hi there,
I was thinking of buying a collapsable sword and using it for a gag.
before I cough up the money (haha, pun), does anyone who put the work into real swordswallowing find this offensive?
thanks.

It is swordism at its worse! When will people stop ridiculing Sword Swallowing Americans (and those from other and diverse cultures)? I hope you got the point sir, I realize it is hard to handle, but you seem rather sharp.
Steve V

If you use it as a gag and expose what you are doing, and never say that you are a swordswallower, there is no problem.


Brett.

Yes, a lot of Sword Swallowers take offense to the use of gag swords. I would say pick a different magic trick to do, and if you must use it then be sure to let the audience know that there are sword swallowers that do it for real. The use of these perpetuates the "Sword Swallowing is fake" a good performer will prove to the audience that it is real, but there are still always some that will say I've seen a magician do that trick before. Just my opinion, take it for what it's worth.

It really depends upon how you use it. If you are trying to pass it off as real skill, then it does not reflect well on the the true demonstration. Also, it is doubtful you will be able to make it look believible. When people see real sword swallowing done they often feel it's a trick. So what are they going to think when it IS a trick?

As a gag, it can be funny. Strive to do something original with it.

Todd

Also be sure that if you do the fake swallow, you do not book yourself as a Sword Swallower. If something goes wrong and it is exposed accidentally you are now in breach of contract.
Don't ever try to pass it off as real, especially not to the ones booking your show.

Personally, I don't do it anymore.
Felt it was taking away from the ones doing it for real.
Gwyd

I'm not commited to it yet, just trying to revamp my show.

maybe I'll hold off until I think of something original to do with it.

thanks for your help.

I hope I don't get sued by the SSA (Sword Swallowing Americans). they'd might get my fake sword and my crappy car for a settlement.

I do this as a gag and it kills.

(hey TWO unintended puns in one sentance)

When people see real sword swallowing done they often feel it's a trick. So what are they going to think when it IS a trick?

This reminds me of a joke:

Two astornomers were talking, and the first one says "Why do you think people always thought the sun revoled around the Earth?"

The second responds, "I guess because it looked that way."

The first pauses, then says, "Well, what would it have looked like if it looked the Earth was going around the sun?"