On Jan 23, 2017, mh1001 wrote:
Dannicus,

Some magicians I personally know don't understand why I spend so much money in magic. Some even go so far as to say that they don't need gimmicks and they do the same effecs without any special stuff. Personally, I think many gimmicks allow us to perform effects that are impossible otherwise, much cleaner effects. If I want the strongest effect, like Joshua Jay likes to say, I don't mind using gimmicks. Although I do mind spending too much money.

Of course, why purchasing other materials to perform the same effects... First because we may appreciate sometimes to switch methods, so it may not become too boring for ourselves (at least for me), and that for people who see us performing more than once, it would help canceling out methods.

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On Jan 23, 2017, kissdadookie wrote:
You're the one that didn't read carefully. You missed the fact that the only thing I pointed out from your post that made your whole stand on the topic nonsensical was your bit about where the audience is looking.

"where the audience is looking" -> you have forgotten to add "during the critical moment when you apply some strength or execute a very unnatural move".

On Jan 23, 2017, Dannicus wrote:
Mh1001, that's the way I see it too. I used to be a purist, one of those guys who disdained using any gimmicks at all. I never used gaffed cards, coins, did the cups and balls with no chop cup. And was actually kinda snobby about it.

As I aged I learned that often the magic is enhanced by items that allow for fewer slights and therefore a much better focus on presentation. I have moved much further into mentalism in the last 10 years, It has taught me that performance is everything. Now I actually look for ways to simplify as opposed to having to make too many sleight moves.

That is not to say that I regret all of the time I put into sleights it gave me a good foundation and I still buy releases and work on advanced sleight of hand but in reality that is mostly because I like doing it. For magicians it's great, but most I will never use for laymen because there is no need. What ever spreads joy and magic, is done well, and most importantly each person is comfortable with is what I think they should use.

Regarding the benders, I am very comfortable designing routines with built in misdirection so whether I use the Ox or the QB I suspect I will likely execute the bend on the offbeat because for myself I cant think of a reason to challenge the audience by executing either while my hands are being burned. Especially when it is so easy and every it as effective to do it when they are not.

As far as I am concerned even though something CAN be accomplished while someone is burning you it does not mean that is always the best way to perform it. I think effective misdirection and the psychology and physiology behind it is by far the most subtle and yet simultaneously the most powerful tool in a working pros toolbox. When you can easily control the audiences attention you can do most anything.

On Jan 23, 2017, Yuan Moons wrote:
Kisadokie, do you actually perform for people or are your opinions just based on what you think happens in the real world. You seem way too mean spirited to entertain real people. No one likes to be around someone like that.

On Jan 23, 2017, 252life wrote:

Thanks for the positive, helpful, posts.
That's always appreciated.

On Jan 23, 2017, Dannicus wrote:

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On Jan 23, 2017, 252life wrote:

Thanks for the positive, helpful, posts.
That's always appreciated.

Thanks brother!
I can't see any reason to be otherwise.. I am excited to receive this new tool and quite frankly the debate over the best method is Magician's preference, QB has been destroying audiences for years and will continue to do so for many more. It sounds like Ox is going to be equally great, and hopefully it will prove to be just as durable and practical. I think it will be fun to see what new uses I can design around it to vary my performances. I just think it's cool that this thread stimulated me to come up with a pre-bend method I can use and be happy with, amd with the Ox on the way I will potentially have 3 solid methods where before I had just one. I love the variety. Let's face it laymen could care less and should have no clue regardless if any of these methods are done well.

On Jan 22, 2017, Jared wrote:
I finally got a chance to perform the Ox Bender last night at my local pub (first time in the field)...It went fantastic! People were BLOWN away and the demonstration looked so incredibly fair. I did not have my holdout with me, so instead I just pulled the bender halfway out of my back pocket. While the spectators were busy signing the quarter, I secured the bender without any fumbling whatsoever. What was so impressive is that I did "the move" while multiple people were literally BURNING my hands as I recapped the Sharpie. Indeed, I reached an unprecedented level of comfort in coin bending using minimal misdirection.

As I said before, I will likely use this a LOT because it's so lightweight and portable.

On Jan 24, 2017, Alex DLF wrote:
I do think the Ox Bender will replace my Quantum Bender, lighter, no marks on the coin and cheaper..

Will post a full review after playing a little bit more with it.

On Jan 24, 2017, PRINCE wrote:

Care to expand Ustaad? I'm interested in your reasons...

On Jan 24, 2017, Alex DLF wrote:

I do think the Ox Bender will replace my Quantum Bender, lighter, no marks on the coin and cheaper.