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Details

Price$145.00
Media TypeOnline Instructions, Gimmick(s)
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedOct 07, 2024

Punct

Paul Carnazzo

Mental Voyage

(Based on 1 review)
Punct is the ultimate version of the matchbox penetration!

An intriguing box is displayed. inside is something unusual…a matchbox with nine matches piercing it. It is clear that each match passes completely through the box. One at a time the matches are removed, the matchbox is opened to reveal the impossible…it was filled with a solid block of brass the entire time!

With Punct, the spectator can remove the final match while they are holding the matchbox, and can immediately try to insert the match back into any of the holes but will not be able to. They can then open the matchbox themselves to reveal the brass block. This block looks completely innocent and can be inspected.

Punct comes with everything you need, including a “graphite” colored plastic carrying case.

The Punct gimmick is expertly machined in the USA using top quality materials. Each unit is individually fine-tuned by hand to ensure smooth and seamless operation.

Punct is produced in small quantities and availability will be extremely limited.

Reviews

Stephan Sloan

Official Reviewer

Oct 17, 2024

Overview

A classic of magic which is hardly shown anymore is The Matchbox Penetration. For those that don’t know what the effect is, a performer takes out a small matchbox from his pocket and removes a match (or toothpick). He then displays the closed box which has a small hole clearly in the center of the box. Taking the matchstick he pushes it through the hole and removes it from the other side. He may even ask one of the spectators to do the same. After this display, he asks one who is present to hold out their hand and then the matchbox is ceremoniously dropped onto their face up palm. The participant is somewhat shocked because the box has some weight to it. The matchbox is opened and inside is a solid block of brass. How could the matchstick go through the box with the block of brass there?

Effect

Punct is the same effect described as above but on steroids. Instead of one match penetrating the box, there are nine. One may ask, is the effect nine times better using nine matches vs one. The answer to that question can only be answered by someone who actually appreciates The Matchbox Penetration. The one dilemma I found when watching videos of magicians performing this effect is that it ends up being presented more as a puzzle than magic. Being that I own a regular matchbox I tried to combat the puzzle dilemma with a script that will engage the participant. With Punct, that presentation can be expanded upon (as you will see on the video) as you slowly remove each matchstick as you present your script to heighten the magic.

Method

The method is not any different than the regularly sold versions of The Matchbox Penetration but carefully manufactured to accommodate nine matches. The size of the block is similar, as well as the box. For those that do not own a version of The Matchbox Penetration, suffice it to say the brass block is meticulously engineered for the effect. Unlike the cheaper versions on the market, the block has no telltale signs of how it works. As a side note, no block should be in the hands of anyone but the magician long enough to be extensively scrutinized.

Product Quality

The block is well manufactured as well as the accessories that come with it. Along with the block and box you will get some faux matches that are designed for the design of the block as well as some toothpicks. If you want to use real matches you will get a tool that will allow you to shave down the matches for a good fit. The box will need to be adjusted to make it work. Even though it was pre-punched, additional work will have to be done to allow the matches to pass through easily. The instructional video is 25 minutes long and covers everything you need. Additionally, Paul performs the effect with his well written script that is so needed for this kind of effect. Also included is a carrying case for the block to be put in after setup. This is not something that can be carried easily without the supplied case.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy is accurate as it always is with Mental Voyage effects.

Final Thoughts

If you are considering this for purchase, I would like to forewarn you that this is not as easy of a setup as the standard Matchbox Penetration effect. To set this it will take some time and concentration. If you plan on doing it as a table hopping effect, I cannot recommend this as the setup is bit long. If you want to use this within a sit down environment or a one off trick around a dinner table, it would be perfect. If you love the Matchbox Penetration and want to own the ultimate version than this may be for you.
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