Demid Deck by Angelo Carbone

Effect

The Demid Deck creates a shocking visual illusion where the magician appears to sever their own finger using blades and a plastic sleeve. The spectator sees the tip of the finger protruding before the magician inserts blades into the sleeve, seemingly cutting the finger off. The sleeve is then opened, revealing the extended fingertip held inside. The effect is highly visual and unexpected, making it suitable for close-up and walk-around performances.

Full Details

The Demid Deck includes a two-piece plastic sleeve with pre-cut slits for inserting blades. The sleeve is worn on the ring finger, and the blades slide in to create the illusion of cutting the finger. The gimmick is well-constructed with magnets to hold the pieces together, allowing for smooth handling. A smaller sleeve is included for those with smaller hands.

The trick comes with a detailed instructional video covering multiple routines, including versions with and without palming, a flat-table performance, and a palm-up variation. The teaching emphasizes angle management, as the effect has some viewing limitations. The gimmick is durable and designed for repeated use.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Demid Deck is ideal for magicians who perform walk-around or street magic and want a visually striking effect. It works well for those comfortable with angle-sensitive tricks and basic palming. The shock value makes it a strong addition to a performer’s repertoire, especially for those looking to move beyond traditional card or coin tricks.

Difficulty

The trick is mostly self-working, with the gimmick handling much of the effect. However, angle management is crucial, and some palming is required if allowing full examination of the props. The learning curve is moderate, with the instructional video providing clear guidance on hand positioning and misdirection.

What Magicians Say

Magic Orthodoxy’s David praised the Demid Deck for its shock value and portability, calling it "great for street magic and walk-around performances." He noted that while the angles are similar to Angelo Carbone’s original version, the gimmick quality is significantly improved. He recommended watching the over-the-shoulder shots first to understand hand positioning quickly.

David also highlighted the trick’s durability, stating, "You take care of it, it should last you forever." He found the palming manageable but emphasized that performers must be aware of angles to avoid exposure. Overall, he considered the trick worth the investment for its visual impact and versatility.