
I have two points of view about this...
Point 1: I was recently in Tommy Coopers shop (not the real TC I fear!) in Blackpool. I was shocked to see so many 'gags' alongside real magic items, such as Ravens etc. Conversely, I was horrified to then see a Dynamic Coins set being sold at another shop alongside the fake ciggies and fake puke.
There is a fine line between 'trick' and 'gag'. Is an electric hand shocker a trick or a gag? Sylvester the Jester may have the opinion it's a gag, wheras Paul Zenon would possibly deem it a trick.
Point 2: The old 'blood from knife' thing has always been a gag. And a very odd one at that. Sure, when it's coupled with the blade VISIBLY PENETRATING THE ARM, it's fakirism-esque, and therefore it's a trick.
Personally, I would find the standard blood from knife more of a gag.
And guess what? That's EXACTLY as it is sold, as a 'comedy gag'. The actual advert says so!
And sincerely, with no offence or prejudice, I feel that's grounds enough for the comments of Mog, who is purely fulfilling his job as an admin.
To put this in context, I'm sure we'd all feel a bit miffed if suddenly we saw reviews of fake dog turds and the likes in the MAGIC REVIEWS section?!?!?
I have to agree that although I have tried to see both sides of this tale, I cannot see how this item (however good or groundbreaking) could fit into a standard magic routine?
Unless, of course, you are Criss Angel, who, in my opinion, mixes magic and performance art in a very dark and gothic way anyways.
I have not purchased or seen this item, but from the description alone, I fear that this may well have just a hollow knife with a blood squeezer—for the following reasons...
1. The audience, in my opinion, or even a close up speccy won't appreciate the 'finer' workings of this version. For them, it may as well be already soaked in blood. The final effect would appear to be the same.
2. I can't help thinking that this is one of those things that ends up as a 'So what?'. And I've seen plenty of those... i.e. Watch as I make your £5 note float in the air! Yeah, but why?
3. It WOULD seem like a plug, rather than a review. Sorry, but that's how it comes over.
4. If the utility were sold as part of a ROUTINE then it could possibly be justified as a magic effect/trick.
5. I could not justify even the discounted price, considering I can buy a 'blood oozing knife' for less than a couple of quid from smaller 'market' type toyshops.
I am not trying to sway or swing this conversation, but I am trying to say that there is justification behind EVERY aspect of this thread. And it's brought to light an interesting subject, which involves definition: is it a gag, or is it a trick.