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Stab and Shot by Billbert

Created by: Billbert

Stab and Shot is a close-up magic trick that involves a dramatic and theatrical performance where a signed card is shuffled into a deck, placed into a bag, and then seemingly stabbed through with a knife. The climax of the trick is the production of a shot glass from the bag, often used to toast the audience. This trick is suitable for close-up, parlour, and even stage performances, offering a visually impactful and engaging experience for spectators.

Key features

  • Involves a signed card for personalization

  • Includes a dramatic stab through a bag with a knife

  • Finale involves the production of a shot glass, adding a unique twist

  • Suitable for various performance settings including close-up, parlour, and stage

Pros

  • Highly visual and theatrical

  • Engages the audience with a signed card

  • Versatile for different performance settings

  • Includes a unique finale with the shot glass production

Cons

  • Does not include bags, requiring performers to source their own

  • May require practice to perfect the theatrical elements

Effect

The Stab and Shot trick is a visually striking and theatrical performance piece. A spectator selects and signs a playing card, which is then shuffled back into the deck. The deck is placed inside a paper bag, and the magician dramatically stabs a knife through the bag. When the bag is torn open, the signed card is found impaled on the knife. As a final surprise, the magician produces a shot glass filled with liquid from the bag, toasting the audience.

Full Details

  • Method: The trick relies on a cleverly designed gimmick that allows the signed card to appear on the knife while concealing the rest of the deck. The liquid production at the end is achieved using a hidden seal mechanism.
  • Props Included: The kit comes with the necessary gimmick, knife, and two shot glasses with seals for the liquid production.
  • Missing Component: Notably, the kit does not include paper bags, which must be sourced separately (small brown paper bags or pick-and-mix sweet bags work well).

Who Should Consider the Trick

  • Close-up and Parlor Performers: The trick works well in intimate settings where the theatricality can be fully appreciated.
  • Stage Magicians: The final toast makes it a strong closer for stage acts.
  • Those Who Enjoy Interactive Magic: The signed card and dramatic reveal make it highly engaging for spectators.

Difficulty

  • Skill Level: Moderate. The mechanics are straightforward, but the performance requires confidence and timing to sell the theatrical stabbing and reveal.
  • Practice Needed: Smooth handling of the gimmick and cleanup is essential to maintain the illusion.

What Magicians Say

Mark from SaturnMagicShop praised Stab and Shot as a "practical working trick" but noted the absence of included bags as a missed opportunity. He highlighted its real-world usability, saying:

"I absolutely love this trick... it's simple to do and quite impactful. The fact that you take the card, they sign it, you shuffle the deck, put it into the bag, bring out the knife—it's all very theatrical."

He also mentioned that while the £68 price tag is reasonable for a Bill Abbott effect, the lack of bags was a minor frustration for buyers.

Final Thoughts

Stab and Shot is a strong choice for performers who want a visually bold, interactive trick with a memorable finish. The need to supply your own bags is a slight drawback, but the effect’s impact makes it worth considering for those who enjoy high-energy magic.

What people are saying about Stab and Shot

SaturnMagicShop says...

I absolutely love this trick... it's simple to do it's quite impactful... the fact that you take the card they've signed it you Shuffle the deck put the deck into the bag bring out the knife get the bag of shakes stick the knife through rip the bag out it's all very theatrical all a lot going on.

Review videos