What do you guys think of it? From your professional experience, do you consider this a good effect as an opener or should I throw it in the middle of a presentation?

Also, which performance with knives do you like the most? I've seen Malone's version which is good and fun, but I haven't seen that many out on YouTube -- a couple here and there from some pros, but I wouldn't say it's something I've seen perform that often.

Just curious... as an opener for what? Formal close up? Walk around? Table hopping?

It depends... some people might not like it if you walk up to them and pull out a knife first thing. Pocket knives aren't as common as they used to be and some people don't like knives in general. Times have changed!

But, try it out in different places in a set and see how it works for you. If it's done well it's a nice trick and you might be able to make it work anywhere in a set. I personally would use it in the middle of a set/routine. I have more powerful openers and closers for me, but you might kill with the knives! Pun intended! haha!

I like Bill's version because it's only 2 knives and is quick, entertaining and to the point. I've been working on my own routine for a long time that isn't ready for performing yet, but I have shorter versions for use now.

I recommend the book Ascanio's World of Knives. It's only 20.00 dollars. Then, you can make your own routine that suits you.

If your routine is a quick two-knife one like Malone's, it could be used for an opener, but considerations such as mentioned by Theodore Lawton, above, should be taken into account.

Four-knife routines such as Frank Garcia's adaptation of Matt Schulien's routine, which appears in The Close-up Magic of Frank Garcia, Part 1, are longer and more appropriate for the middle or even the end of a performance.

A great routine that you can see several performances of on Youtube is Pop Haydn's "Intricate Web of Distraction".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_eBTo8SYo0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POYG0Pl-aG8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4No7-fKSA8

It gets great reactions. You can get the routine in written or video form on Pop's website.

http://www.popsmagic.com/store/c3/Pop_Ha......sts.html

Any of Pop's stuff is great.

-Brian