I would like to do a cut and restored rope for kids in which the kid cuts the rope. But when I've tried this, I've found that kids usually don't have the dexterity to do this with a normal scissors. Are there scissors out there that are easy for a kid to cut or ropes out there that are easy for a kid to cut?

I do a cut and restored rope routine at all my kids shows. It is the only routine where I ask one of the parents to participate, i.e. cut the rope. I find the kids enjoy the illusion just as much, have as much fun as if one of them had done the cutting, and as a bonus, involves the adults in back. That way I don't have to worry about how the child might handle the scissors, or have enough finger strength to cut the rope. If the children are old enough, obviously this stops being a problem, so I have them cut the rope.

I realize this does not answer you question, but it is how I handle it.


Louis

How old are the kids you are using? For kids under 8,you can use break-a-way scissors. Have them break in there hands, put them back, and have them break again. Put some goggles on them and hand them clown scissors while you use a regular pair. This way they are involved, and they can use them as a magic wand.

Kids over 8, try to use soft magician's rope or something without a core, and start the cut for them.

There are scissors who are VERY sharp and VERY expensive. I bought mine for about 40 Euro/50 Dollar. They work great and much better than normal scissors.

It helps if the rope is not too thick.

When there are kids 5 years and older it normally works. If a kid has a problem to cut the rope just say "let me help you" and then you take the scissors and cut the rope.

These scissors are easy for most children to use to cut rope. They are also blunt nosed (no sharp points) so you can carry them in your pocket.
http://www.amazon.com/Clauss-Titanium-Bo......avy+duty

I would never hand a child a pair of scissors.

Im with you Al.. your asking for trouble

I have handed 25 years x 100 magic shows = around 2.500 times a pair of scissors to a child. Not one time anyone was hurt. And not one time I had the feeling it was just a little bit dangerous. And not one time there was any serious trouble.

Daniel
I am so happy that you have been lucky SO FAR, but if I were you I would keep your liability insurance up to date.

I mentioned this one in another post on rope effects for kids.
I've been using Harold Sterling's (The Long And Short Rope Routine) for kids of all ages. Guranteed to get the kids going.
Very economical trick, you can use one piece of rope 7 feet long for 5 to 6 performances.
The so called move requires no difficult slights at all. Just basic stuff.
I agree with Al about handing sharp objects to minors. If they cut themselves, you will be in deep trouble.
There are quite a few rope tricks for kids on the market. This one is my favorite.
Tricky Ricky

The best C&R rope routine for children that I have seen is the Cut & Restored Skipping Rope from Practical Magic.

http://www.practical-magic.com/component......Itemid=0

You could let a child cut the rope, but personally, I wouldn't.

I have more of a problem with the child trying
to tie the rope back togeather than I do cutting it.
Todd

Have the kid magically cut the rope with their fingers.

There is a children's routine for C&R rope in the "Birthday Magicians Handbook" (Dave Fiscus)

I hate it when the little suckers dive for the pieces on the floor, and I don't do it for cub scout banquets for that reason.

Al, I've cut material from my show for the same reason. Anything that comes falling down, or is even waved about in the air, causes a mosh pile. It's like waving a fluffy toy in front of a cat, the kids can't help themselves.

This looks great! Have you tried it?

Having the kid cut the rope does nothing for the trick. Further more it looks awkward having a child fumbling around trying to cut the rope.
Children are unpredictable, you never know what they will do next. I don't think it is a wise decision to hand the something that sharp.
Back to Sterling's long and short routine. I've done it for years and now have added a added a few funny bits to the routine. Sterling's routine is just the basic handling for there are quite a few funny bits you can add to enhance the routine.
Tricky Ricky

Learned from Pop Haydn to use tin snips. They cut through rope like butter, are more larger and more visible, actually easier to handle, and the tips are blunted so no poking holes in pocket. I can’t remember where I got mine, but here’s one at Lowe’s

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-2-in-......00594743

There are small ones out there.

In my routine I bring up child as the “Magician” giving them a magical stage name. As their assistant. I run hand down rope as they say stop...I bring it up, and they cut rope with snips. I ask them to wave their magic wand over the rope to restore it. When they say they don’t have a wand, I kid them about not getting the email, and produce a wand (cheap Mylar appearing wand). As they wave wand over rope and say magical words, I tie the rope together. Then pronouncing the child has restored the rope. When no applause, I state the audience not impressed by the knit...maybe it would be better over in end...and then slide knot. Then slide again. Then say maybe they’d like know off all together. I slide knot off and give it to another kid in audience...telling them if they put it under their pillow the know fairy will come and leave a dollar. Then send volunteer back into audience with the Mylar wand.

No diving for pieces of rope, two kids have gotten something (important when busking), and never a problem with having rope cut...

This works quite well as long as the child’s parent/s are there and acknowledging that they understand.