by bmat » Jun 24th, '14, 17:15
Some other things to think about. I've started thinking about metal bending, at first I was enthralled with key bending because you simply can't bend a key using strength like you can a spoon or a fork. I'm not saying that is the way it is done, I'm saying this is what a spectator may think. Of course you can perform a visual bend where it visually bends in the spectator hands or visibly at your fingertips. But I'm getting away from the point.
A key bend while wonderful leaves the spectator with a bent usless key, if you bend theirs. (which is stronger), the fact that they now have a usless key makes it impossible to perform that effect. So you move onto spoons. Now do you carry your own? Do you keep damaging the restaurant spoons? Do you use a gimmicked spoon so you can use the same one over and over? And if you don't perform in restaurants, why do you suddenly have a spoon to bend? So I moved onto paperclips. Love Bently only I can't rely on it. When it works it is wonderful but when it doesn't work, it just doesn't work. And you don't really know until it happens. So, love you bently, but bye, bye. (unless I'm just doing it wrong)
Coins. Coins are my best option. The problem is not everyone has one, I never carry cash anymore of any sort. However I have come to realize that this is still the best method because now you can have the spectator sign a coin you can bend the signed coin and give it too them. So If they don't have one, you can supply one and have them sign it. For me that solves the problem.
The point of this is just to add to the original poster's post that just because something is a great effect, does not mean it is one that fits you and your venues.
Just things to think about.
As to answer Artychris, find a copy of the magic menu. I know it is now a book rather than a magazine, but the contributers are all well seasoned table hoppers. The Magic Menu is a valuable tool for any in the field.