Handkerchiefs have been in a magician's repertoire since the 1500s, but it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that silk handkerchiefs strutted onto the scene as a magical wonder. The first documented use of these silky delights was by none other than Robert-Houdin, who showcased a vanishing handkerchief routine (and also invented the first pull—talk about multitasking!). Fast forward to 1903, when de Kolta wowed the crowd with the first full routine using silks, as penned by Professor Hoffman in Later Magic. From that moment on, silk tricks became a staple for conjurors everywhere (because who doesn't love a good silk trick?).
This DVD is packed with a variety of clever and visually stunning ways to incorporate silk handkerchiefs into your act. Henry Evans kicks things off with a jaw-dropping penetration of a silk handkerchief into a transparent bag tied around his wrist (yes, it's as visual as it sounds). Jeff Sheridan follows up with another visual stunner as one silk is pulled through another—like magic, but with a dash of finesse. Karrell Fox shows off an eye-popping (and surprisingly easy) cut and restored silk, while Petrick and Mia add their own twist to the classic Coin Through Silk effect. Steve Dacri presents a practical version of the Silk to Egg that you can actually use at gigs (no need for a magic wand here), and Dai Vernon shares some classic history on the Colour Changing Silk, peppered with his usual sage advice. Paul Potassy performs his legendary Sympathetic Silks, and Henry Evans returns with a silk that vanishes and reappears from a clear drinking glass—because why not? Finally, Bob Read wraps things up with an ungimmicked, anytime, anywhere miracle of pulling a silk straight through the handle of a mug (yep, it’s as baffling as it sounds).
Silk magic is enchanting, visually stunning, and, as these performers demonstrate, incredibly versatile. Master any of these effects and you’ll have a timeless piece of magic that will leave your audience utterly bemused (and perhaps a tad jealous).
Silk Through Transparent Bag - Henry Evans Silk Through Silk - Jeff Sheridan Silk Cut - Karrell Fox Coin Through Sheer Silk - Petrick and Mia Sucker Egg and Hanky - Steve Dacri Colour Changing Silk - Dai Vernon Sympathetic Silks - Paul Potassy Time Machine - Henry Evans Silk Through Cup Handle - Bob Read
