The best handling of vanishing a 18" silk without a gimmick is written up in a book called "The Thoughts of Tenkai'" by Masatoshi Furota. His technique is graceful and deceptive, like all of Tenkai's work.

Years ago I learned to vanish a 12 or 18 inch silk without any gimmicks. It should be done for two to 6 people at a specific angle but with misdirection it even fools magicians. (thank you Mr. Swoger) technique with or without gimmicks is the key.

Right Bill! (BTW, When I was a Yeoman in the Navy--65 years ago--I was an excellent typist, BUT, I'm now 84, and, the fingers don't always "do" as I tell them! .) --Especially when I'm composing as I type!

I used the ancient "knot in corner" technique, and, it "worked", but, I like "my" handling better. (I must be an egotist!) It'a case of "personal taste and small consequence", as Jay would have said! Again, I learned with a TT, and, the thumb, after all these years, "knows" what to do!

Jonathan! Thanks for the tip on TENKAI'S thinking. I don't have that book, but, I'll check it out, if I can find a copy. TENKAI is another one of those old timers, who KNEW! --and, DID!

JAY! Yes! I remember Jim SWOGER from the "50s"! Jim had "good hands"! Frank Herman and I spent an afternoon with Jim, about 20 years ago--DELIGHTFUL!!! Yup! "technique" beats "method" every time!