Every time I use my Appearing Cane my hands get really really dirty. I have a metal cane that's old and I bought it used and it was manufactured by Modern Magic. I oil it once a month and keep it open when I am not using it. I have tried cleaning and loads of dirt come off but its always still dirty. Any tips on how to clean and keep my cane in good condition?

Try WD-40 instead of oil. It works well.
Lou

Well, I had my cane TODAY and it is really dirty! I was actualy going to post about it and I find it really hard to collapse, a lot harder than a candle! all I can say is keep with it, and wash your hands! I will see what happens with mine. it is one that doesn't need oil, stainless steel. daz

That cane doesn't sound too good, try to return it, or go for a Harakhan or Mahka Tendo cane. The cane itself is not very cheap, but many ppl on the Café have talked high about it, so this would be a way better investment than what I hear with your metal cane.

The Tendo cane is fantastic, but it is VERY costly. If you store your cane right and treat it every so often, it should stay in fairly decent condition. You may also try using a Fanastio appearing cane as an alternative.

Kyle

Evanmagic, was that about my cane? I know it is cheap but I am not that concerned about it, it was cheap enough to use for now until I get some real money!

Afater using all last night it seems to be collapsing better now and without so much dirt, and it hasnt scratched at all yet, what about yours Chris? daz

No the term "is not very cheap" was referring to the price of a Harakhan or a Mahka Tendo, and I do not call metal canes "cheap" in quality

Evan

Thanks for all your help guys. The cane works much better nowwith WD-40. My cane hasn't scratched or dented yet but I might look into the Mahka Tendo cane because evryone seem to thing very highly about it.

Two words: try plastic

Metal canes are nice, but a good Fantasio cane works just as well and can be used in much more ways. Do not count them out entirely. They can work wonders for any show or performance.

Kyle

The fantasio Canes are Hella slow and that sucks you can see them collapsing. I prefer a metal cane but they can be rough on your hands, require more care, and are more expensive but I would rather use a metal cane because the speed and quality.

I was going to buy a metal cane but saw the price (Yikes). If metal canes take lots of care and get dirty easily, I guess I better get a plastic one. They may not look as good but they are probably better for a beginner. I saw a lot of metal appearing canes on ebay if you were looking at getting a new one.

If you study and use the fantasio appearing cane the right way, it will work fine and will be plenty fast enough for a good reaction. Keep in mind that your audience has no idea what is coming next. The only person who knows the sequence of your act or show is you. We magicians tend to over analyze things a bit more then we sometimes need to. Sequence the cane in with a good transitional effect and it will still entertain an audience plenty.. afterall isn't that our main job? =)

Kyle

Mine is now working very well, and cannot see a problem with it so far and for the price I paid I am very happy, and the 'dirt' is graphite, it is used as a dry lubricant. most of mine is now off but it still works very well. daz