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Magicman862 Veteran user Cincy, OH 385 Posts |
Yes the color on the site is exactly how it is in real life, as for me I like the color, it's different.
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Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Quote: You're not wrong. In elite social circles, it would be considered very tacky at a black-tie function to remove a brown wallet--like wearing brown loafers with a Tux.On 2003-11-02 15:39, Ron Reid wrote:
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
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Peo Olsson Inner circle Stockholm, Sweden 3260 Posts |
I just don't know, 250 bucks seems to me an awfull lot of dough for a wallet.
I'm sure the Predator Wallet is an exellent wallet, but still...
Pictured to the left my hero and me during FISM 2006 in Stockholm.
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Dan LeFay Inner circle Holland 1371 Posts |
Mars you are right. I discovered the little half-moon notch as well. It is very hard to see though, because I have a black wallet (oh my, I said it...)it is almost impossible to see well inside. Sort of blackart;-)
I can hardly imagine this is the thing Paul mentions, because I certainly don't have to hide it. It is invisible. A question: Do some of you guys really work that much upper-class fashion parties that you'd be condemned by the color of your wallet? No pun intended! I really like to know. I do some presentations where, for instance a crystal ball or tarot-card is inappropriate. I just leave it out then. In this case it has to do with "offensive symbolism"...but the color of a wallet!!? Anyway I never intended to use the Predator as my daily wallet so I have no issues with the objections mentioned. Must admit that the small creditcard slits seem a bit silly... Other than that I can't wait to test it out.
"Things need not have happened to be true.
Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths, that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes, and forgot." Neil Gaiman |
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John Clarkson Special user Santa Barbara, CA 749 Posts |
Quote: In very elite circles, it would be gauche to remove any wallet, of any color -- especially from your hip pocket! Any function that requires that level of sophistication usually is not offered on a cash-and-carry basis anyway, so a wallet is redundant.
On 2003-11-03 02:38, Scott F. Guinn wrote: Now, for those of us peons who attend less elite functions but who wear tuxes occasionally, Scott, there is one exception to the "black only" rule: any color is acceptable as long as it matches your purse. Unless the guy who is upset about the color of your wallet is wearing patten leather slippers with his tux (not merely formal black shoes), he's got no right to complain. OK, got an e-mail from Paul this morning that addressed the two issues I had raised about The Predator: 1) "Flaring". Yes, the wallet flares some. Either side will flare some. It is minor and is, as I suspected, inherent in the design (and function) and cannot be helped. But, like any prop, proper handling takes care of this, as I mentioned in earlier posts. Even something as simple as a hot-rod or a color-changing knife requires you to be mindful of handling and angles. I just don't see this as a problem. The only reason I even mentioned it was in relation to the notorious "notch." 2) Credit cards. Paul tells me credit cards will fit, but it is an extremely tight fit at first. After the wallet accommodates to the card, it is better, but still snug. I was just working too gingerly, a bit afraid to muscle the card into the slot. Paul also mentions using the innermost, deeper slot with the card turned but with back up (to hide the information on the front of the card). And, there is my workaround of trimming. So, there you have three ways to deal with it. I am a little concerned, though. I mentioned two very minor issues and offered solutions. I also mentioned how well-made The Predator is and how much thought and work went into both it and the routines that accompany it. I talked about the devasting effect Psycho Killer had on the audience I was part of. I also mentioned that the price is comparable to other high-quality wallets (both magical and mundane) that I have seen. What concerns me is that the thread seems to have drifted toward the two minor issues and ignored, for the most part, the positive aspects of The Predator. I brought up the "snags" and their solutions as a statement that they should not deter anyone from acquiring The Predator, not as encouragement to further negativity. Now, about the nefarious "notch!" Paul mentioned parenthetically that it no longer exists and that its elimination was a last-minute improvement. For those of you who are concerned about that, I think you could take a pair of well-sharpened scisssors and cut a V-shaped notch in either side of the wallet. It probably won't accomplish anything except to mar a beautiful prop, but, at least, by gawd, it will then match the documentation!
