On 2007-01-29 13:47, illusiOHN wrote:
Hey, all.

Finally got a chance to perform this little effect.

Here's a review:

Note: some details are left out to prevent exposure.

My background:

Intermediate performer, mostly perform for family and friends.

Effect:

Appears that a razor turns into a matchbook. See it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNQSqiGIxpc

It is nearly impromptu, and definitely appears impromptu.

Teaching:

The Genii article is easy to follow and well photographed. Preparation is very easy.

Difficulty:

Preparation and performance are very easy! Like always, practice is important...but the handling is simple. Probably the biggest consideration is the patter and deciding when and where to perform this effect. In my view, it could be performed as part of a funny routine...or it could be powerfully performed impromptu-style when actually shaving.

Angles:

Angles are generous since this effect would normally be performed with people generally in front of you. You can't have people behind you, but they wouldn't be able to see your performance if they were behind you anyway! Because people aren't expecting the transformation, people burning your hands and the razor is does not appear to be a problem.

Performance/reaction/patter:

I partially shaved (for real), then got my wife's attention, and then told my wife that I might have to borrow some of her razors because "these razors keep hurting me and giving me razor burn." She started to ask "what brand are they?"...as I was performing the effect. She then started to answer her own question, reading the gas station name on the matchbook...

...and then it sunk in that it was now a matchbook! She smiled and laughed! "My husband, the magician!"

If I never perform this effect again, it was worth the one performance.

It is very visual. It is unexpected. Because it is unexpected, it is very powerful.

Bang for the buck:

If you don't have the magazine, buying this issue of Genii just for this one effect is worth it! And, you'll get some great bonuses, like a very interesting article on the movie "The Illusionist."

Thanks for sharing this effect, Eric! Simple, yet brilliant.

Ohn