The term: Traditionally cut references the process used to cut the cards. In fact, two methods can
be used:
in the first one, the classically cut, used nowadays for USPCC's cards, the blade
enters the back of the cards first and cut the card to the face.
in the second one, the
Traditionally cut, the blade enters the face of the card and cut to the back.
The last one is
so called Traditionally because this process was used until the last 15 years. But I have no
information concerning the real reasons for this change.
By the way, what is the influence
of this change of cutting process on card techniques ? In fact, as the blade enters the card, a soft
round edge is formed due to localized plastic deformations resulting from the pressure of the blade
before the cutting process occurs. On the opposite side of the card, as the blade leaves the card, a
burr is formed due to plastic deformation of the paper on the opposite direction. Therefore,
depending on the cutting process used, the burr is located on the face of the card (classically cut)
or the backside of the card (traditionally cut). On the first hand, if the cards are used just for a
friendly poker game, no difference can be seen. On the other hand, for a card mechanics, the burr
have a great influence on the techniques used, and especially on Table Faros. When a table faro is
performed, the deck is split in two blocks riffled together starting from the face of the deck up-to
to the backside. When classically cut cards are used, cards are first contacting opposite side along
the edge where the burr is located, preventing the cards to faro easily. Therefore, the burr must be
soften and reduced in order to facilitate the faro. An alternative method is to place the deck
face-up and perform the faro, but this is a quite strange method. This can be performed just for
fun. For example, a one handed faro with classically cut cards is best performed while the cards are
facing up. A in the air two hands faro is also more easily done when started at the back of the
deck.
With Traditionally cut cards, those references are inverted. Table faro can be
performed right out of the box, without the need of preparing the deck and reducing the burr of the
cards because cards are first contacting along the round soft edge while cards are facing down the
table. One handed faro can be done with cards facing down also, while two hands faro are done
starting from the face of the deck (as we can see in old card techniques books). Behavior of the
deck during riffle shuffle depends also on the cutting process used because while cards are riffled
from the thumbs, the Gold Seal Bicycle cards are contacting the thumbs with the round soft edge.
Contact between fingerprints and cards is soften, leading to a more fluid riffle. But this merely
depends on the ability of the performer to use a light touch on the cards.
The second point
concerning the Richard Turner's Gold Seal Bicycle cards concerns the high quality of the cut.
Lateral sides of the cards are very soft. This also have an influence on faros and riffle shuffles.
Concerning the internal structure of the cards, the main point concerning the Richard
Turner's Gold Seal Bicycle cards is that they feel like Bee cards. And in fact, they feel like Bee
cards because they are Bees. The paper used comes from Bee stock. Concerning the thickness of the
cards, they are slightly thicker than classical Rider Back cards, about 5 to 10µm.
The
embossing pattern of the Gold Seal Bicycle cards is unique to those cards. The main objective of
this embossing is to create the air cushion separation between the cards to reduce friction. But
this embossing pattern is less deeper for Gold Seal cards to preserve the structural integrity of
the cards because this embossing pattern drastically decreases the stiffness of the cards when too
deeper. Concerning the card finish, I have no informations on this point.
Finally
concerning the design of the cards. This one is exactly similar as the Rider Back cards. The box is
sealed with a Gold Seal and a Traditionally cut for the professional Gold sticker is apposed on
the card Box. Each box contains 52 cards + 2 non guaranty Jokers + one blank face card and one
advertising card.
21 of 23 magicians found this helpful.
The Richard Turner Gold Standard deck has many advantages.
1) more snap and sound because
it has the bee deck structure.
2) long lasting quality
3) feels very natural and tough
4) comes with two identical jokers and a blank faced card. Because this fan so well, why don't
you put it on the face of the deck, reverse fan and show all the cards blank? A fun little teaser:)
on the outside it cant be distinguished from a regular bicycle deck, which makes you able
to use your gimmicks if you want to. Also, it's a nice, affordable gift and gets a classy appearance
with the gold seal on the card case.
By the way, did I mention the written message you get
from Dai Vernon?
6 of 7 magicians found this helpful.
When people ask me what are the BEST cards... these are. Thicker stock, lasts longer, traditional
cut (90% of decks out there are NOT no matter what other people say), classic box design, 2 full
sized jokers, a blank gaff all for the price of a "normal" deck of Bikes? This is a no brainer! I'm
never buying Bikes off the shelf again! THIS IS THE DECK YOU WANT! Push purchase! In fact, buy
Penguin out of their stock completely! You'll be glad you did.
5 of 5 magicians found this helpful.
As I live in a tropical climate with high humidity, I feel the Gold Standard Bicycle Playing Cards
are the best to do magic with. I just love them.
Paul
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
I will never buy Bicycle Standard again. It is quite perfect.
Thanks Richard Turner !!
3 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
once you use gold standards, youll never go back. if youre a card mechanics/close up card magician
like i am, these cards are a must have. there are so many sleights i struggled with for years and
turns out it was the cards not me. so many flourishs/shuffles just magically came together: perfect
faros. fans, pressure spreads, etc.never going back to those crappy $2 decks again.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
I am not aware of any straight move or sleight which is not made easier with these cards. After
using them for a time, going back to a standard deck was like manipulating cardboard.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
I picked up magic 3 years ago with a special interest in card tricks that I started 2 years ago. I
decided to start over and learn the basics first. Now I can very decently perform almost every basic
slight and am constantly working on perfecting them and learning more advanced methods. As I
developed my skills I decided I was tired of handling a standard Bicycle deck and wanted to find the
best deck for me. After handling nearly every deck on Ellusionst and standard brands I can say with
100% certainty that THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST DECKS I'VE EVER HANDLED. For the price it's truly
unbeatable and you'll be hard pressed to find a deck you'll like much more.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
I am a novice at card manipulation, and from my novice's perspective, there is a vast difference in
handling between the Turner Gold Standard cards and usual Bicycle offerings retailed at drugstores.
Many of the stock moves such as false shuffles, shifts, double lifts, in and out jogging,
second and bottom dealing, and simple fans are beginning to fall into place simply by using better
cards. (The product description explains the key differences in how the cards are made, so I won't
repeat what has been detailed above.)
As a beginner, I've found using the right cards to be
an important fundamental step that undercuts the actual practice of card handling. To any novice
reading this--if you are practicing with drugstore cards, give these a try (they're the same or
about the same cost as the others.)
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
For collecting and fourishing I was extremely happy to pick this deck up for $3.75. When you talk
about value and quality, this is a deck you want to have while it's available. Why pay $5 - 7
dollars for custom bee stock playing cards when you can the same quality with a traditional cut for
less then $1 more then standard bicycle playing cards. This is a gem in the playing card collecting
community.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.