John D. Clarkson, S.O.B. (Sacred Omphaloskeptic Brotherhood)
Cozener "There is nothing more important to a magician than keeping secrets. Probably because so many of them are Gay." —Peggy, from King of the Hill (Sleight of Hank) |
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Steve Hook Inner circle Raleigh, NC, USA 1266 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-11-03 05:04, Peo Olsson wrote: Peo: As John C. said, "About the cost. Actually, the price is reasonable, I think. Barry Price's wallet, for example, costs the same. I've even checked out top-end wallets on the internet (just garden variety high-quality leather wallets) and have found many to be even more expensive than The Predator. When you get this wallet, you will see that a lot of work and thought went into it." Steve
Like Bonnie Raitt said, "I miss Little Feat more than I miss being 8 years old." Thanks for the concerts + recordings, Lowell, Richie, and Paul!
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Gregory57 Loyal user 246 Posts |
I agree with Mr. Clarkson, I don't want to see this thread drifting toward the negative. I had also questioned the notch and flaring, but both issues have been addressed. The price issue is really a non issue. For a working performer, this wallet will more than pay for itself. It's certainly not something you're going to buy, only to perform for family or at the local magic club. I have now performed the Killer effect for the first time in my restaurant work, and it received a very strong response. Also, regarding the credit cards, I was able to place several expired credits cards into the wallet. Yes, it's a tight fit, but they do fit.
Cliff Gregory Wollin
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Esso New user 14 Posts |
Today I have received the Predator wallet,the color is brown. But color is not a matter for me.
My most concern is the credit card slot. Gregory57, you said you can tight fit several credit cards in the slots. But I tried to muscle fit the cards in,but I tried for a few hours and still can't succeed. I guess the wallet may be irregular made so some wallets can fit some cannot. You're so lucky. I think I need to trim the credit cards to make it fit. At first I intended to use it as a daily wallet, but now I will only use it as one of my props. The coming few days I will use the wallet with my new audiences . I will post another review for the reactions I got. |
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jerdunn Inner circle 1734 Posts |
Just to chime in, I'm another Predator owner. Here are some brief thoughts:
1) The Psycho Killer effect is terrific. It sort of combines Kolossal Killer (thought-of-card in wallet) with Deep Astonishment (impossible "spelled out" prediction theme). It also gives you lots of latitude for presentation. Paul Wilson uses a con-man presentation, for example. 2) My wallet is black, but I don't care for the eelskin, and it wasn't what I ordered, so I have returned my wallet to Paul and will wait for the second batch, which will apparently be standard smooth leather (calfskin or whatever), available in black. 3) I also suggested that Paul fix, on his second run, the credit-card slot problem. If I tried to jam credit cards into the wallet I received, I would have torn out the stitching. With a $250 wallet, I don't think a customer should have to do this. After all, a ten-buck wallet from the Leather Barn will hold credit cards in the credit-card slots. There's just no reason not to fix the problem in the second batch. Any prop -- just like any magic routine -- should be continuously improved if possible. All this said, I've seen Paul do Psycho Killer for lay persons, and it gets a huge reaction. Any magician can think of many other uses for the same wallet. I look forward to receiving the kind of wallet I ordered originally, and I can't wait to put it into action. Cheers, Jerry |
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Jeremy Greystoke New user Dublin, Virginia 58 Posts |
Just received the Predator last week. I've only had limited time to start working with the "Psycho Killer" routine and getting used in general to the feel and handling of the wallet.
My wallet is the black eelskin version and I'm quite happy with it, though I can understand how others would want a different color or material. For that matter, when I've looked for over-the-counter regular wallets for specific effects (like the Kolossal Killer, for instance) I've been quite picky about the look of the wallet as well as how it would work for the specific use I envisioned. Kudos to John Clarkson for emailing Paul and getting responses to the two questions I had upon opening the package and examining the contents: the question of the mystery "notch" and the size of the credit card slots. I haven't tried the brute force technique for inserting the credit cards, but I may....though just trimming an expired card or two will probably be suitable for my purposes. This brings up an interesting secondary question, which might render the credit card question moot for those of us with the black eelskin. Somewhere along the line, I remember reading that eelskin wallets could, over time, play havoc with the magnetic strips on credit cards. Is this still true? Was it *ever* true, or am I just repeating an old (and discredited) urban legend? Or seaside legend, as the case may be? Anyway, I was lucky to see and chat with Paul at the end of his recent lecture tour and we talked a bit about the Predator after he had performed it (without explaining it) at the finish of the lecture. I had a pretty good idea of exactly what the inner workings of the prop were, though I was pleased to see that my guesses (though generally correct) were still far removed from the quality of the actual design and construction. I'm looking forward very much to working with the wallet and getting it up to performance speed. And I'm already thinking about other possible routines with the prop....it's definitely a worthwhile investment. Jeremy |
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magicxman Regular user 142 Posts |
Just back from oversea. I read the posts about the credit slots' problem. That is a matter for me becuase I need to use it as my daily wallet. $250 is a lot for me to buy a trick wallet. My intention is use as daily wallet and performance.
