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Magic cafe on edge

Did not find any post(s) about this new (?) Russian Roulette- and Hook-themed release.
The SandsMind brand and the heavy editing of the demo gave at least me, some doubts!

Anybody in the know?

Looks to be a reboot of "Razors Edge" that was released by Strebler himself years ago. it's been sold out.
https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/4307

Thanks for the info brandon 90.

By the way:
Razor's Edge is also a magic effect by Jay Sankey.
Different trick though!

So 'Morgan Strebler's Razors Edge' looks to have morphed into 'On the Edge by Morgan Strebler (and Sans Minds). I presume these are similar to 'Hook' which emerged in the interim and collapsed from a much higher price than 'Razor's Edge' to one much lower?

On Jan 23, 2021, maklakmak wrote:
So 'Morgan Strebler's Razors Edge' looks to have morphed into 'On the Edge by Morgan Strebler (and Sans Minds). I presume these are similar to 'Hook' which emerged in the interim and collapsed from a much higher price than 'Razor's Edge' to one much lower?

or in other words: they're running out of ideas. Lol.

On Jan 23, 2021, Thomas Walter wrote:
Thanks for the info brandon 90.

By the way:
Razor's Edge is also a magic effect by Jay Sankey.
Different trick though!

Does anyone think it would work if you start with everything in the fist and only reveal the razor at the very end?

Also- I like the idea of the colored string, but it looks like the middle sections (knotted portion) are white? Doesn't that tip the method?

If memory serves, I don’t think you can show the razor blade at the beginning. And yes, I agree that the white knot is strange. Also don’t like that you apparently have to dye the ropes yourself.

After a bit of research of the old release in 2014 (?) and have talked to magic friends who have seen it and bought it back then, here are a few observations:
The blades in the first edition were single edged industrial blades, often used to f.i. scrape off excess (dried) paint from window glass panes.
Strings used where black shoe laces.
In performance, one blade was openly tied to a lace, thru the middle hole and tied over sideways, over the short dull side.
In the presentation were then said: "I will now take this lace whith the blade, turn my back and add and mix it with other laces."
That done, the rest seems to be similar as described in this "new" version demo.
Hmmm.

I agree, the different colored strings ar unnecessary. And if there is a white piece, that.

I must confess, I like the effect. If some method flaws coluld be modified.
I might order this.

One year after, in 2015, you could find the "Revised Razor's Edge" on Youtube.
Now with double edged blades.

With a jacket and the "I'll turn around so you don't see which string I tie the blade on" ruse, something gets much more easy.
Note: I do not say that this might be an all negatve thing.

I don't like the white section showing on all the ropes I think it can easily be figured out now after rewatching the video .

Just received and soon freaked out the wife. You get four white laces and a double sided razer blade.

The taught presentation - you show the blade, then turn your back to tie to one of the coloured laces (ie you die them). You then present the laces, in your closed fist. They choose and hold a lace, and you pull backwards. Then a process of elimination, until one's left.

My presentation - four white laces in a my closed fist. Ask them to pull one. "Thank you as one of them will hurt my hand". They pull the second. "The reason being, one is tied to a razer blade". They then freak out as to what they've just done nonchalantly, and are left with a 50-50 choice. "

Really like it, it's completely safe, and will be picking up a spare copy.

On Jan 30, 2021, Kobra wrote:
Just received and soon freaked out the wife. You get four white laces and a double sided razer blade.

You wrote ' a double sided razor blade.'
In the ad you'll find:
'. blade s '.
So, what is it. I do not think you'll expose anything if you answer. They allready said 'blades' in the ad.

By the way, the ad also says:
'Ends clean.'
Well, as I am familliar with the first version, and I see nothing new here, this is doubtful.
But Sands Mind seems to be involved in this new rerelease, so well.

I'm being careful not to expose this. I wrote what is presented to the spectator.
You can choose to display off or on the lace at the start.

And I wouldn't say you end clean. But you can justify not handing over a razer blade.. you finish with it tied on a lace.

I'm not properly familiar with the original, but from the trailer they are no longer black, and there's been changes to make it safer.

I'm not a fan of sansminds, bar the ring box, but they'll not overtly involved. It's Morgans teaching.

I believe that the first version named Razor's Edge is from 2014. I got this then second hand (after much hazzle I must say).
So, the only differences between the versions, what is seen in the presentations, are the white/colored and slightly thicker shoe laces, and that Morgan now uses/sells (a) double edge razor blade(s). But this 'new' presentation was already used in the video from 2015 that I linked to earlier. But if you look closely in the 2015 version, the ends of the shoe lases are colored, as is suggested in this 2020/21 release. But I can clearly see that the method is the same as the 2014 version, but is a bit more convincing looking with the new shoe laces.
I think this variation in method is better looking than "Hook" and in these days of covid, it is a better option, objects in one's mouth these days is absolutely no no!!
Do not get me wrong, I kinda like this.

