talkmagic.co.uk

Hello,

I'm thinking of buying a s****, I was wondering if any people could suggest good places to get them from, what ones to get, etc. I checked the search function and someone previously posted a similar thread, but they obviously had some experience of buying and using them. I have never used one before, so I would be very grateful if someone could offer some basic tips.

Thanks, cc100

Where in the U.K are you? If your in or near London International magic have a couple of options and will probably let you try them out to see what suits you.

When I first got a s**** I brought a T.T version and a boon version and as it turned out I never had to use the boon.

I have the Sam Dalal one from magicnevin. £4 for 4 of them. Throw in £6 worth of other supplies for free shipping too!!

I thought £4 is a tiny price to pay and after some bending it's a perfect fit. I'd not used any others but came to the conclusion that if Richard Osterlind uses them then they can't be that bad.

You can't really base this on anyone else's opinion. I don't get along with the Sam Dalal ones. I have a lot of respect for Richard Osterlind, but what suits him doesn't necessarily work for me! Equally, my opinion isn't worth any weight either.

Buy some Dalal ones and try them first. If you get on with them, then great. They are really cheap and effectively disposable (you can refill them, but I suspect you will lose them before you need to do that!).

Do give them a thorough test first, because you will not be good with them when you start. If they are not for you, try a Boon. I am not too keen on the regular ones (although I prefer them to the "C" type), but the Lincoln one is very good version and the Vernet BUG Writer is not bad either (and you won't have to order it from the USA). There are a few other versions, like the Scarab, but I haven't tried them all!

The final main type is the TT. I am not sure that I have ever seen anyone who claims to like this type over either of the others.

With boons, do they not lose their stickiness and get covered in lint?

I should have mentioned that teh C-type will only work if you've got longish nails (for a man - lady-length would be rather ineffectual). It's actually made me stop biting my nails.

If you use the search function there have been quite a few threads previously discussing different types. I can't get on board with C types as I cut my nails very short for work. So I use a boon, not had an issue with lint, as I tend to attach to something like my pocket watch then store it in it's box when not in use. Tried a TT type in a shop once and didn't buy. Felt weird. Mr Browning will also probably turn up and advocate pocket writing as an alternative to all the options mentioned.

Part Timer is right on the money. There are too many x-factors involved. Sadly, the only way to know which one is right for you, is to try as many as you can.

Having said that, I'm still looking for one that works well for me... So far, the only one I can rely on is the new Vernet Bug writer.

Part-Timer wrote:You can't really base this on anyone else's opinion. I don't get along with the Sam Dalal ones. I have a lot of respect for Richard Osterlind, but what suits him doesn't necessarily work for me! Equally, my opinion isn't worth any weight either.

I agree. This is a subjective area. I also happen to share PT's personal opinion. The Sam Dalal ones are useless (for me). Even my dreadful boon* (which PT was witnessed first hand, poor thing) is better. And believe me, my boon is awful. It does, however, work

To be honest, all NWs are hard to use. Choose one and practice. That's the only way. My advice would be to avoid the expensive options. Learn to use something horrible and the world's your oyster.

* It's not my invention. I bought it from Davenports for under a tenner. Serves me right...

The reason I ask is that there aren't any magic shops near where I live, so I can't really test any out. I was wondering if there was a standard writer than most people use, but evidently there isn't. I suppose I could buy a few different types, as they are fairly cheap...but I'd rather test some out rather than buying some that I never use. Yes, I'm a cheapskate.

cc100 wrote:The reason I ask is that there aren't any magic shops near where I live, so I can't really test any out. I was wondering if there was a standard writer than most people use, but evidently there isn't. I suppose I could buy a few different types, as they are fairly cheap...but I'd rather test some out rather than buying some that I never use. Yes, I'm a cheapskate.

I understand. Realistically I think you'll have to buy some. A quick try in a shop won't be enough. You could maybe join a mentalism club and borrow from the members, I guess.

Do you think this one would be any good?

http://www.magicworld.co.uk/magic-shop/Undernail-Thumb-Writer-Swami-Gimmick.html

Its worth you having a good long think about exactly what effects you intend to perform with it. In many cases, there are other methods that will reach the same end.

cc100 wrote:Do you think this one would be any good?

http://www.magicworld.co.uk/magic-shop/Undernail-Thumb-Writer-Swami-Gimmick.html

That's the type I was talking about. For an extra pound you get 4 and replacement leads.

http://www.magicnevin.com/proddetail.asp?prod=40-0662

daleshrimpton wrote:Its worth you having a good long think about exactly what effects you intend to perform with it. In many cases, there are other methods that will reach the same end.

I don't know a great deal about mentalism to be honest, I have Corinda's 13 Steps to Mentalism and I was just thinking of trying out some of the things in his book.