talkmagic.co.uk

Have any of you while performing pen through effect that the spec says: "I can SEE that the pen doesn't penetrate the bill." What I mean, there is no rip around the "hole", its flat. I know this is maybe very much exposure, but if someone has experienced this, is there a good way to handle this. I know someone will say: "Take 2 steps back, wave with the hands while performing it, and so the spec will not see the heat of the bill where the pen is penetrating." Thats ok. But anyway... Has someone been in same position?

I can honestly say that I've performed it for a variety of people including engineers and Universtiy profs and they have yet to question the fact that it is uniformally proportioned around the penetration...And I usually do it within 2 feet from them...I think you have to have strong patter and control your audience more and it will work out fine.

I've never once had anyone question this either.

If you're worried about it though, my John Cornelius' 'Perfect Pen' has instructions on how to make a gaff to enhance the illusion. I don't think it would be ethical to tell you the details though, I suspect you'll have to buy a perfect pen for the intructions... sorry.

I have never had this question either, I usually perform the trick with a borrowed note so the shock is what hits them first!!!
Only problem I have ever had, is pulling the pen off too quick and, ehm, revealing the secret, but this only happened once and I worked out what did it.
Also, although it's called "pen through anything", I find that it's only paper that gets an effect as a pen though a coin etc, instantly raises suspicion towards the pen. The paper effect seems more natural and believable at first. I performed it though someone shirt once, but it's hard to release the pen.

I've got this once before. I told them not to give me fake bills. Then I tell them that I actually switched the bills without them knowing.