Technically, these "Roughing Sticks" do not created a rough coating; they utilize a principle that was employed before roughing fluid was developed decades ago: they apply a light tackifier that causes one card to cling to another.

This, however, is not a criticism as they do the job required and with less fuss for application. The coated surface is not sticky; just a tiny bit waxy to the touch. This is not an issue, in my opinion. And of course the coating is invisible.

Please note that if applied with the expedient procedure shown on the video-link instructions, a procedure which does not provide a coating on the entire surface of the card, your cards must be perfectly flat or else the method is given away. (A pair of cards may curl away from each other at the edges.) It is possible to coat the entire surface, but this takes more diligence to accomplish, though it is not an impossible task. If the cards are not curled, bridged, or warped, you have no problem.

That being said, an entire deck can be gaffed (creating 26 "clinging" pairs) in an incredibly short amount of time, and this is definitely in the product's favor.

It is easy to intentionally coat only a part of the surface and to "custom-prepare" the cards to accommodate any method for separating the pairs that the performer finds convenient. This is a definite improvement over the traditional roughing procedure, as fully roughed surfaces (using roughing fluid) are often difficult to separate and partial roughing requires rather fussy masking techniques when the fluid is applied. Not so with the easy-to-handle Roughing Sticks.

As with roughing fluid, a certain amount of maintenance(reapplication) will be required over time, but this is to be expected.

For me, the biggest asset to this method for creating "roughed" or adhering card pairs is that it is great for experimentation with new ideas utilizing this principle. Several cards can be prepared very quickly with no need to wait for drying, since it is a dry application as opposed to the traditional roughing method. Then, if the experiment fails or needs modification, one does not have to throw out the cards you have tested your idea with; the coating can be scraped off and you can start over. If the experiment is a success, your "test" cards may be suitable for performance conditions.

I do not plan on abandoning the use of roughing fluid as a result of obtaining the Roughing Sticks, but I will definitely add the sticks to my arsenal of gaffing techniques. The sticks are both practical and convenient for many circumstances for which secretly clinging card pairs (posing as a single card) are required.

I am now in my 58th year of magical interest. During that time I've used more roughing fluid than I care to even think about. Harry Robson's "Roughing Sticks" is a far superior product and method to rough a deck of cards, regular or jumbo, high quality cards, cheap drug store cards and business cards than anything I've ever used.

Using the product is simple, clean and incredibly fast! Easy to apply and no drying time.

When I travel I carry an emergency parts kit for my show in a carry on. In the past I've had to throw away a bottle of roughing fluid because it was liquid and security didn't like the smell. Airport security doesn't event bother with the stick. It goes unnoticed.

Cannot say enough good things about Roughing Sticks.

Doug

just passed over a card. Still going strong a month latter. More practical.

Hi.I previously wrote a review of this product 2 years ago giving it on 3 stars. So today I took it out of the drawer giving it another go. I was applying it to heavy. This roughing stick is beyound my wildest dreams. I made a Pop eyed popper deck in under two minutes and it works fantastic.I will be ordering a few more sticks very soon. I want to have these in case they ever stop making them. I will have them for the rest of my life. Remember not to press too hard,one swipe is all you need. Happy that I pulled this stick back out. Thank you Harry. Satisfied customer.

Harry is a genius. This is the best thing since the original Ultra Mental Deck. Seriously, if you want to save money and make your own Invisible Deck, Brainwave Deck, Pop-Eyed Popper Deck, Force 14 Deck, and many others, get this. It's $20. It will last you through 100 gaffed decks. It works like a charm. It's amazing. You'll never have to buy another R/S deck or risk passing out from smelling dangerous sprays again. Ever. There are few things in magic that are magic bullets. This is one of them.

Really useful, easy to use, lasts forever, all these for a great price!

All the reviews rave about this stuff, but frankly, it's just ok.

I find that it wears off quite quickly (about 5 uses of the deck). The upside is that when it wears off, it doesn't leave any marks.

Definitely quicker and easier than spraying, but would be better if it were more permanent.

I remember being excited that I could do my own roughing with the spray. No more spray for me. The Roughing Stick is a major improvement. It is so easy to use and so effective, I am excited about seeking more tricks that use the rough and smooth principle. A great buy.

if you need roughing material, this is it. Non toxic can apply on any part of card. get this

Currently I am using it for a card packet hiding type application. It does what I need to do, but to state that it has no residue is simply not true. You are applying a product to a card. You can see it if you look, and it will pick up grime over time that will have to be cleaned/addressed.
Easy to use and reapply as needed.