Escape Artist influences on handcuff design

On the back of Arioch's video of Sheffield cuffs where he mentions escape artists having an influence on handcuff designs - this seems like a really interesting topic.
Obviously cuffs are designed to be escape proof, but how many more examples are there with recorded evidence, rather than guesses. The Mirror handcuff is one of the most discussed examples. I'm know there are other Houdini escape challenge examples which can be added to the list - one-offs probably, but how many cuffs made it into retail production? The cost of making a truly unescapable handcuff must have been prohibitive a century or more ago. I'm really looking forward to what our collective heads can come up with.

Hi, Paul.
I remember about 10 years ago when the Gotcha Handcuffs were advertised as being escape proof.
I ordered some for our division in the sheriff's department and they were very well built.  The guys really liked them.  Not an easy cuff to shim open so the easiest way that I can see was to turn the hub at the bottom of the keyway.  The manufacturer thought that it would be best to have the key operate from either side.
This feature was convenient for the officer to release the subject but actually gave the subject 2 opportunities for the cuff to be circumvented.
At least 2 different hub designs or key patterns were used during the short lived period that these cuffs were available.
The lock design was not at all complicated as they were just below the surface of the cuff body so anything that could grip the hub with enough pressure could turn and release the cuff.  The hubs were not protected at all.
The cost to produce this cuff was high and was the likely reason for the production to cease.

https://www.policeone.com/police-produc ... Rc3WXm6Kt/

Thanks Mark. I'm thinking my question might be too long winded. 
How about-
1. What retail handcuff designs were influenced by escape artists? 
If none, then - 
2, What handcuffs were made specifically for handcuff challenges?
There are no prizes. Sorry.
I'm sure there's a few escape guys here and Houdini buffs with extensive knowledge.

I know of no commercially made cuffs designed by escape artists or any to block an escape artist attempt.
I believe all cuff designs are law enforcement related but it would be interesting to see if any patents were written for the magic trade.  

Captain Bean, in 1887 released The Bean Giant and put out a challenge to all who would try to escape from the cuffs. He said the cuffs would be applied behind the escape artist's back, with the key holes facing out. Houdini accepted his challenge and was the first man to ever escape from the Bean Giant. Its not quite the same as a cuff that was designed for escape artists, but its as close as I can remember for a production police restraint.
-Richard Knip-

I don't know of any designed by an escape artist and put into production but the Bean Giant challenge is probably on par with the Sheffield cuff challenge. Both were in production and may have been INFLUENCED by escape artists, and not design by or designed for escape artists.

So maybe the answer is that all handcuff designs are influenced by escape artists whether professional or criminal !!  But that is a conversation killer.

Well, I guess the Titan Handcuff from Steve Santini was actually designed and made by an escape artist.  They were sold in a very limited run tho. He has also designed several other devices for securing cuffs. His Hinged Cuff Clip was sold to Hiatt and was produced for mass distributing. It was sold under the name Hiatt Blue Box 2.  So, Steve may be the only one who actually is an escape artist who designed a cuff and a cuff accessory, that was sold to the public?
-Richard Knip- http://santinicentral.com/inventions.php

Maybe a little off topic but here is another odd Santini invention, the keyless handcuffs. Anyone having a similar set? I Bought them many years ago from Joe Tanner.

Lars

There is my missing Marlin swivel
I knew I left it somewhere


How does it lock/unlock?

Im also curious to how this cuff functions. Its the first time I have ever seen this particular cuff. I like the looks of it! Steve is certainly an innovator and has quite the imagination and mind for design. Very cool piece!
-Richard Knip-

Sure, I will reveal the secret with these keyless handcuffs.

On the side of the cuffs there is a small flush piece. It's hard to reveal but when you press the bow just a little, it is protruding.
You grip the pieace with your nails and just pull it out, then the bow is relased. These handcuffs are odd and funny and I like them al lot.

Lars

Nice, thanks for sharing this unusual cuff.
I have never seen nor heard of it before.