Jan 2006
#51
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
I'm naive - yes, you already knew this. I have seen pics of the Irish 8's before and always wondered....it doesn't seem as if there is a tightening mechanism - i.e., they are either on or they are off - too small or too large w/ out the possibility of adjustment. Maybe Marie can show us a pic of them on her wrists to demonstrate! Also, one cuff looks like it's larger than the other (fiddler cuff? He he). Can y'all elaborate?
marie 13 Jan 2006
#52
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
ok have just had a very comical ten minutes trying to take a pic of my own cuffed wrists!! finally managed it with the webcam and now i cant work out how to send it to the site, sorry for being dumb here guys, but could somone please enlighten me?? ta Marie
marie 13 Jan 2006
#53
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
p.s. your right Monica there is no tightening mechanism they are either on or off but they do come in varying sizes
marie1969 13 Jan 2006
#54
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
i think i have sussed it, here goes......
monica 13 Jan 2006
#55
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Marie, thanks for the photo. I'd definitiely say you're in! The cuffs look like they are made for your wrists - not much wiggle room. And, shiny - very....ummm, pretty if I'm allowed to say. How can you get out even with the key?
K 13 Jan 2006
#56
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Very nice, marie. I was hoping to see a 10 minute escape video.

I like the handcuffs, but I don't envy your position. They look like they might even be hard to get into.
marie1969 13 Jan 2006
#57
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
I cheated i put them on with the key wound in, they only lock when you unwind the key and take them out, or if they are left in the locking position then they snap shut and are locked,my key is very firmly in the whole in that picture, i followed Micaels advice and decided not to lock myself in when im on my own....lol....
K 13 Jan 2006
#58
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
So, how can you possibly escape? I wouldn't know where to begin. Maybe some kind of Rube Goldberg contraption?

How about the glare on your handcuffs from the flash? I thought your handcuffs had patina'd already.
marie1969 13 Jan 2006
#59
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Hi K yes they were very hard to get into by myself, i think a video would possibly have given all here a good laugh at my expence ) I had to click the mouse button with a pencil after positioning the webcam very carefully...in fact considering the difficulty in taking that pic i would consider it "escape artist in reverse"...lol....
Unknown / guest 13 Jan 2006
#60
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
theres no flash with a webcam, so no glare to ruin the shot
K 13 Jan 2006
#61
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
That's just from the overhead house lights? Shiny, indeed.

Have you ever thought of beciming a handcuff model? I think you have what it takes.
K 13 Jan 2006
#62
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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becoming, not beciming....
marie1969 13 Jan 2006
#63
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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no i hadn't, but thankyou for the compliment
K 13 Jan 2006
#64
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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You're welcome. With those Irish 8's around the house, you might have to.....LOL
kts 13 Jan 2006
#65
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Monica, can I come to your next party? I'll bring my own!
Monica 13 Jan 2006
#66
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Ladies only, but we might need a stripper.
The Amazing Michael 14 Jan 2006
#67
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Hello again ladies. To answer the question on size, these cuffs are made in several different sizes. Marie seems to have either the "medium" or the "small" which is sometimes refered to as the "Lady Model". Mine are in size "large" and they fit me quite snug. You can go back and look at both pictures and try to get a visual of the size comparason......the keys are the same size for both, use the key as a scale and mentally compare them.

I will try to get a photo of mine, locked on my wrists, and also another photo of just the cuffs with something in the photo to show the scale. I have some English pennies in my close-up magic bag, maybe I will set one of these in the picture! LOL! And to whoever asked about escape secrets....they can not be discussed on an open forum or with lay-people. Sorry.

Cheers, Mike
Dorson 14 Jan 2006
#68
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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I see Marie does it with the wrists and hands pointed in the same direction. I though these cuffs were suppose to be used with the hands opposite on top of one another like crossing the arms in front?

-Dorson
grenchat 14 Jan 2006
#69
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Monica,

I would give anything to see the expressions on the faces of the passengers standing behind you on the airport baggage check line.

Baggage Inspector: [Befuddled] “Do you always travel with these?”

Monica: “Well, what are you staring at? Haven’t you ever seen a bag of Beans before?”




Enjoy your stay!

Jason
The Amazing Michael 14 Jan 2006
#70
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Bag of Beans??? If they were gimmicked, would they be "Magic Beans"??? LOL!

Marie, e-mail me if you want to discuss escape info.

Cheers, Mike
grenchat 14 Jan 2006
#71
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Yes, and if you followed her through the airport, you’d be a Bean-stalker… LOL!



marie 14 Jan 2006
#72
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Hi Michael, thanks for the invite, I will take you up on that.
Dorson, you are correct about how they should be applied but I was putting them on myself with no assistance which is tricky to say the least
I have 2 pairs of the Irish 8's small and medium, I will take a photo of them together and post it for reference if it would be useful
The Amazing Michael 14 Jan 2006
#73
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Here are the photos I promised.





It was a pain in the rear to get these photos single handed, especially since my "single hand" was shackled up! LOL!!!

Cheers, Mike

marie1969 14 Jan 2006
#74
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
thats showing off lol.....and how did you take the picture?? I had to use a long pencil to reach the mouse
Heres the pic of both pairs together although im not sure how clearly it shows the differenc in size between the twohttp://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1137238044.JPG
Unknown / guest 14 Jan 2006
#75
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
not very good at this uploading thing.......try againhttp://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1137238044.JPG
Unknown / guest 14 Jan 2006
#76
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...

and again......if it doesnt work this time im giving up
kts 14 Jan 2006
#77
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Marie, at the risk of possibly finding yourself in a predicament, can you model them for us again? He-he.
marie1969 14 Jan 2006
#78
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
there you go, that took ages....is there a handcuff hotline for assistance to get them back off????
kts 14 Jan 2006
#79
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
OMG, you didn't just do that?
marie1969 14 Jan 2006
#80
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
yes and im finding it very hard typing!!!!!
kts 14 Jan 2006
#81
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
You're kidding? You're not the kind of person to take a dare, are you?

