Reviews

Very Nice Paddle Set

I have owned this set of paddles for a while and they are well made in anodized aluminum with very close tolerances in the working gimmicks. I acquired the set directly from Joe as I work 15 minutes from his company, Creative Inventions, in Chatsworth, CA. I began visiting him for his beautiful wands which are a real work of art ( I own 5 presently) and, while there, he always shows me prototypes or first production pieces from his new line of magic. Of course, I ask to buy and he sells. Yes, there is more stuff coming out of this great craftsman, so be ready, Joe Porper is back!

Click here for more information.

Beautiful Knives!

I was actually hesitant to order these knives. But I remembered owing a cheap set when I was a kid and felt nostalgic for those magic knives. I had heard wonderful comments on Joe Mogar so when I saw these limited edition knives, I decided, "what the heck". Well, everyone…these are truly worth your money and attention. Excellent craftsmanship and beautiful handles. Esthetics aside, these knives are trim and well balanced. They seem to almost perform in your hands by themselves with only slight coaching on your part. I don’t know how many Joe intends to sell of these little beauties, so better hurry!

Click here for more information.

A True Classic

In the Magic Cafe, someone asked the question, "If you could only keep 5 books or series of books, which would you keep?" Among the books in my answer was Richard’s Collected Almanac. The others were Lorayne’s Apocalypse volumes, Giobbi’s Card College series, Ibidem set, and all six volumes of Marlo’s Magazine. Collected Almanac is full of great magic from top names in the field. Richard Kaufman is no stranger to those who admire well illustrated and well published books on magic, so this is definitely a MUST in any library. BTW, the most popular answer was Paul Harris’ Art of Astonishment set.

Click here for more information.

This is a real WINNER from Mel!

This is a very visual and dramatic piece of magic from that wonderful wood craftsman in Washington state. The method is clever and the workmanship impeccable. Mel’s keen choice of exotic woods makes this and, I assume, his other “bigger” items stand out uniquely. Mel used in my copy of this item a light beautifully “flamed” Canary Wood…gorgeous! What great eye appeal. I would have bought it just to look at the wood. Most highly recommended.

Click here for more information.

Move over Owen, Mel Babcock is here

Is is possible to find magic equal, actually I believe better, than comparable pieces from Owen’s Magic at real bargain prices? Turn your attention to Cashmere, WA…the home of Mel Babcock. This is one beautiful set of boxes. And you can do some great magic too. Mel’s use of exotic woods is to be commended. My set was made with Sapele, Peroba Rosa, Walnut (the most beautifully grained walnut I have ever seen), Lacewood, and in the smallest box, Jatoba. The interior red lining of each box, superb! The method is devilish and very easily workable. Simply, WOW!

Click here for more information.