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Cutting Edge
Cutting Edge

Cutting Edge - David Jonathan
$16.95
https://www.davidjonathanmagic.com/product-page/cutting-edge

The Hype:

Cutting Edge is a compilation of THREE powerful effects that blur the lines between fate and coincidence.  You will learn how a spectator can select a card, shuffle it into the deck... then they find their card in various incredible ways, with a few kicker surprises.  Here are the effects included on this project:

 Destined  -  Predict a freely isolated card with a stunning revelation!

The Jokers are taken out of a deck and a spectator is invited to select a card.  Their selection is shuffled back into the deck, then the cards are spread face down. The spectator is now asked to freely insert the Jokers face up around any card, isolating it from the others.  This mystery card is now turned over to reveal that, incredibly, the spectator has found their selected card!  If the effect ended right here, it would already be great… but in a jaw-dropping finale, the Jokers are then turned over to show the spectator’s card was predicted on the backs of the Jokers, proving everything was inevitable!

A Cut Above  -  The spectator stabs a cut card into the pack directly above their selection, with a twist!

A selected card is shuffled and lost into the deck.  A casino cut card is now introduced and handed to the spectator to insert anywhere in the pack.  Incredibly, the spectator’s card is found directly below the cut card!  For a kicker climax, the cut card is then turned over to reveal a secret written prediction of the spectator’s card!  This is the most logical and direct effect to use a casino cut card.

The Final Cut  -  The spectator cuts to their signed card from a deck they shuffled under test conditions!

The spectator points to any card, signs it, and it is lost in the deck.  A casino cut card (double blank card) is now introduced and set aside.  The deck is spread on the table and given a wash shuffle (as fair and genuine as they do in casinos) – the spectator can even help mix the cards.  The cards are gathered and then ribbon spread across the table.  The spectator now inserts the cut card anywhere they like into the spread.  With no funny moves, the deck is cut directly where the cut card was inserted. The card right below the cut card is now turned over and, amazingly, it is the spectator’s signed card!

Key Points:  Both non-gimmicked and gaffed versions are taught on Cutting Edge.  Multiple handlings are also included that are suitable for any skill level.  All the effects can be performed In-The-Hands (no table required) and you can easily change the outcomes for each performance.

Learn the clever secrets now and start astounding your spectators today!

 

My Take:

I have to admit that I was unfamiliar with David so I checked out his web site and found that he has quite a bit of product for sale. He has had releases from Alakazam and Vanishing Inc. carries some  of his effects so that got my attention.

For the money, you get a download featuring not just one video teaching a single trick but three separate videos teaching three card tricks .The effects are easy to do and well within the capabilities of even the novice magicians. If he thinks someone might have trouble with a move, he will try to give alternative ways to accomplish what needs to be done.

Let's take a look at what you get.

Destined. When I first watched the trailer, I saw some strong influences of both John Bannon and Cameron Francis. The prediction of the chosen card marked on the back of the cards used to select it has been explored before. However a trick with a similar outcome would be Cameron Francis' Annihilation Deck. While Cameron's effect is more versatile, it does require a complete stack and if a card gets out of place, it will not work. With this effect, any deck can be used and set up very quickly. Order of cards is not an issue. The jokers can be placed anywhere within the deck. David has come up with a method where any of four cards can be chosen so if you are doing walk around, the next table will see a totally different card. David has taken a classic plot and added his own touch to it.

A Cut Above. This is a similar method to Destined but with a different outcome. Like Destined, the method is simple and should be able to mastered within a short period of time. The climax on this one features the prediction written on the back of the cut card used to choose a selection.  Inspired by a concept by Ryan Matney. The deck can either be set up in advance or the needed cards can be loaded easily into a shuffled deck.It is designed to allow two different outcomes so it can be repeated with minimal setup.This is a nice trick that offers a strong impact with little work. I don't consider that a magician fooler but it should play well with laymen.

The Final Cut. Although I like all three effects, this is the one that makes the package really worth your while. As David says, this version is 100% gaffed. It will require you to put together a special deck. It is quite possible you already have what is needed in your card drawer. (I do.) This is also the strongest effect of the set. David also teaches his favorite force, the touch force, which is very deceptive, The only downside is that the signed card cannot be given away at the end. David does offer an alternative to this however.

On each of the effects, instructions are given three times. The first teaches the basic routine, the second goes into detail and the third is a recap of the method. Might be a little overkill for some but it does sink the information in. Each finishes with Final Thoughts, where he gives some tips and, well, some final thoughts.

Conclusion: Most downloads are about ten bucks and teach one trick,. David gives you three separate video files for your $16.95. All are easy to do and will appeal to lovers of Bannon and Trost. There are no heavy moves necessary. One of the tricks does require gaffs but the effect is strong and is worth it. The more I watch these videos, the more I like them. For the price, I would recommend this package. You will have fun with it.

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