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Stab In The Dark by Alex Latorre

Created by: Alex Latorre

Stab In The Dark is a visually stunning stage and close-up magic trick where a spectator freely selects a page from a book (specifically '1984'), and the magician dramatically stabs the book with a knife, revealing the selected page impaled on the knife. This effect combines mentalism with a dramatic, theatrical performance, making it memorable for audiences. The trick is reusable, not requiring the destruction of a book each time, and comes with materials for 50 performances, including two books and 50 book covers. It's suitable for various performance settings but is advised against for kids' shows due to the use of a knife.

Where to buy

Stab in the Dark by Alex Latorre from Monster Magic
Monster MagicStab in the Dark by Alex Latorre£33.99
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Stab in the Dark by Alex Latorre from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicStab in the Dark by Alex Latorre£39.99
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Key features

  • Reusable effect without needing to destroy a book each performance

  • Comes with materials for 50 performances

  • Suitable for both stage and close-up settings

  • Minimal sleight of hand required

  • High visual impact and theatrical presentation

  • Not suitable for kids' performances due to the use of a knife

Pros

  • Affordable at $40 for 50 performances

  • Easy to perform with minimal setup

  • Strong visual impact and memorable for audiences

  • Reusable gimmick with no sleight of hand required

  • Versatile for various performance settings

Cons

  • Limited inspectability of the book before the trick

  • Requires providing your own knife

  • Not suitable for kids' performances

  • Each kit is limited to 50 uses

Effect

Stab in the Dark is a visually striking magic trick where a spectator freely selects a page from a book, often 1984 by George Orwell. The magician then dramatically stabs the book with a sharp knife while the spectator holds it. When the book is opened, the knife has pierced only the spectator’s chosen page, leaving the rest of the book untouched. The effect combines mentalism with a shocking, theatrical reveal.

Full Details

The trick includes a gimmicked book and supplies for 50 performances, with refills available. It requires no sleight of hand and is reusable, meaning the same book can be used multiple times without being destroyed. The magician must provide their own knife, with certain types recommended for best results. The method is simple but deceptive, making it suitable for close-up, parlour, or stage performances.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a high-impact, easy-to-perform routine with strong audience reactions. It works well for performers who enjoy theatrical presentations and don’t mind using a real knife for added drama. Due to the use of a sharp object, it is not recommended for children’s shows.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

Stab in the Dark is beginner-friendly, requiring minimal setup and no advanced sleight of hand. The tutorial covers setup, knife selection, and performance tips for different settings. The main challenge is ensuring safe knife handling and maintaining a dramatic presentation.

What Magicians Say

  • Magic Orthodoxy calls it "affordable and visually impactful," praising its ease of performance but noting limited inspectability before the trick.
  • Alakazam Magic UK describes it as "dramatic and easy to set up," highlighting its reusability and strong visual impact.
  • BAM Magic recommends it for its versatility in close-up, parlour, and stage performances, calling it "excellent value at $40."
  • Penguin Magic emphasizes its theatrical nature, stating it’s "reusable and high-impact," perfect for performers who want a bold, memorable effect.

The trick has been endorsed by magicians like Mark Elsdon and Jon Armstrong, who praise its practicality and strong audience reactions.

What people are saying about Stab In The Dark

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Stab in the Dark offers dramatic visuals and is easy to set up, creating a visually stunning moment with minimal setup.

BAM_magic says...

The prop's durability and the availability of refills are noted, along with its adaptability to different performance spaces.

magicorthodoxy says...

David from Magic Orthodoxy praises the trick for its visual impact, ease of performance, and the quality of materials provided, including two books and 50 book covers.

magic-tv says...

Alex Latorre teases 'Stab in the Dark', a book test set for release on Black Friday, highlighting its innovative approach.

penguinmagicshop says...

Stab in the Dark adds a thrilling twist to book tests, noted for its visual impact and uniqueness.

penguinmagictricks5930 says...

The combination of a sharp knife, spectator participation, and the violent reveal ensures a memorable experience for audiences.

SaturnMagicShop says...

The method allows for repeated use without sacrificing a book, making it a practical and satisfying effect to use repeatedly.

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