I am new to silk magic and I am wanting to know where I can find information on how to make non gimmicked 20th century silks, how to tie the silks and prep them to use in the effect. Any help would be great. thanks and God bless.

Try Rice's Silk Encyclopedia Volume 2 Chapter 17.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

I believe there is also Neil Foster's method described in Volume 4 of Rices or you can get the instructions direct from Abbott's.

I sell a gimmicked or non gimmicked set. The advantage of the non gimmick is you can use the silks for other effects after the 20th century by upsetting the knots. Others prefer the prepared method.

There is no right or wrong on this. It is what suits your needs. I have used both and neither takes longer to set than the other. Both are secure if properly handled in all performing conditions.

Richard

Thanks for all of the help.

Jay Scott Berry has sold aswell a very nice ungimmicked version of this trick.

Oliver.

I perform a non-gimmicked version that I came up with, years ago. At least, the silks are ungimmicked. It does use a gimmick - a hank ball. The Laflin video on the hank ball will show you how to do the vanish of the silk. I use the same ball to make the silk appear, which really makes the silk "appear" before the vanish occurs. If you'd like more details, I think I still have a write-up of the method details, to send via email or PM.

Alan I sent you a PM

The Laflin hank-ball video also shows a clever method for performing 20th Century Silks using 2 hank balls and non-gimmicked silks.

-Daniel

For those who are afraid of using gimmicked 20th Century props, an easy way to "dump" the final production is to go from there to a bag type Blendo. Even better, it stays on theme!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

PS --- As the magicians' silk importer, it is clear to me that it is extremely rare for a profession to use the ungimmicked version over the gimmicked versions. Also the gimmicked version they use most is not typically available in magic shops. It is also available in 24". Catch me at a lecture and I'll show you the differences.

I got my SilkMagic/SilkBiz 20th Century set this week ! Orange and Black, my old high school colors. Man, is it smooth. Nicely made. I can't wait to put it in the show....

Mark Pettey
Naples, FL

Mark,

It sounds like it is going to fit well into Halloween shows too! Smart move!

People just don't realize how many color combinations are possible.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander