Sharp Card by Matthew Garrett

Sharp Card by Matthew Garrett: A Magician’s Buying Guide

Effect: What the Trick Looks Like

The “Sharp Card” is a visually striking close-up magic trick where a playing card appears to stab directly through a clear drinking cup. The effect is dramatic and creates a strong visual impact, immediately grabbing the audience’s attention. The card seems to pierce the cup with surprising force, leaving a clear, defined mark. It’s a trick that lends itself well to social media demonstrations due to its inherent visual appeal.

Full Details

The trick centers around a cleverly designed pen – “Sharpex” – that writes in both a standard black ink and a special, heat-reactive magical ink. This ink only becomes visible when applied to thermal paper. The method relies on a precise sequence of actions involving the pen, a standard deck of cards, and a thermal receipt printer (or a similar device capable of producing thermal paper). The magician uses the pen to write a number on a thermal receipt, then uses the card to “stab” the cup, creating the illusion of the card passing cleanly through the glass. The key is the heat-reactive ink, which only becomes visible when the thermal paper is heated by the cup.

Matthew Garrett, the creator of the Sharp Card, has emphasized its versatility, noting that it can be used for writing on business cards, drawing on crystal balls, and creating other revealing effects. He’s also highlighted the fact that the effect can be achieved without a deck switch, offering a more streamlined presentation.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Sharp Card is a good fit for magicians who specialize in close-up magic and enjoy creating visually arresting effects. It’s particularly well-suited for performers who want a trick that’s easily demonstrated and shareable on social media platforms. The trick’s relatively simple execution makes it accessible to magicians of intermediate skill levels. However, it’s not ideal for those who prefer complex sleight-of-hand techniques or large-scale stage illusions.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Sharp Card is considered a moderately difficult trick to master. While the basic steps are relatively straightforward, achieving a smooth and convincing performance requires precision and practice. Key challenges include:

• Pen Control: Maintaining consistent pressure and angle with the Sharpex pen is crucial for creating a clean and believable penetration.
• Thermal Paper Handling: Understanding the properties of thermal paper and how it reacts to heat is essential for ensuring the magical ink appears correctly.
• Misdirection: Effective misdirection is necessary to draw the audience’s attention away from the subtle movements involved in the trick.
• Presentation: A confident and engaging presentation is key to selling the illusion.

The trick’s success hinges on the quality of the Sharpex pen and the thermal paper used.

What Magicians Say

• Saturn Magic Shop (Mark T): “It was the undisputed best seller, selling out on the first day.” Mark T praised the Sharpex pen’s versatility, noting its use for writing on business cards and thermal paper. He also highlighted its surprising success at Blackpool Magic Convention, where it outsold the Vortex Wallet.
• Murphy’s Magic: “Praised as the best item they saw at the convention.” This endorsement further solidified the Sharpex’s popularity and demonstrated its appeal to established magic dealers.
• Brian Resa: “Best purchase at Blackpool” Brian Resa’s positive feedback indicates the trick’s effectiveness and value for experienced magicians.
• Wayne: “I'm not sure if it's controversial, but it's a really good effect.” Wayne acknowledged the trick’s potential for debate but ultimately praised its quality and impact.
• Colin: “I've never heard of that one” Colin’s comment highlights the trick’s relative novelty and its appeal to magicians seeking unique and visually impressive effects.
• Carlos Sicilia: “It's a solid solid method” Carlos Sicilia’s assessment emphasizes the trick’s reliable and straightforward execution.