I'm having trouble with "slipperyness."
Any tips for getting a more reliable grip to do the move?

Are you using two fingers below (first and second fingers) and the thumb above? Using two fingers below instead of just one should provide a more stable "plaftorm," and make it easier to do the necessary move.

Also, what sort of knives are you using? Some of them don't have the best shape for the color-changing bit, and so some are not as easy to use as others. SETH

Your hands might be overly dry. If so, a little hand lotion will help.

Actually, that was it. I tried some lotion, which I've never used before in my life, and it seems to help with the knives. And coins as well.

Thanks.

Different hands react differently to different lotions. The most common lotion most magicians use is a mixture of glycerine and water. If you want a commercial version, try Corn Huskers Lotion. Works great for all kinds of hand magic, cards, coins, knives, or what ever. Lotions with an oily base don't work so well for all types of sleight of hand magic.

Does anyone have a good idea for a skit type show with two magicians? Routines we do include cups and balls, tossed out deck, floating table and head chopper.

Can someone please post a vid on the performance of Color changing knives. I have not seen it done and a lot of people on magic forums are recommending it to me.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_ty......ves&aq=f


Everything is out there. Some good, some not so, but it's there.

You have to look at Whit Haydn doing the Intricate Web of Distraction here:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3003789698051189660

Bill Malone's routine is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTuQ1JKNL7Q

Daryl has a nice routine on his Foolers Doolers Volume 1 but it requires a special knife.

The definitive color changing knife web site is IMHO the one by Joe Mogar:
http://joemogar.tripod.com/index.html
and his Chameleon Knives DVD is a must if you want a great reference.

Try Joe Mogars knives...and his dvd. Joe makes the perfect knife.

Thanks for the links sruli!

There is not doubt that, with his constant concern for quality and his ability to make knives on demand, Joe Mogar has established himself as the equivalent in the world of knives to the best coin gaff makers like (in alphabetic order) Xavier Dumont, Roy Kueppers, Todd Lassen, Auke van Dukkum, Jammie Schoolcraft...

It's nice to be able enjoy his work.

I'm interested in getting into the knives.

I'm curious, what's the skill level required for a good performance? Also, how much would a decent set cost?

From the videos, it appears that the effect packs small (only two knives), but I know better than to think that from watching a performance. Is it, in fact, easy to carry around?

Thanks.

The first three days of this month Lucy and I did three stage shows with Joe Mogar at the Annual IBM Convention at Nashville. He is the "Knife Guy" you'll want to meet. (You will also find him very friendly and approachable, eager to help you.)

http://joemogar.tripod.com/

Do yourself a favor and meet him. (You can even tell him I sent you and share the blame. LOL)

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

PS --- I expect that you were bold enough to ask the question others wish they had.