Eric Hansen Chop Cups; a Quick Review

I have been lucky so far by meeting some of the nicest people ever, at many of the magic forums. The latest is Eric Hansen, known as Papasmurf over at The Magic Café. Even though we have exchanged only a few PMs, I can tell that Eric is a good guy.

I hope that I get this right; Eric by trade is a Forest Fire Fighter whose hobby is magic and wood turning. In the past I have seen postings of Eric’s work and thought they looked fantastic, thinking some day I wood like to have some of his Chop Cups.

Last month I went on a little spending spree and purchased two of Eric’s Chop Cups. Eric is great to deal with, answering all questions and following through with what he says. I believe that his package arrived, the quickest of all my on-line purchases.

I went with two small wooden Chop Cups that he had listed for sale. I couldn’t tell you what kind of wood that they are made of, but they are beautiful. I am really impressed with his craftsmanship. Eric said that when he turns Cups that they are pretty much free formed; that is he does not use calibers are measuring devices to turn their shape.

The two cups I have are similar in size and I would categorize them as being Pocket Chop Cups; that is they easily fit in the pockets of my sports coats. As I said above, each Cup is beautiful, the difference being one has mouth bead and one does not.

The Cups did not come with any working balls but Eric did include little drawstring bags with the Cups.  I experimented with several balls that I had on hand; balls from Morrissey, RNT2 and The Ambitious Card.  I settled on a set of Monkey Fist Balls from The Ambitious Card. I thought they looked great with Cups and their gaff worked perfectly with Eric’s Cups. The set I have is red; however I think that I will order a set of green balls to go with my new Cups. Green looks pretty good with whatever the wood is that these Cups are made of.

For a final load, I have been using golf balls with these Cups. The golf balls fit perfectly with a little room to spare. A little larger ball could be used but I have not found any that I like the look of. I have also experienced that most spectators get a kick out of seeing golf balls at the reveal. They always want to see the balls to make sure that they are real and don’t compress. It seems that they are impressed with the solid balls that they recognize as an everyday object.

Below are pictures of the Cups. As always I hope that you enjoy looking at them and if there are any comments or questions, I am happy to answer them.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1327.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1321.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1325.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1324.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1322.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1323.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1318.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1314.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1317.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1315.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm227/BCSDenver/Cups/IMG_1316.jpg

Nice cups, Bruce, thanks. Wooden cups always look nice.

Tom G.

Great review, the cups look great. I can't get over the gaff on the first cup, where is it!? Tom, how is the patina holding up on the Riser's?

Tom & Mike,

Thanks for the kind words, the Cups are unbelievably cool. I recommend them highly for Eric’s craftsmanship and what a value they are. They were one of those purchases that you just feel good about.

Take care,
Bruce

I can’t believe that I forgot to include Eric’s website. Check it out to see other items he has made….
http://www.magicnook.com/EricHansen/EricHansen.htm

Best wishes to all,
Bruce

Beautiful cups Bruce!

I can attest to Eric being a really nice guy. When I was looking for a pocket Chop Cup I asked him how much a cup would be that had the specs of the Little Don (which I have now) because I wasn't sure I would be able to get a cup from RNTII in my price range. He told me to go with RNTII if they could get me one because they are such good people.

How many people do you know would recommend another dealer over their own product? Not many...

Bruce,

the cup is really nice

I really like the wood line on them

I don't have any wood cup my self, even though I live in the country where wood can be easily get.

It's a new toy and new collection which will take a bit your time

Have fun

Cheers
Andre

Uriel & Andre… they are really cool, this weekend I finally had time to play with them. I travel again next week for work; they will be coming along for the ride.

On my last trip I took the Squatty 2’s with me, I thought for sure that security was going to say something as they went through x-ray. They did not bat an eye.

Take care,
Bruce

Those are really nice cups Bruce.

I agree with you about Eric, he is a great guy.

Thanks for sharing,
Tom

Bruce,
Thanks for that great review.  As you know I am awaiting 2 cups and a bowl from Eric,  I can't wait, I'll post a review when they arrive.  Ilove the way that golf ball "pops" against thedark wood and makes thecup look too small to hold it....
Bri
BTW, Loved your review ofthe Mendoza's, mine arrived a couple of days ago.

Bri… my pleasure to write it, I am glad you enjoyed reading each. If we all write about our Cups… years from now there will be some kind of record for the young guys to look at.

Welcome to the Mendoza Club… I have to ask, will you keep them siny or let them turn. I am still amazed with how quickly Andre’s set changed.

Best wishes,
Bruce

Bruce,
Does Andre have pics up?  I'd love to see them.  I think I will let them Patina and when they are right apply some wax...

I have pics of them as they are right now at http://www.cupsandballsmagic.com/Mendoza-Satin-Combos.html so it will be interesting to see how they go on.

I do have very dry hands though so cups don't tarnish quickly when I practice and i agree it will be nice to keep a record

Bri

Bri.... Andre has them posted somewhere here... we are alittle disorganized over here.
Where I live now is proving to be pretty dry, it takes months for my Cups to turn.

Take care,
Bruce

I just found it thanks Bruce... and it was worth searching for!  That made my jaw drop... so quick!

Yet another photo from Andre, 6 dayslater and that patina is amazing!  I am envious!

Anyway... I got a parcel this morning, it was delayed at customsand I had charges to pay but who cares, at least they didn't damageanything!

Eric's wonderful cups arrived!  I will get around to taking pics and posting a review soon although I cannot add any more than Bruce has already said.  Eric's work looks lovely in a photo but in the flesh it is even better...

I will probably put a review on my site too but  I have so much to do in terms of reviews and so little time!

Bri