I must call Paul immediately to stop him to send out my wallet. I will wait for his second batch. |
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John Clarkson Special user Santa Barbara, CA 749 Posts |
Quote: Please also read the posts about the three solutions to the "problem!"
On 2003-11-03 15:58, magicxman wrote: Quote: Whether the credit card slots are to your liking or not, The Predator really doesn't seem to lend itself to use as a daily wallet unless you plan to remove your money from it before each performance or plan to use only 18 one-dollar bills with writing on them as your spending money. It's hard to understand this need to have a prop serve many tasks; The Predator also does not come with a corkscrew, pliers or tweezers. Perhaps the best solution would be to spend an additonal $15.95 and get a second wallet for everyday use.
That is a matter for me becuase I need to use it as my daily wallet. $250 is a lot for me to buy a trick wallet. My intention is use as daily wallet and performance. Quote: I suspect the credit card slots may not change in the second run since, it appears, cards already fit, although extremely tightly. I imagine that changing the templates and dies for such a trivial matter would be cost-prohibitive. You might ask Paul about this, however.
I must call Paul immediately to stop him to send out my wallet. I will wait for his second batch. Quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On 2003-11-03 15:27, Jeremy Greystoke wrote: .... This brings up an interesting secondary question, which might render the credit card question moot for those of us with the black eelskin. Somewhere along the line, I remember reading that eelskin wallets could, over time, play havoc with the magnetic strips on credit cards. Is this still true? Was it *ever* true, or am I just repeating an old (and discredited) urban legend? Or seaside legend, as the case may be? ... Jeremy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appears to be an urban legend, Jeremy. See http://www.snopes.com/science/eelskin.htm It seems the real culprit with those eelskin purses and wallets that supposedly scrambled the data on credit cards were the magnetic latches used to close the wallet or purse!
John D. Clarkson, S.O.B. (Sacred Omphaloskeptic Brotherhood)
Cozener "There is nothing more important to a magician than keeping secrets. Probably because so many of them are Gay." —Peggy, from King of the Hill (Sleight of Hank) |
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Simpatico New user 4 Posts |
Permit me to respectfully dissent from the mostly positive reviews on this thread concerning the Predator Wallet. In my view, this prop is an overall disappointment. $250 is too much for a "premium" prop with multiple snafus, kinks, and other problems requiring "workarounds," particularly one whose release was delayed for months while these problems supposedly were worked out. Some of these difficulties have been mentioned already: 1) flaring open of the gimmick; 2) inability of the wallet to remain closed (due to its construction, it wants to spring open); and 3) credit card pockets too tight to receive credit cards unless they are trimmed to size. The third problem is an annoyance; the first and second are sufficiently significant to require the performer to handle the wallet in a guarded fashion and prohibit the casual tossing of the wallet on the table in the course of the routine. I think that the choice of lizard skin was unfortunate and contributes to problems 1 and 2. Cosmetically, the skins are not cut straight and the stitching is erratic. I know, slight imperfections can be the hallmark of fine, handmade leather goods--but in this case, the work just appears sloppy.
