Year: 2010

Nick Wenger has the Midas Touch!

Wow what a beauty this is. It is only the second item I’ve purchased from Nick Wenger, but boy is it special. Everything he touches certainly turns to gold!

I love Terry Lunceford’s Viper Pro. But Shake ‘n’ Snake is so much better in entertainment, look, and, of course, manufacture. When it comes to modern day electronics it is hard to find anyone who does a better job than Mr. Wenger (although Soren Harbo at Labco Magic does spring to mind).

The addition of the shake feature is a brilliant idea and really increases the suspense. Imagine Jaws without the music, the film would be nowhere near as scary. The Shake feature is kind of like that. Not only do they suspect something is about to happen they get a preview too and each time it shakes it builds up the tension and surprise factor. When the snake finally leaps the surprise is that much more intense.

The jar Mr. Wenger uses is much more substantial than the Viper Pro and looks more realistic and professional. The electronics in the Viper Pro II and III are good, and I’ve never had a problem with them (the first Viper Pro was another story), but they are clearly inferior when compared to Mr. Wenger’s work. Don’t get me wrong I would still perform the Viper Pro II if I didn’t have Shake ‘n’ Snake, it is still a great, reliable trick. But Shake ‘n’ Snake is the best without a question, and I cannot imagine ever using my Viper Pro II again.

I must admit however, that I prefer the snake that comes with the Viper Pro II – the one supplied by Mr. Wenger looks a bit more unrealistic. It probably makes no difference whatsoever to the audience, but I certainly prefer the look of the Viper Pro snake. I think this is probably a personal choice thing and has nothing to do with the manufacturing of the snake, just the final look.

Highly Recommended for magical entertainers and collectors everywhere!

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My Favorite Perfect Illusion

I’ve always loved Bill Schmeelk’s (Wellingtion Enterprises) close-up items – the Mini-Magic Switchboard, Guardian of the Grave, and more recently the Mystery of the Pyramids Outdone. They are beautifully made, work perfectly, and are all clever in their method. But I’ve fancied for some time his amazing See-Thru Guillotine. Sadly it was well out of my price range.

However, recently I sold a bunch of magic and decided that it was time to really see how good this item was. I must say this was probably one of the most nervous purchases I have ever contemplated. I’ve never spent so many $1000’s on one item before, and really don’t do stage or even parlor shows much these days. But I went ahead anyway. When it arrived I opened it with some real trepidation – could this be my most expensive magic mistake (I’ve been disappointed 100’s of times in the past)?

As I opened the custom ATA case I began to beam. Even the case was perfect! As I assembled the illusion I marveled at how well constructed everything was – this should have not been a surprise based on the smaller items I have of Bill’s. Eventually I had it all unpacked and set-up, but still couldn’t fully understand how it worked, so I finally sat down and studied the instructions.

This truly is the perfect illusion. I love it and think it is worth every single penny. I may not perform it much, but when I do I know it will amaze and amuse my audiences. I’ve had about seven different choppers over the years, but this one is easily the most beautiful and most convincing. Without a doubt this is my favorite illusion now, and in fact probably my favorite item I have ever owned – and I’ve purchased thousands over the years.

I love it, love it, love it! I was starting to get a bit jaded with magic over the last couple of years, but this beautiful creation has 100% got me back. I already have two stage shows lined up for the holidays and maybe more. Thank-you Bill for producing such an amazing item – it truly is breathtaking.

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Unusual Knives from the King

By now it is obvious that Joe Mogar makes the best knives available today – they all just feel right in the hands. This beautiful set that he has recently introduced is no exception. Unfortunately my photos don’t capture the deep reddish brown of the Merlot knives. In fact both knives look particularly striking when the light catches them.

Good to see Joe is continuing to experiment with different finishes – there truly is something for everyone. And if you are a collector of knives, and why wouldn’t you be, he is a great place to start because he continues to produce some outstanding, exotic and unique knives.

Great job Joe, these are beauties!

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