BTW, Michael, I think Marie outdid you.
marie1969 14 Jan 2006
#82
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
dare on mate....grin....
kts 14 Jan 2006
#83
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Grinning.......
The Amazing Michael 14 Jan 2006
#84
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Marie, I have a timer on my digital camera. I just set it up, took a few shots to make sure I would be seen in the picture, put the cuffs on, set the timer, and BAM! That behind the back thing is kind of tricky; I don't know if it is humanly possible for me to get my arms back there like that any more. I am not the small young bloke that I use to be! I think I will have to live with being out done by you on this one! LOL!

Monica, lets see some pictures of your cuffs! We showed you ours, now lets see yours! LOL!

Cheers, Mike
Mark Lyons 15 Jan 2006
#85
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Wow

This thread must be a record breaker. This post is the 84th. I do not recall any other subject with this many responses. Most do not even contain half as many.
Looks like we picked up a few contributors since the inception of this web-site.

I am glad that there is so much interest in this unusual hobby.

mark
O--O
The Amazing Michael 15 Jan 2006
#86
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Mark, it is all about the subject matter of conversation......women playing with handcuffs.....think about it. I can't imagine why "Does the S&W model 94 come in a hinge version?" would not go on for a hundred or so posts. Hmmmm


Cheers, Mike
Dorson 15 Jan 2006
#87
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Marie you are one of a kind in my book!!! I thought those 8's were supposed to be used in front, behind the back I would think would get uncomfortable fast. Now how can I get you to cross the Atlantic and demonstrate how to get out of those 8's without a key... (big grin) and if you can't, I can teach you how.

As for the S&W mod. 94, I have never heard of a hinged version being made unless it was a prototype. Given the design of the handcuffs, it would not be an easy thing to do as I have taken them apart.

I have had a thought with all the lively discussion going on of late. How about a section where members can post a picture of themself so we can put a face to the name?

-Dorson
Monica 15 Jan 2006
#88
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
Michael, I don't have one of those remote timer thingamajigs like you. Besides, no one wants to see a damsel in such distress.

Marie, your behind the back picture - who needs a straight jacket?
marie 15 Jan 2006
#89
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Michael.....I do yoga, it makes me bendy....grin

Dorson.....send us a ticket, im a fast learner....hehehe

Monica, have got a strait jacket, just trying to work out how to take the photo.........lol
Dorson 15 Jan 2006
#90
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
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Okay Marie, who is "us"????

-Dorson
marie 15 Jan 2006
#91
Since arriving in London, I've made some new acquaintances who regularly gather at each others' homes during the day for "a tea" - all girls. I hadn't been to any, so one of my friends suggested I host one as a way of meeting them and making new friends. My specialty is espresso, so I showed the British lasses how it's done (Brits know tea, but not coffee!).

Eventually, I was asked all the standard questions. After I was done answering, one of the girls said "So we hear you're an escape artist. Can you show us an escape?" This was followed by silence, many stares, back and forth looks, and open jaws, followed by much encouragement.

So, I left the room and returned w/ my box-o-cuffs and pulled out a pair of Peerless handcuffs, which I let them inspect. They were giddy w/ intrigue. Then I showed them how they worked and asked one of them to cuff my hands behind me. Without them being able to observe my hands, I quickly shimmed the cuffs and handed them back to her. More jaw drops and then a cacophony of claims of "trickery, fake handcuffs, let's see that again", etc.

So, I pull out all of my cuffs and, figuring I would get no volunteers, I say: "Who wants to try for themselves?" They all said: "me-me!", "I do-I do!", etc. So, I cuffed all of the girls w/ their hands in front of them, remembering to use the deadlock, so no one did anything foolish. For good measure, I then locked up a few of the more vocal gals w/ the leg shackles and said to all of them: "OK, your turn. You're on your own."

They fiddled about, being utterly frustrated by the lack of options and finally gave up and went back to eating, sipping and chatting. They all seemed content, so I joined in just as if I didn't have a room full of prisoners (and virtual strangers). I think they were intrigued to know just how it felt to be handcuffed - without pending harm, badness, embarrassment, or major inconvenience.

One of them commented on how she wished she had a single cuff to wear as a bracelet. "Next Christmas, maybe" I told her. "Can my husband order it through you?" she replied. I said, "He might prefer the two-bracelet model instead." We giggled like schoolgirls.

3 of the girls asked to borrow handcuffs. I obliged only after giving and receiving back a thorough demonstration on the absolute do's and dont's and what to do in case of a "cuff crisis".

When they left, I gave them the requesite keys and my phone #'s just in case and I said "happy cuffing...and don't hesitate to call me if you run into trouble" and "I expect to see one of you in a very compromising position in the very near future." We cackled.

There is something about cuffs - and several others mentioned this in another thread - that brings out exuberant intrigue. Whenever I show them to someone, they just have to hold them and play with them - especially when they hear the sound of ratchets and see how the swivel arm travels through the lock case and back around - and "try them on", which often leads to "can I borrow them?" I like to call it "the gadget factor". Something really well-engineered, sturdily-constructed and purely functional (like a good pair of cuffs) becomes an aesthetic item and is hard for people to ignore.
Click to expand...
sorry bad English, "us" is just me )