Employing the clever gimmick, which can temporarily introduce a stranger card and acts, somewhat, in the manner of a switchblade knife, Harlan teaches two great routines.
The first is a variation on the well known “Biddle Card Trick.” The advantage of employing the gimmick in this classic routine is that spectators actually see their card among the five playing cards before it “vanishes” back into the deck. The “Biddle Card Trick” is already a strong effect and the Harlan gimmick adds an additional convincer.
Monte
The second routine is a three-card monte style effect where a playing card changes location among three cards held in the hands. In Harlan’s routine, the playing card of interest eventually changes back color and then, at the end, into a joker. The routine is commercial and entertaining.
When it comes to an in-the-hands monte routine, Harlan’s routine is somewhat like Bob Sheet’s “Killer Kitson Miracle,” which relies on the Pat Page gimmick. Sheet’s routine is an entertaining three-phase monte routine with no color changes.
Switchblade Versus Kitson
I have been long performed “Kitson Miracle” and I like the fact that it’s fairly stand alone. I can bring out the cards and perform the routine, unlike Harlan’s Switchblade-based monte that requires more setup with your pockets. This doesn’t detract from Harlan’s good routining and effect, it’s just my personal preference.
The only downside is that Harlan’s gimmicked card has an unusual setup/get ready that has to be done in front of spectators. More than likely, the setup will go unnoticed, but it’s an odd movement that’s needed to get the gimmick in place each time that you use it. For this reason, I prefer the Pat Page gimmick that accomplishes something similar but with an entire different method.
The gimmick comes in red and blue “Bicycle” styles. Because it’s made from actual playing cards, it’s going to eventually wear out. And at that point, you’ll probably have to purchase another gimmick as Harlan does not teach you how to make your own.
In all, Harlan’s “Switchblade” gimmick has definite merit and allows you to perform a fun and visual “monte” style routine. It’s probably worth the look.
