I perform the Human Blockhead as tought by Rev. Tommy Gunn and inspired by Todd Robbins in my current Macabre act.
First thing you must realize is that this effect IS dangerous. You must put as much attention into the preperation and aftercare of the effect as you do in learning how to just perform it. One staff infection later and you'll regert ever trying it.
Your nails must be soaked in Alcohol 98% proof isobbrobaline (rubbing alcohol) prior to use. I personally take a alcohol prep pad (purchasable at medical stores) and swab the nail before handing it out for inspection, and once again once I get it back.
I use two kinds of nails. 3.5" and 4" nails. I can also use a Phillips head screw driver, but I personally think thats a bit over kill. You can also use an electric drill.... but Why?
In preping for actually performing the effect you must work small and then large. Your nose has to be opened up to accepting the nails. Think of it as putting gauges into your ears. You don't just start out with the 9 gauge stuff. You start out small and gradually make the hole bigger. I can take the 3.5" nail just fine with out problems. The 4" nail is uncomfortable. When doing the effect the nail doesn't have to go in ALL the way. Just so long as it goes in.
In performing the effect: The nail goes litterly strait back into your skull. Not up, not to the side. Strait back. You'll find the "hole" and it should just slide in.
Learning: q-tips suck. They aren't long enough. Get a nail. Start small with a long but as thin of a nail as you can get. Push the nail into your nose with your hand. You're not ready for a hammer yet. Just feel the nail go in.
Sneezing. You're going to sneeze. It happens. Repeat the effect over and over until you can concure the urge to sneeze. if you feel like your going to sneeze pull the nail out.
Gagging. Your body has five gag reflexes. 4 in the throat 1 in the nose. As with sword swallowing, you must get over the gag reflex when doing blockhead. Sometimes the nail will go in far enough and it will trigger it. Ala as deep as you go when you perform "Mental Floss" (if you perform mental floss) Short and sweet. Get over it.
Once you can take a thin but long nail in, you will know 3 important things. 1) How far back your nasel cavity goes, 2) how far in you can push the nail with out gagging, how to supress the gag and sneezing, and 3) How to care for yourself, and your props. You are now ready to take the next step.
Larger Nails: Replace the long thin nail for a slightly thicker and equally long if not longer nail. Repeat the processes above over and over as necessary until you have a length and width of a nail that you are happy with.
Final Thoughts:
DO NOT EVER ATTEMPT THIS EFFECT! This effect is dangerous, and can seriously hurt you if you do not know exactly what you are doing. Learning how to do this effect from some guy you have never met or don't know posting a how to on some internet forum dedicated to "magicians" is no where near the ideal methods for accomplishing this effect. This effect should only be learned when taught one on one by a trained professional who has had years of successful performances of said effect. I am in no way responsible morally, ethicly, financially, or spiritually for your attempts to learn and or perform this effect. Should you or anyone else decide to ignore my warning/ disclaimer and attempt to perform this you do so at your own risk. Any personal injury resulting in failing to perform this correctly is your own damn fault.
If you or anyone else has any further questions, I would be glad to answer them in private. Just send me a message.
Best to you!
William Draven
Master of the Macabre.
