Price$79.95
Media TypeTrick
CategoryStage
Date AddedOct 29, 2022
Knot Unexpected
Jim Steinmeyer
Vortex Magic
(Based on 1 review)
Jim Steinmeyer is considered one of the most creative thinkers in magic, and Knot Unexpected shows why this is. After Doug Henning's performance of the 'moving knot' on his television special he reached out to Jim to come up with a method that was more practical for his touring show. Jim created Knot Unexpected. One of the most practical and deceiving versions of the cut and restored rope.
In the past other versions were sold but they never matched the ideal knife Jim had designed. They were either too small and couldn't hope the rope or were cheaply made and wouldn't cut the rope. Vortex Magic has spent over two years designing and having prototypes made to get the perfect knife for this illusion. This looks and feels like a real knife and will easily cut the rope. You can now perform the moving knot and cut and restored rope with confidence and ease using any piece of rope.
The Effect: Two audience members hold a length of rope, a spot is selected somewhere near the center of the rope, the slack is taken up, and the rope is OPENLY cut in the center. The magician then takes the newly cut ends and ties them into a knot. S/he then slides the knot along the rope freely. Sliding the knot near one end, the magician unties the knot, leaving the bewildered spectators holding two uneven lengths of rope. No trick ropes, very visual, no magnets to worry about. Pure Jim Steinmeyer genius!
Comes complete with the special knife and a download tutorial
CAUTION Cut Hazard: Sharp blade. Contact may result in injury. Always keep blades away from fingers and body. Handle with care. Keep out of reach of children.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Sometimes they’re fun. Hopefully they’re helpful. But sometimes I really hate writing them.
This is one of those times.
I’m a huge fan of Jim Steinmeyer’s work. Whenever I want to add a new piece to one of my stage shows, I always end up with several of his creations on my short list. And I’ve always gotten great responses from his work.
Thankfully, I’m reviewing this incarnation of the product, not the effect or method.
I remember seeing Henning do this and it fooled the pants off me, so I looked up the original Knot Unexpected. While the method is the same, the prop is different… and in all the right ways.
So let me get to the point (finally!).
The knife doesn’t look any knife that exists in the world outside of a magic shop.
The original looked like a knife.
I know web links vanish over time, but take a look here while it lasts:
https://www.magiccollectibles.com/product/jim-steinmeyers-original-knot-unexpected/
So how do I assign a rating?
The overall method is very clean and deceptive. Next to Pavel’s work, it’s the best I’ve seen.
But this prop doesn’t fly for me. The blade is fine, but the design of the handle is just absurd.
I guess I must go right down the middle and give it 2.5 out of 5.
I wish there were better options. The original is unobtanium and I couldn’t find any place where the method was published in print. I would be inclined to design and 3D print one for my own use, but I don’t have the right to do that (and neither do you, by the way).
Maybe someone will take on the challenge and create a realistic looking prop… with Jim Steinmeyer’s blessing, of course.