Michael Griffin: The Ultimate Escape Artist and Collector of Historic Handcuffs

Michael Griffin stands as a figure larger than life in the world of escapology and historical preservation. Known as the world's greatest living escape artist, Griffin's journey extends beyond his breathtaking escape feats. He is also on a quest to curate the world’s most extensive collection of antique and rare handcuffs, a mission fueled by his deep passion for history and mechanical artistry. This blog post delves into Griffin's multi-faceted career, highlighting his extraordinary escapades and his relentless pursuit of handcuffs with rich historical legacies.

The Beginning of an Adventure

• Early Fascination: Griffin’s love for handcuffs started at 18, driven by their intricate design and the stories they embody. This fascination soon turned into a lifelong mission to collect, preserve, and share these historical artifacts with the world.

A Career of Unparalleled Escapades

• Master Escapologist: Griffin's escapology feats have earned him global acclaim. His ability to escape from any restraint, combined with his deep knowledge of these devices, has made him a legend in the field.

• The $100,000 Challenge: Griffin is the only escape artist to have ever offered a $100,000 reward to anyone who can successfully keep him prisoner, a testament to his confidence and skill in escapology.

• A Hero in Restraints: Remarkably, Griffin once helped catch a murderer while tied up by the criminal himself. In another instance, he led 1,200 people out of a burning building, remaining tied up the entire time.

• Surviving the Impossible: Griffin's daredevil nature is underscored by his survival of a public hanging. Tied up on the back of a horse, hands bound, and with a 13-knot hangman's noose cinched tightly around his neck, he accomplished what no other human has.

• Houdini’s Legacy: Griffin’s connection to Harry Houdini is not just through handcuff collecting. He is the only escape artist ever granted permission to attempt an escape from Houdini's own box, submerged at the bottom of the ocean, after it sat in dry dock for 90 years.

The World’s Premier Handcuff Collection

• Rare and Historic Handcuffs: Griffin's collection includes handcuffs from the 1600s to the present day, from almost every country. Notably, he owns rare handcuffs once belonging to Houdini and has even sold several of Houdini's handcuffs, deepening his ties to the legendary escapologist.

• The Global Hunt: Griffin's search for handcuffs is worldwide. He connects with a network of collectors and historians to find unique pieces that add historical and cultural value to his museum.

Engaging with the Community and Preserving History

• An Open Invitation: Griffin encourages those with unique handcuffs or knowledge of their whereabouts to contact him. Contributions not only add to his museum but also offer financial rewards for valuable finds.

Online Presence and Future Aspirations

• Oldhandcuffs.net and MichaelGriffinEscapes.com: Through Oldhandcuffs.net and MichaelGriffinEscapes.com, Griffin shares his escapology feats and his handcuff collection journey, highlighting the intersection of his dual roles as an escape artist and a historian.

• The Museum of Restraint: Griffin's dream is to establish a museum to showcase the evolution and significance of restraints, offering an interactive and educational experience for all visitors.

Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Escapology

Michael Griffin's escapades and handcuff collection endeavor represent a unique blend of thrill, historical preservation, and education. His proposed museum is not just about showcasing his collection but also about creating a cultural and educational hub. As both an escape artist and a collector, Griffin is a guardian of history, ensuring that the stories, craftsmanship, and evolution of these fascinating artifacts continue to inspire and educate future generations. His life, marked by extraordinary achievements and an unwavering commitment to his passions, stands as a testament to the power of dedication and the pursuit of the extraordinary.