The Perfect Pen by John Cornelius

Effect

The Perfect Pen by John Cornelius creates the illusion of a pen passing through a borrowed banknote. The magician demonstrates three different penetrations. The first is a quick stab, producing a sharp sound. The second is a slow, visual push where the pen appears to melt through the note. The third method shows the tip of the pen visibly emerging from the other side of the note. The pen can be used to write on the note before and after the trick, adding to the realism.

Full details

The Perfect Pen is a gimmicked version of the classic pen through note trick. It is designed to look like a normal, classy pen that can be carried daily. The pen is examinable, though some reviewers note that close inspection may reveal slight inconsistencies in how parts move. It comes with instructions for replacing the ink refill, though this requires minor adjustments compared to standard pens.

The trick works best with paper banknotes. Some users report issues with plastic notes, as the included magnet may not be strong enough for consistent performance. The pen can leave small holes in notes after repeated performances of the stab penetration method.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits magicians who want a visual, self-contained effect that uses everyday objects. It works well for close-up performers, especially those who interact with business professionals or work in restaurant settings. The trick requires no sleight of hand, making it accessible to beginners, though experienced magicians may appreciate the multiple penetration methods.

Those who frequently perform with plastic currency should be aware of the potential limitations. Magicians who prefer high-end props might find the construction slightly lacking compared to the original version.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Perfect Pen is easy to perform overall. The basic stab penetration requires almost no skill. The slow push and direct visual methods need slightly more practice to perfect the timing and angles. No advanced sleight of hand is required.

The main challenges involve natural handling of the pen and maintaining proper misdirection during the dirty work. Performance in the round requires some body blocking, but most angles are covered. As reviewer Steve Faulkner notes, "It's not like really difficult misdirection it's very very easy and with practice you're going to get smooth at it."

What magicians say

Reviewers praise the trick's strong visual impact and multiple performance options. Steve Faulkner comments, "it's direct it's you know it's simple in plot it's great it has all those rules um so we know it's a good trick." He appreciates that "you can write with this pen which is a great thing."

Some note quality concerns. Faulkner observes that while functional, the pen "doesn't feel like a really classy pen" and mentions some parts may become loose over time. Regarding examination, he warns that "if people were to take this and really look and really start playing around with it they would feel that there's something kind of a miss."

The trick receives mixed reviews for plastic currency performance, with Faulkner noting "the magnet wasn't quite strong enough" for UK plastic notes. Several reviewers suggest the current version doesn't quite match the craftsmanship of John Cornelius's original Perfect Pen.