I suppose this would quality as "things". Every now and then you see an effect that's accomplished with a "utility device". What utility devices can you name off the top of your head for close up. doesn't have to be something you own or not, or something you like or dislike, but those things would be appreciated as well. Just to name a few items of what I'm speaking of, cloaking device, the exchange, switcheroo, xpert. I actually enjoy the idea of using devices like such, I suppose a topit would count as well.

Thanks for your posts,

Ron Slater

A pull..Cordially,Howard

IOW, *Dual Control*...makes miracles possible.. (incl. rising cards in a deck..study Alan Alans use of it)

Subterfuge

Thumbtip

The Raven,
A topit,

I'll have to thing but you con't go wrong with a TT.

Holdout

Rubber band and the cover to a sharpie... ok.. a Pull

Change Bag (??)
Dove Pan...Same question about the item.

Ok... I am getting lose on my definition, as it seems that an Okito box could fall into the same category.

Himber Wallet.

There are some...

RevJohn

A swami gimmick

LDM what is holdout as I have never heard of it? Where can I check it out at?

Ron Slater

Here is a VERY nice holdout system:
http://www.bobkohlermagic.com/products/holdout.html

This, I believe was the first holdout invented:
http://www.owenmagic.com/Card/Holdout/holdout.html

A holdout could be no more then just a rubber band around your forearm, or an intricate contraption such as that last one. They're used to hold a/many card(s) for cheating in gambling. I use a rubber band with a paperclip just above my bicep in my gambling routine. In last months (i believe it was last month) issue of Genii Magazine, they discussed a few different holdouts. It was an amazing article, you should check it out!
Enjoy!
~Jonton

What about a himber wallet?
Marked cards?

The improved THIS (Silk - utility item for productions)

Black safety pins

Good rubber bands (flash productions)

Gem clip under my ring

Dye tubes

Extra long TT

Any silk tha gives cover or misdirection


Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

The Xpert - a great mentalism gimmick!

TT and pull.

I think some of you are confusing props with utility devices.

Mike

For those of you interested in a real Holdout, and are not independantly wealthy (LOL), I suggest picking up the booklet, "Hold-Out Miracles" by Ed Mishell

See here:
http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/customer/pr......tid=6095

Best $3.50 you'll ever spend. And, if you follow the instructions, you'll have a Cut & Restored Rope routine that will fool MAGICIANS (done it)!

Hope this helps!

Doug

I have used a miller holdout years ago after getting the Mishell book. I found it to be a complete pain in the a** to use and very limited in use.

Time is better spent with sleight of hand. It is more versitle than having gadgets danling around in your sleeves. Some things are not worth the trouble.

I have read about Kholers and Fitchs item from the link above, it sounds like a completely different thing from what I worked with. From what I read it sounds like they fixed a lot of it. I hope so, for that price!

Here are a couple utility devices that I use in my stage and close up act. Omni-insta light Match Pulls, and billiard ball droppers. Happy Holidays!