Episode 11 "Razor's Edge"

More Review

As soon as I got the trick I thought of different methods. The one using the magicians choice I mentioned in the video. But here are some more.What if you don't switch the bladed string with a gimmicked set of five. But merely pretend to attach the string on the blade (there are plenty of ring and string moves in the literature that would apply here) and then removing the blade secretly as you go into your pocket for a gimmicked set of four strings? That way I would seem like you are adding four more strings to the mix. Yes, that initial string now "has" to be pulled. And with a little bit of audience management this is a piece of cake. (for instance you hand them the "lame" string as the very first thing saying "Alright the first one I decide on, here hold on tight" and then pull. "But the next choices are up to you!")

But I stayed away from using other methods and focused on what was suggested on the DVD. So I made the gimmick, went out there and and did my thing.

The core group (commonly referred to as "friends") put on their "no way you are actually doing this"-face on. They have seen me do all sorts of tricks. And whenever I go into the chance and influence realm they did it. So they loved it as well. A very positive start. I need to mention that I did the Nathan Allen version with the gimmick already set up, as that version is way more practical.

The "stranger" group was next. All see me doing magic for the first time and only that trick. The reactions were different. Not much, but different. One woman flat out refused to hold on to the string as soon as there was the mention of a razor blade. Even after saying that it is my responsibility as I do the pulling she refused. So I asked her, which one she would have picked. Then I pulled on the other one, leaving me with her choice of string in my hand, which had the blade on it. "I'm so glad you refused. Are you psychic?" So the reaction was stronger. And more unpredictable.

And the third group was done in my theater. I established credit first and did that thing as an encore piece. I made sure that I hammered in the fact that my hands are my living. So naturally the anticipation went through the roof.

So we have a case of a really strong trick and a very shallow package.

Watch the street style performance by Morgan Strebler:



Even More Review

If you watch the video you may realize that tying the razor blade to a string is not really exciting. It is what people in the show business call DEAD TIME. And it must be avoided at all costs. So why no approach with the blade already attached to the string? That would save a lot of time.

As I said in the video review: This seems like a rushed project as all the flaws are in fact addressable. You can solve every single issue and then really have a really good product. However this is not the case.

Also no variations. This is the sort of trick that screams variations, further ideas and tips while performing. All of that was missing from the DVD. It is sad to write this, as the implication and the impact of the trick has this grand scope that falls flat because of lousy execution.

But as a more upbeat way to finish this review: If you have the gimmick of five strings in your hand you are actually able to flash the razor by opening your hand slightly. That way you can convince your audience that you really have a razor blade in your hand. So you can milk the danger aspect much more, than by simply telling them that there is a razor blade in your hand.