Functionally, problems 1 and 2 are significant as they risk exposure of the gimmick(s) and compromise naturalness and freedom of handling. In addition, the built-in "multiple outs" gimmick is, in my opinion, neither an elegant nor efficient solution and is a source of disappointment. This gimmick, which is supposed to provide quick and easy access to the various "outs," is a bit like working with damp tissue paper--a problem compounded by the manufacturer having left exposed "tacky" (sticky) areas of the gimmick that grab at inopportune times and places. I also think that four pages of typewritten instructions, on two double-sided xeroxed pages, devoid of photos and containing a single line drawing, do not befit a premium product of the Predator's hype and price. Ironically, I had pieced together the workings of Psycho Killer from the routine's description and already owned a wallet that I thought would work beautifully with the addition of a "multiple outs" gimmick. This wallet looks great and has none of the snafus and problems of the Predator. Turns out, the wallet I had in mind is mentioned by Mr. Wilson in the Predator instructions as being "similar to" (the inspiration for) the Predator. In fact, unless I am mistaken, the wallet shown in the photo on the Predator page of Mr. Wilson's site is this very wallet! (perhaps with the multiple outs gimmick added, although Mr. Wilson suggests that this gimmick is a recent addition). That might explain why it looks so different from the finished product and does not appear to be plagued by the Predator's problems. I do thank Mr. Wilson for parting with what must be one of his most powerful and cherished effects. And I have no doubt that he sincerely tried his best to bring an excellent product to the market. The concept for Psycho Killer and the Predator is marvelous. I just think that the finished product (the first batch, at least) could have been better conceived and executed. I also think that Mr. Wilson would have been better advised from a marketing standpoint to let potential purchasers know that the wallet would be made from lizard skin and that they would have the option of black or brown. For what it is worth, that is my review of the Predator. |
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John Clarkson Special user Santa Barbara, CA 749 Posts |
Simpatico,
Several of the issues you repeat have been addressed. Have you actually worked with the Predator in a performance? From your comment that the wallet sticks and grabs at inopportune moments and places, it seems as though you have long-term experience with The Predator even though it was just released days ago. You address three areas: cosmetics, functionality, and documentation. I'll try to respond to each, below. Cosmetics. The leather of my wallet is cut straight and the stitching is not erratic. It reflects the quality we've come to expect from Joe Porper. Is it possible that you somehow got a "second?" I have a black eelskin wallet. I received an e-mail from Mr. Wilson, prior to shipping, announcing that the first wallets would be done in eelskin, which he believed was a bit more elegant way to introduce the product to people who had been patiently waiting for it. Mine is black. When I ordered it, I expected black. It does seem that some people who received brown ones want black ones (and, as we might expect, at least one person has asked for a brown one). Since Mr. Wilson has offered to exchange any unused brown wallet for a black one, this is really a non-issue. Functionality. Well, as I mentioned, many of the issues you rehash have been resolved. Let's do it again:
(2) My wallet doesn't grab (or grope, for that matter) at either opportune or inopportune places or times. Could your wallet simply be a bit more desperate than mine? (3) At first the wallet did spring open slightly (that is, unfolded partially) when I laid it on a surface. After two days' use, even fully loaded, it has stopped doing that. I recall this is a tendency of any new billfold-style wallet before it becomes "broken in." The Predator, like its owner, apparently springs less and less as time passes. (See note, below.) (4) Guarded handling? Well, nearly any prop has its limitations, I suppose, but I've not found the handling of The Predator to be particularly guarded or stilted. In fact, I have to pay more attention when handling my Mogar (or even my Merrill) color-changing knives to avoid exposing the gaff. Documentation. It is true that the instructions are not type-set. I think you really reached to arrived at this particular criticism. I've bought expensive items from such high-end dealers as Owen Magic Supreme that included photocopied instructions. OK, I've now sufficiently balmed my conscience for raising the ignominious "credit card issue" without having worked with The Predator enough. I will now retire from this thread having said about all I have to say:
:nose: Note: I am curious, though, at what point during Psycho Killers you would want to casually toss the wallet onto the table? It seems logical to hold the wallet in the non-dominant hand as you ask the spectator the questions and remove the three bills, putting it away after revealing the IOU and then turning over the bills on the table. I suppose you could hold it until the IOU is revealed, and then toss it onto the table as you turn over the bills. Since a "broken in" wallet will allow you to do this, I don't see that there is a problem.
John D. Clarkson, S.O.B. (Sacred Omphaloskeptic Brotherhood)
Cozener "There is nothing more important to a magician than keeping secrets. Probably because so many of them are Gay." —Peggy, from King of the Hill (Sleight of Hank) |
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Dan LeFay Inner circle Holland 1371 Posts |
John your remarks hit the hammer on the nail.
I visited a the late Richard Ross's magic club tonight. I knew about a friend who had a Predator Wallet as well and I asked him to bring it with him, because he had a brown one (mine is black) I can honestly say that in my eyes the brown one looked as gorgeous as my black one. If my friend would have had the wish to change wallets, I would have done that to help him without feeling awkward! I tried the effect 3 times now. First on my wife as always, second on a non-magic friend, third on some magic buddies. All responses were good. The only comment I got from the magicians was to look for a way to overcome the translation-problems. English is understood by anyone here, but it takes some scripting to explain why the words are in english. The wallet works exactly like it should. The "secret" does it's work very easily. Using this as your daily wallet is not wise because of the reasons John mentioned above. Also I am afraid that part of the secret would not withhold daily use. It is not fragile but it needs a certain light touch to keep it in shape. Also I've found that keeping your wallet in your backpocket will give it the concave shape often seen with hipfolds. This could (I'm not shure!) make the handling of the effects more difficult. If some of you dislike the color, I think "throwing your wallet on the table" looks much more unnatural and would not point out fine manners. I'm beginning to like this thing very much in spite of the minor production-flaws!