HOOK is actually perfect in Covid times, absolutely NO chance a spectator will be grabbing for that hook! Lol.

Magic cafe on edge

Hi,
I recently bought Kainoa Harbottle's book "Coins on Edge". Although at first I over looked it,and paid more attention to Revolutionary Card Technique. which I bought at the same time (which incidentally is not a good thing to do, buy one book at a time otherwise you don't know what to read, and it gets really confusing)!
This has to be one of the best encyclopedia's of coin magic ever written! Some may be surprised by calling it an encyclopedia as it only covers sleights using the Edge Grip, but the variety of techniques taught using this move is amazing.

What I want to know is if Cointopia follows this? What are the highlights?
Also, what are your favourite things in "Coins on Edge"?
If you don't have either, I really suggest checking out Coins on Edge, and I am sure Cointopia is worth the money as well.
owen

I have Coins on Edge and can't say enough about it.
I must say that the content is advanced, and it will be a while before I will attempt volume 2.
I practice several of the sleights, but have really only worked on pendulum hanging coins, which is consequently my favorite routine. If I had the extra cash, I would invest in Cointopia.

Cointopia is a set of lecture note (read: small book) which was produced for the Coin Convention last year (? Year before?).

It has similar stuff to Coins on Edge. If you enjoyed the first book, you should find lots to do in the second.

Thanks Tedski and Ian,
I am learning pendulum . 2 as well! I am also trying to get his 3 Fly down as well.
Does any one know if Cointopia is available from any where in England, or can it only be brought via Kainoa? I found Coins on Edge at Davenports in London, but got their last copy.

Ian,
I have heard about the finger tip muscle pass he has in this book, is it as good as the original?
owen

I don't think so, but that's just me. Next time we meet I'll explain why.

Kainoa's two written publications are available through his website, kainoaland.com.

I've been lucky enough to have him on "Palms of Steel" vol. 1 (available on tape only) and "Palms of Steel 2: Fists of Fury" (only on DVD) Volume 1 was mainly the rolling material, and on "Fists" you see some of his EG and Mutobe palm work. Also, whenever the COINvention 2003 DVD comes out, there should be a loud "Slapping Mutobe" there for you.

Cointopia is very worthwhile, if only for the "Plural Pushthrough" which I predict you're going to see popping up in a lot of new routines. (well, at least mine) The Fingertip Muscle is probably not as impressive as the "Coin that falls up". Also, it's a little difficult to imagine the FMP being used as a secret move the way the MP is. However, the FMP can be used in situations where the MP cannot. And that's it's main value, currently. Following the COINvention, the FMP quickly found its way in to a lot of people's repertoires because it just fits in so easily, and it solves problems.

Finally, for you fellows on the other side of the Atlantic, you should know that Kainoa "hops across the pond" quite willingly, and on the flimsiest of excuses ("University research" Hah!) Contact him and you might find he's coming your way.

What's Kainoa been up too?

I emailed him a couple weeks ago and haven't heard back.

Kainoa just emailed me after about a month. Apparently, he's been doing battle with the "real world", accomplishing things that impress laymen to no end, like having a career and making a living. Sad to say, these are occasionally concerns even in Kainoaland.

That being said, he claimed he had no time to create new magic, except. and then he rattled off a bunch of the usual scary stuff. I told him he was missed at the Café, and he threatens to return as soon as he can.

Kam is the man. I have an idea; can you create an effect where 3 silver coins change to copper as you touch them and then the silver coins are found in a bag of sealed chips?

Skillz,
Hello, Not to answer for Curtis, but "Yes" one could/can and has create an effect like this, well maybe not to a bag of chips but to mugs,purses,boxes etc., a better question would be why a bag of chips? Bag "POKER" chips maybe? There's a connection between poker chips and money.

You might want to look into some Wild Coin routines.

Something about those small bags of potato chips . I like the idea. Is this an application for healed and sealed or just plain old fashioned rubber cement?

Thanks Curtis for the information.

As to the potato chips.

Maybe a story about the prices of junk food going up in price. It takes all your money to even buy a simple bag of chips.

Then the each coin changes into a potato chip. Open the bag and find the other coins inside.

You mean I didn't cover the potato chip trick on "Fists of Fury"? I thought I had done the "fingertip wildcoin" pretty well to death there.

It's pretty clear from the responses that the potato chip idea has some legs. I kinda like it, despite the fact that I've sworn off carbs. After all,

1. It's a familiar, naturally sealed object.

2. You might be able to do this impromptu, if you table hop in Caféterias.

3. I like the idea of shaking the bag to show that there are three silver dollars inside, and in the process pulverizing the contents.

4. Pop the back slit of the bag. Now, a coin may be secretly loaded simply by dropping it onto the bag to the side of the slit (the chips inside may make this noiseless, or noisy, depending)and then tilting the bag.

