Hey Guys,
Im designing both the effects and lighting for a production of Sweeney Todd this summer and I figure if I walk into the first production meeting already knowing how to achieve the trickiest effect, it will save me much time later in the rehearsal process. So I'm asking if anyone knows a good source for knives, including a gimmicked one to deliver blood to the vicitm's neck? Or if there is a great principle in another knife that I may modify into the barber knife.
Any input greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
-Nick

Well, this is one of the simplest things there is:

Take a small rubber bulb or small plastic vial or whatever container that is squeezable and fits nicely against the handle (read: is hidden by the handle). Take some tubing-like an I.V. line-attach it to the container and block the other end (epoxy works fine). Now punch holes to the tube and you´re done. Just squeeze the container and blood flows. Simple and effective.

But if you need something that has no gimmicks and not that much blood is needed, check A+B blood, two clear chemicals that become blood red when brought together. "Paint" the victims neck with A, coat the blade with B and when in action, a cut appears.

Having performed as Sweeny twice in my life I can say without reservation that the bulb attached to a flat ,dull razor like item is the way to go. Just make sure to clean it after each show and always have two more in reserve as backups.

Check out black artefacts, their web address is on http://www.blackhart.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/page55.html
They sell a cut throat razor version of knife though arm! Retails at £16 and I am sure they distribute over the pond!