Playing cards as deadly weapons
Cards as Weapons, and Cards as Weapons II--esp. the "sea urchin spin."
[Via Mark Hall's Biomes Blog.]
See also: Cards as Weapons by Ricky Jay, the world's greatest living close-up magician (except maybe Jerry Andrus).
An Amazon.com reviewer from Denver has this to say about Cards as Weapons:
This book has changed my life. I took Ricky Jay's advice by putting "a deck of cards in [my] pocket, and a feeling of confidence in [my] life." When I first found this book, I thought for sure it was a joke. But after flipping through it and seeing pictures on how to grip the cards, as well as chapters on how to practice and stay fit, I knew it was the real deal. Sure, it's somewhat of a satire, actually killing someone, or large game animals, with a playing card is nearly impossible, but the book really teaches you an incredible skill that can be used to impress your friends. Ricky has a way with words, and his unique sense of humor kept me laughing throughout. I recommend this book to anyone who can read. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Jay for writing this book, without which I would have never achieved my MTV fame. Thanks Ricky!
The Mythbusters show on the Discovery channel covered this topic. They created a machine to whip the cards around at great speeds. They concluded it was unlikely you could kill someone this way.
Mythbusters is one of those rare shows that demonstrates the scientific method.
Posted by: Semblance | November 21, 2004 at 03:01 AM
I wish I had cable so the I could watch Mythbusters. Do you know the name or number of the episode with the card throwing? Maybe I can get my parents to tape it for me.
I've seen expert card throwers do serious damage to watermelons and thirty paces. It's an amazing and cringe-inducing spectacle. "Deadly" is probably an overstatement, but an expertly flung card definitely take out an eye.
Posted by: Lindsay Beyerstein | November 21, 2004 at 12:19 PM
'MythBusters: Exploding Jawbreaker/Killer Cards:
Is it possible to throw a regular playing card fast enough to inflict bodily harm?; will a heated jawbreaker explode in your mouth?'
http://www.exn.ca/ontv/episode.asp?episode=45009530&TZ=0
though the last episode listed was 3 days ago, i assume they'll update the page.
Posted by: bob crane | November 21, 2004 at 12:47 PM
Ricky Jay wrote a thoroughly enjoyable book a few years ago about magic (the performing art) called 'Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women.' He's supposed to be amazing at sleight-of-hand.
Posted by: ProfWombat | November 21, 2004 at 11:52 PM
If anyone is selling Cards as weapons under $100.00 please contact me
tj2cou4u739@aol.com
Posted by: Trent Shull | February 06, 2005 at 08:55 AM
very cool.
Posted by: tony | September 29, 2005 at 10:29 PM
I just saw the episode of Mythbusters for the 1st time 2day where they make the card throwing machine. I was amazed!
Posted by: Zack Johnston | May 07, 2007 at 03:04 AM
mythbusters doesnt always do their experiments right retards sometimes they do the wrong experiment and deadly is almost an understatment compared to what i can do... i m gonna get this book sounds interesting may help,chow
Posted by: vyrimm | March 03, 2008 at 09:09 PM