"Things need not have happened to be true.
Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths, that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes, and forgot." Neil Gaiman |
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Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Quote: sarcasm duly noted. I am not taking sides here. I do not own the wallet and have not commented on it one way or the other. I simply answered a question: would it be considered tacky to pull out a brown hip wallet at a function where you and the guests are in formal attire. The answer is yes. If I were to do effects that required a wallet at such a function (and I never said I did), I would use a black, Eurpean-style breast pocket wallet. That in no way says that the Wilson wallet in brown is a bad prop. I wouldn't use an ungimmicked brown hip-pocket wallet in such situations, either.On 2003-11-03 09:22, John Clarkson wrote:
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
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MJ Marrs Inner circle Los Angeles 1125 Posts |
First of all I'm glad that this thread has survived (keeping my fingers crossed). It's nice that, despite differences of opinion, we are all keeping things civil.
I've also found that over a short amount of time with the wallet loaded, the wallet has stopped springing open upon removal from my pocket. As for the idea of using this wallet for my everyday wallet: No way Jose! I spend A LOT of time researching, thinking, and rethinking about which routines to add to my repetoire. When I was younger I'd buy just about anything new on the magic market. Nowadays, however, I'm a lot pickier about which routines are worth my time and energy. The Predator is a winner and something I see myself performing from here on in. I'm thinking long term--who knows if these wallets will be available ten years from now. I plan on using mine regularly, but I'm going to treat it with respect so it will last for years to come. Getting credit cards into the wallet was a little tricky, but I'm not going to be removing them everyday; they are inside my wallet simply for aesthetics. Spectators won't know if this is my everyday wallet or not. [My family and friends will recognize that this isn't my everyday wallet, but I'm not getting paid to perform for them so I don't care.] |
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gilbreath76 Loyal user 279 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-11-04 02:28, MJ Marrs wrote: I would care since I'm not a working professional. But it's moot, because since I'm not a working professional, I would never spend that much on a wallet. But I think you should care about your magic no matter who you perform for. Where's the enjoyment if it's only about getting paid? I would still like to keep myself mysterious to my friends and family, not just people who pay me. |
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jbadman Special user London 983 Posts |
Finally, it arrived!
I can honestly say I'm really happy with it. Sure the Credit Cards are a squeeze - and I suspect a future release might give just a bit more slack here. And there is some 'stickiness' at first when using the wallet - but it's quite obvious, to me at least, that this is because it is a new item; this will go away after practicing a while. The materials used in construction of the wallet have been chosen to optimise the outward appearance of the object; the price you pay for this is perhaps needing a little more care with handling and a little more 'settling in' of the wallet. These are things that you should not find a problem since both of these issues will be overcome by the time you've practiced enough with it to be ready for performance. The quality is good; no bad stitching, the construction seems sound in every respect. The wallet does flip open when 'packed' but again that's something that'll ease with use. The 'flaring' - well I *think* I see what people have been concerned about - but as far as I can make out, it's inevitable because of a clever 'design touch' to make things more accessible. No flaring would mean removing a feature that would cause greater difficulty during performance. The instructions COULD be prettier - but I've decided not to let my audience see them, so that doesn't matter too much ;-) Psycho Killer reads very good. I've not tried it yet because I intend to practice using this wallet until I'm both proficient with it and it's broken in enough for me to feel 100% confident using it. The other two effects, 'Total Killer' and 'Power of Projected Thought' are also both worthy but not, in my opinion, as clean, clear and stunning as 'Psycho Killer'. I look forward to using the wallet; it's a quality prop and it clearly represents a lot of work both in conception and construction. The price isn't 'just' to keep it out of the hands of the 'curious' - it's also because it's taken a lot of effort to produce. I'm 100% pleased with it. Jamie.
http://www.underground-collective.com - check out our new DVD now!
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SCGillett New user 64 Posts |
I still have not received mine. Has anyone else who ordered from the first run still not received theirs yet?
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