<P> The device described above is patented under the US patent number 5605508 . </P> <P> Sold more as a novelty item than a magic trick, finger guillotines are a minor variation on the basic theme . The setup is usually a small version of the full - sized devices, 4 to 6 inches (10--15 cm) tall, complete with side uprights . The trick is performed by inserting a finger through the "head hole" and then the blade is activated . In some versions, such as Chance Wolf's ultimate finger chopper, the finger is even seen to fall off . It is also shown in the movie Hostel as part as a torture museum that Paxton and his friends go to on their fateful holiday to Slovakia . </P>

Arm guillotine magic trick how does it work