Blade by Nicolas Lawrence

Created by: Nicolas Lawrence

Blade is a visually striking close-up magic trick where a playing card, typically the Queen of Spades, is visually cut in half between two other cards (like nines), then magically restored. The trick mimics the classic 'sawing a lady in half' illusion but with cards, offering a modern twist. The cards can be examined before and after the trick, adding to its fairness and impact. It's designed for magicians looking for a quick, visual effect that can be performed impromptu or integrated into existing routines.

Key features

Visual and quick to perform
Can be done impromptu or as part of a routine
Cards can be examined before and after the trick
Includes customization options for business or credit cards
Simple method but requires careful handling to avoid exposure

Pros

Strong visual impact
Versatile for various performance settings
Easy to learn and perform
Customizable with different types of cards

Cons

Leans towards being gimmicky
Requires careful handling to prevent exposure
Tutorial may lack polish for some users

Effect

Blade is a visually striking card trick where a selected card appears to be cut in half and then restored. The magician places a Queen between two other cards, simulating a classic "sawing in half" illusion. The Queen visibly splits into two separate pieces, with each half moving independently. The magician then slides the halves back together, restoring the card to its original state. The cards can be examined afterward, reinforcing the impossibility of the effect.

Full Details

Blade is a self-contained trick created by Nicolas Lawrence. It uses a simple but clever gimmick that allows the magician to cleanly display the card being cut and restored. The method is easy to learn but requires smooth handling to maintain the illusion. The trick comes with pre-made gimmicked cards, but the tutorial also explains how to customize it with business cards or credit cards for different presentations.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Blade is ideal for magicians who enjoy visual, gimmick-based tricks with a strong impact. It works well in casual settings, walk-around performances, or as part of a larger routine. Those who appreciate quirky, offbeat magic (similar to Tenyo-style effects) will find Blade particularly appealing. However, it may not suit performers who prefer purely sleight-of-hand or impromptu magic.

Difficulty

Blade is relatively easy to perform, making it accessible to beginners. The handling is straightforward, but proper timing and angle management are necessary to prevent exposure. The included tutorial covers the basics, though some reviewers noted it could be more polished. With minimal practice, the effect can be performed smoothly.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK describes Blade as "a cool little trick" with a strong visual illusion, praising its examinable nature and versatility.
RealMagicReview (Steve Faulkner) calls it "clever and quirky" but leans toward being a fun experiment rather than a professional staple. He appreciates its customization options but feels the tutorial could be improved.
Multiple reviewers highlight its strong audience reaction, with one noting that even a basic performance "gets reactants" due to its unusual visual nature.

Blade is a solid choice for magicians looking for a quick, visually deceptive trick that requires minimal setup and delivers a memorable moment.

What people are saying about Blade

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The 'Blade' trailer showcases a visually striking magic effect that instantly grabs attention. While it doesn't reveal how the trick works, it effectively builds intrigue and excitement, encouraging viewers to explore further on Alakazam's website.

RealMagicReview says...

Steve describes *Blade* as a clever, quirky trick with a strong visual impact. He appreciates its versatility—it can be performed impromptu or integrated into existing routines, much like *Mercury Card Fold*. However, he feels it leans toward a 'Tenyo-esque' gimmickiness, making it more of a fun experiment than a staple in his professional sets.

Promotional videos

BLADE Trailer
AlakazamMagicUK mentioned this magic trick 5 years ago in this video.