I've been trying to find a source for this feat, to no avail. Not the one in which the knife remains suspended on your palm (back of the hand towards spectators), but the one where it sticks to your widely spread fingers and can be viewed from all angles. Does anyone have a reference? Thanks in advance.

I don't remember the name, but the gimmick required is a clear loop of fishing line fastened to a length of elastic cord.

The same set-up works well for a rising card effect, ala Jay Marshall. Magic Inc. used to sell the gimmick with instructions.

Julie

Thanks, Julie. The one I'm referring to is ungimmicked. It looks really good. The knife rests on the fingertips, yet it does fall off. Hand in vertical position, of course.

'Sounds like a physical position of your hand/fingers applying proper leverage to give the illusion of "clinging". It also sounds a little familiar and reminds me of pictures in an old (children's?) magic book.

I'll bet at least one Café Member will remember it, too, and give us specifics.

BTW> I seem to remember the set-up with the nylon loop was called... LOOPER.

Julie

Vernon on Malini by Ganson
David Ben Penguin lecture
There are many other references, but those are the ones I recollect.

Thank-you, RiffRaff!

Julie

Thanks, RiffRaff. Quality references!

I found a couple more. Charlie Miller:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuI1QSsc16g

And the Steve Cohen book on Malini (already available). In volume 17 of the Stevens video series, Miller calls the routine "Malini's Knives".

Thanks all for the help!

One of the "old children's books" you recall - may be on the cover of Tarbell, vol. 2.
Also, you may be thinking of Dual Control for the loop thingy.

Magic for Kids
Malini's Magic