Finger Impaler by Peter Kane.

The magician displays a solid blade and a playing card, both of which may be freely examined both before and after the effect. The card is wrapped around the middle finger, which is positioned over the blade. The magician explains its a miniature version of a stage illusion where the magician balances a girl on a sword. Without warning, the magician slams his hand down and as the blade penetrates both the card and the finger. Often the whole audience jump back 3 paces as the blade plunges right through the finger and the card.

After a few seconds the magician lifts his hand and slowly removes the card showing the finger unharmed. Leaving the spectators with the impaled card as a souvenir of the performance.

This is an incredibly simple and cheap effect but don’t let that make you think it isn’t a strong effect. The work of genius Peter Kane.

• Easy to do


• Self contained


• Any card can be used


• Fully examinable


• Packs small