5. I have a very practical method for this: At the end, you create the sound illusion holding the palmed silvers under the bag. (see Vernon's "Silk and Silver") Claim that the silvers are in the sealed bag. Try to open the bag, but as usual, it won't open. Yank hard, the bag does what it always does and explodes, launching chips over the entire audience. When they look back at you, you're standing there holding three silver coins as if they were in the bag. Smile.

or just launch the coins with the chips.

Man, I am surprised at the above. But you know what they say about ideas about potato chips, you can't have just one.

Curtis, very nice idea with the coins under the bag.

That makes it so you can do the routine almost impromtu (as long as you have chips already out of the bag).

I wonder if, with the right grip on the bag, one could shove a coin in, perhaps at the seam, and load the bag as you would a dinner roll.

I just got Coins on Edge about an hour ago. all I can say is oh my god. the retention pass to EG. what a move. I have used a similar method that I believe was martin chapenders from hugards coin magic, auldley walsh used the move for sponges. I used chapanders because I can go right into ramsay palm without any moves. now of course I'll be going into EG. a very goood book.

Phread,
I agree completely,
I was performing Chris Korn's retention pass, but have now changed to RP to EG, and have found it gets great reactions every time.
owen

Thanks folks, was a nice surprise discovery back in 1976-77. Even David Roth was surprised and asked me about the move back then. It takes the Ramsay tricks, and the Roth's Hanging Coins to a next level.

The retention Chris Korn is teaching is, I believe, the same one published long ago by Herb Zarrow. It appears on my Encyclopedia of Coin Sleights series in the Retention Pass section.

S.E.M. (The Sun, the Moon, and the Earth) is a sun and moon routine unlike any other. Limited to 100 sets, here is the promo:
https://youtu.be/aFuAWCNEuOI?si=ZdDUNV8lUPWvtOcL
$325 ppd USA (Shipping extra outside of USA). If interested, shoot me an email for ordering information at [email protected]

I learnt Korn's technique when he lectured in London a couple of years ago. I have not got the lecture video, and the only way that I have managed to remember it is because he made us all get coins out during the session and try it out. I had been really struggling to learn a Retention Pass prior to then (i was only 13), and I have been using his since.
A quick question Michael, can the ROPS vanish be used in place of any retention pass? obviously you wouldn't want to do it all the time but can it be used at any moment in a routine?
I remember you saying in a previous post specifically about ROPS that the version printed in Magic some years ago, was not authorised by yourself, but is it goodenough to learn the move from?

Magic cafe on edge

Can someone tell me: are the methods and routines suitable for stand-up?
I am not a performer, but like more impromptu stuff, which tends to be done standing up.

Hmmm. not to speak for kainoa. i suppose you could but it slays at close range.

I started working with "Coins on edge" and love it. The theme of the technique is perfect for stand up. It shares the Hollingworth/Hooser style (the action is at chest level), so it can play for larger numbers of people (and those people can actually see what's going on). However, I don't know what the effects are like because I havn't gotten to them yet. I'm actually looking for more material that's like this. Specifically, "The professinal Close up of Curtis Kam" is something I've been wondering about. I know that Kianowa and Curtis are good friends so I was wondering what percentage of the material was at waist level compared to chestheight. Can anyone help me out?

. i thought perhaps you meant platform.

On 2005-08-20 13:27, BobGreaves wrote:
Can someone tell me: are the methods and routines suitable for stand-up?
I am not a performer, but like more impromptu stuff, which tends to be done standing up.

From your post it sounds as if you mean you are standing while the spectators are sitting? If this is the case? then yes the methods will work great for you, just take a step or two back. I believe this is the type of situation (table hopping) that Kainoa works in.

I'm also sure they will work just as well in "stand up" shows, esp. if you're using silver dollars. Which BTW most if not all (depending on what you're comfortable with) of the EG stuff can be done with dollar sized coins.

As for waist/chest height most if not all of Kainoa's routines are about chest height. The routines in Curtis' book "Deceptions" is a mix of chest and waist height routines, but all are great routines.

I suggest you get anything and everything that these two put out.

With that said, I'm still searching for some of Curtis' old lecture notes. If anyone has some they would like to part with please PM me.

Thanks for the replies.
Just to clarify. I do not give performances, but like to do stuff for friends, say down the pub. I have great respect for David Roth, but the stuff I have seen by him for example has all been very specific to a nice table, at just the right height, and I have not found the routines to be that suitable.
I am interested in routines that can be done in front of a few people, probably standing, and this has prompted my question.

As a matter of interest can anyone tell me how difficult the Fingertip Muscle Pass (mentioned in Cointopia) is, say compared to the standard Cornelius-style Muscle Pass?

I think the FTMP is easier to learn than the MP itself, but that might just be me.It took me a long time to get the MP down and only a day or two for the FTMP.

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The Art of Sideboarding in Startee Magic