I used a card clip for a number of years, but eventually went back to the old deck box because I felt that the clip added a level of 'magicians prop' to the deck. No question that the clip takes better care of the deck, but part of the appearance should be that this is just a plane ol deck of cards, nothing special. I think the clip changes this perception.

What do other card guys think of the clip vs the box.

I think that the clip sometimes gets people's guards up. If I'm going to do card magic for someone, I don't want them to have any clue what to expect. Unless if an object is to be used for a particular reason in a trick, I don't want to have to justify its appearance. If I were to use, say, 3 worn Walking Liberty half dollars for a coin effect, I'd have a reason built into the trick to justify the handling of odd coins. This is the same reason I wouldn't use, oh, say, Black Tigers - there's something unfamiliar to people about them, or a card clip, and that object can become the focus - rather than the magic they're about to see.

BTW, I do use a clip, but leave it in my bag or pocket when I take out a deck to do magic.

Just remove it when you are about to take out your deck. Or jus ensure that the spectators do not get to see it.

I don think its that difficult for a magician to hide some stuff from the specs. I mean we have all been hiding our sleights.

cheerios

I'm a clip man myself with a snap down shirt pocket. Like ClouDsss said, don't let'em see it. If they do they won't play cards with you again...I learned that one the hard way...

Good Luck,

S.W.