I hope this hasnt been discussed before but I have a routine where a ring comes off a knot and vanishes from the fist. However the knot still stays. It doesn't particularly take away from the effect but it sure isn't neccesary. I tie a regular knot and show the spectators that. Are there anyways to undo a knot, secretly?

Can you tie a false knot? Have your read the two volumes (or is it three) of Abbott's Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks?

Well yeah. I can but it wouldn't work in the context of the trick. I have it as my finale of my routine when I show that the ring is inside the knot. I can get the ring out but think that if the knot disappeared too it'd be a nice addition.

The fact that the knot stays may make it more magical to the audience. If the knot vanishes then people will probably wonder about false knots. I guess the thing to think about is how the audience reacts to your routine with the knot present.

I do the Cords of Phantasia with three members of the audience and at the end the ropes "goes through" the inside of the box and through the person holding the box. It always bothered me that the standard way of doing it is that you tied a knot with both ropes and after the penetration there is no knot. I think it is more magical to the audience that my routine ends with a knot on the rope because both ends were held by two other members of the audience and they pulled the rope to facilitate the penetration. Just some thoughts.

There is a way to make the knot vanish but I can't think of the reference right now. If it comes to mind I will PM you.

Jimmy

Jimmy,

The best news is that you can do it either way! If you play the same audience frequently, it will keep them guessing. (Don't forget to keep an extra knot in your pocket to show when the knot vanishes too! I keep one in a sealed plastic bag and it really makes them wonder.)

Bob
Magic By Sander

Quite true, Bob! That's a good suggestion about the knot in the pocket. It adds a little humor, mystique, etc. Thanks for the suggestion.

Jimmy

Jimmy,

I think I stole this from Dave Emerson in Arkansas. (Thieves have poor memories.)

He cores about 8" of rope and puts a piece of welding rod in it shaped like a square (2" x 2"). It's his square knot!

(Perhaps we are on the same medication! Things here at the nursing home are pretty standard.)

Bob
Magic By Sander