If you’ve always wanted to perform the “razor blade illusion” where a magician swallows several razor blades and some thread, and then “regurgitates” the blades back up, all neatly tied on the string, “Helter Shelter” is almost required reading. This concise book discusses the various commercial props that are available on the market and serves some valuable secrets that allow you to build your own props.
In his book, Bizarro, an entertainer out of Dallas, TX, covers the basics of the “razor blade illusion.” His 30-page book is a fast read, but it offers a quick running start on learning what’s out there and provides you with options to choose a method and build your routine. The first part of the book discusses commercial methods that you can purchase along with advantages and disadvantages of each, and even offers some modifications.
Getting Mugged
The middle portion of the book offers a method that you can develop on your own and that relies on a mug. And there’s a second method that’s based on a similar principle but is executed in a different manner.
A third effect in the book is different in that it doesn’t use any thread. Here, the razor blades exit the mouth physically linked together in a chain. There’s also discussion on the best places to buy razor blades, what kind of fake blood to use, if you want to make a bloody mess, and the right kind of props.
The Razor's Edge
The book offers good photos to assist in the explanation. Throughout, Bizarro writes in a conversational and edgy style. The book also mentions an excellent razor blade routine by Tim Ellis, but does not tip the method. If you’re serious about putting together a razor blade routine, Ellis’ excellent DVD, Ellis in Wonderland, is also worth a study.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.
