Two questions. First, does anyone know who to give credit to for this effect? I was just wondering who came up with the original routine? Second. who gets credit for the blendo version of the trick?

I believe in all cases, it generally credited to Pavel.

Richard

Richard,

I believe you are right about it being Pavel,

I actually think that Pavel credited (Jiri) Trinka with the effect back in the late 60's or early 70's.

Thanks so much. I do the blendo version and I just wanted to know who to give the credit to. It's a great effect and always gets a great response.

Knots-Off Silk is a great trick that can be used alone or as an intro to other tricks in a full routine.

Contrary to common belief, having holes in the silk was not part of the original trick and still is seldom used by bird workers. Cutting different shaped holes is also an option. Hearts and company logos are frequently seen being used by commercial acts.

When buying a Knots-Off Silk, be aware that there are two distinctively differ types out there. One style only requires one hand to operate and the other style requires that both hands be used. (Money is not the difference.)

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

PS --- It is also available in many other colors besides red.

Thanks again Bob, but aside from just knowing who originated an effect, is there a place on the web or else where you can research and find out such information?

Posted: Jul 28, 2009 4:40am
I have never seen the one hand version. I use the two hand blendo version, I would think that it would look more realistic when you tie the knot in the silk and then remove it. Then displaying the silk with the holes in it and then filling them with three different colors. I had the blendo special made(by Rosie Jepson dyed in the silk and color fast)so I didn't have to sew the different colors in the holes in the silk. It really looks great. I am still amazed at the response that you get when you do a Blendo effect.

Both versions take both hands to tie the knot.

The one-hand version lets the fake untie the false knot visually and will slide down the silk and fall off under your control (with the music in my case) without being touched again. There can even be a sound when the fallen knot hits the floor. None of this is possible with the foam ponytail holder fake knots used in the two-hand version.

Among other things, I don't like covering up the knot from the audience repeatedly with my hand as the two-hand method and props require. To me it looks fake! Why is he doing this over and over? Is his hand actually empty? Is the knot actually AROUND the silk?

Holding the silk by ONLY the top corner as the knot moves down and falls off is simply more magical to me than constantly crossing my body with my other hand to move the "knot".

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

PS --- I use the 36" size on stage. After the knots have fallen off, I produce a dove and then vanish the silk in a bare hand vanish. Catch me in a lecture sometime where I teach it. This way I can easily change my colors too so I don't get confusion with curtain colors or my costume. (And NEVER forget your sponsor's colors!)

Adair's Encyclopaedia of Dove Magic Vol. 4 published in 1975 credited Milo Trnka with Knots Off Silk which was marketed by Supreme, and the holes in the silk finale to Pavel. (Pp 107)

The lack of a middle vowel in the last name made me wonder if it was typo but miracle factory's Magic Circle Jubilee DVD lists. a Milo Trnka on it.

But Bob! (see last sentence above) Are you SURE that if's OK to use another color silk? (hee hee)

The one I am currently using is turquoise!

OK Bob... I have your set. How the heck do you do it one handed??? I can barley manage it with two hands.... lol

In all fairness, it does take both hands to tie the knot. But from there only one hand in needed. (My other hand is busy hunting my dove loop!)

Are you tying the knot too tight? You will get different results pulling from the top or bottom!

Not for me it is holding all the knots and letting go of just one at a time. If I had three solid rings verses 3 flexible knots it would probably be a lot easier, but then again that is what practice if for... as it is I am only using two until I get it down... I also am one of those guys that have a hard time following written instructions, watching a video or being shown in person is much much better.

Catch me at a lecture or magic convention some time and I'll show you how easy it can be.

My old friend Pavel helped me make a few changes that make it easier to do with just one hand.

Bob If you are ever in the NE I will be there....

I have a daughter who lives in Wyoming. It could happen!

Yea I could see coming from Wyoming to NY on your way back home:) I'll pencil you in.

Greg - NE - Nebraska or New England?

The North East... Currently living in Central NY. I can see how Bob thought I meant Nebraska.... I am from the South so if Bob is really lucky maybe one day I will move next door to him LOL