Author (Read 3551 times)

JasonBrumbalow · « **on:** September 13, 2013, 10:56:01 AM »

Hey guys!

Want to include you on the creative process here.

I'm shooting a DVD with Rick Smith Jr next week, who is the world record holder for playing card throwing speed, distance and accuracy. he's been on Time Warp, Leno, Discovery, Good Morning America and dozens of other shows with his talent.

We are currently creating the most bad ass, de facto standard card throwing system DVD ever created with 5000fps slow mo cameras and some fabulous new handlings that are easy and effective to learn.

Now that all the chest beating is over...

I'm currently working on a deck of cards that would be a superior deck of cards for card throwing. Heavier stock than normal (for weight and velocity), an extra hard finish (for durability and piercing), and double beveling the edges to a point for decreased air resistance and penetration power.

Any ideas you'd like to throw in for modding a deck to be a perfect tool for card throwing? Love to hear em...

Fred · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2013, 11:21:41 AM »

I don't have much to add as i have no expertise or even experience in the art of card throwing. However the only obvious pointer i could give would be to advise you to create a very striking card back with good contrast and bold colours so that the cards seek attention while being thrown (instead of being a detailed blur if the cards were too detailed/intricate).

By the way, is this in any way related to the new deck you've been teasing in the Design & development thread?

Also, i think it would be good for you to list down a few ideas YOU'RE thinking of, allowing us to give you a third person view on them.

Best of luck and keep us updated!

JasonBrumbalow · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2013, 11:31:53 AM »

No, this is a separate project all together.

I actually had the same thought about the color contrast, fully agree.

Those features I llisted above are all I've really come up with atm, other than a measuring system on one side of the card so you can see how far you and penetrate, Styrofoam, watermelons, etc....

Fred · « **Reply #3 on:** September 13, 2013, 11:41:23 AM »

The measuring system is very thoughtful. How would you go about doing this? Personally i wouldn't do anything too drastic/out of the norm of a normal deck of playing cards. Even though you want to create a deck for the purpose of card throwing, im sure the majority of demand will still come from the cardistry/collector/magician market. I might incorporate a consistent symmetrical line pattern on the borders (Much like the mm measurements on a ruler, but much smaller and more like 'nobs of lines', if that makes any sense) so that measurement would be clear yet fully integrated into the design of the card back.

My idea is the result of reactive thinking at 1:10am so it's probably pretty trash. Would love to hear your plans to achieve this+ other thoughts and 'innovations' for the deck.

JasonBrumbalow · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2013, 12:01:23 PM »

Your ideas are great bro, thanks for the investment in time.

JasonBrumbalow · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2013, 12:02:51 PM »

The measuring system would probably be a simple spiral, or series of circles, starting from a dot in the center and many circle drawing outward. Each marked in 1/4 inch measurement intervals.

Fred · « **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2013, 12:19:31 PM »

No worries bud. Would the spirals/circles be intergrated into the back design, or will they form a faded background? Is the same measurement carried out on the faces? I am not exactly sure what 'double bevelled edges' means exactly but if they dont prevent the inevitable chipping of cards (especially from throwing at fuggin watermelons n shit) i would highly suggest a white border instead of a full bleed back design, so that the cards still look fresh and appealing after heavy abuse/chipping. However if you do decide do go with a border, how will this affect the measurement system you have in place? Im sure the cards wont penetrate beyond even a thin border in objects with a harder surface and thus might not even reach the spirals beyond the border. Just some scrambled thoughts, worth a think or two.

Headed off to bed. Ill try to come up with a few appropriate suggestions soon. Please keep your ideas flowing and update us constantly on design mockups etc! Everyone loves gossip around here (you should strip tease a bit more on the other deck youre working on!)

Take it easy.

xela · « **Reply #7 on:** September 13, 2013, 02:13:43 PM »

Hey Jason, consider using Cartamundi for this deck. The best example of that crazy stock I can think of would be the Apex Bom deck, a gaffed deck with a really cool design too.

I'm no card throwing expert, but if you're looking for a card that can probably pierce human skin, while still handling amazingly, check out what Cartamundi has to offer.

JasonBrumbalow · « **Reply #8 on:** September 13, 2013, 02:28:08 PM »

Thats a great idea. And they're in my backyard too...

Nurul · « **Reply #9 on:** September 13, 2013, 04:29:22 PM »

Haha I just got back from my friends and we were just randomly throwing cards and were talking about how someone should bring out a deck that specialises in this

the first thing that came to mind (in terms of design) was ninja stars

how cool would it b to hav a deck shaped like ninja stars or have a ninja stars theme and it's main purpose was card throwing

JasonBrumbalow · « **Reply #10 on:** September 13, 2013, 04:51:27 PM »

Interesting idea and thanks for the idea! Will have to respectfully disagree here, however. I feel that intentionally manipulating the shape of the cards defeats the purpose the feat. The crux of the stunt is to be able to do this amazing distance and accuracy with such a normal, mundane object like a deck of cards. I'm even pushing that boundary by making a custom deck in the first place.

The kicker is not to modify it too much while still keeping the spirit of the original deck intact.

MrMollusk · « **Reply #11 on:** September 13, 2013, 06:07:15 PM »

Every time I throw cards, the corners are horribly dented and dinged. I think some measure of protection for the edges would do wonders.

A ultra slick finish would also be nice. Some of my stickier cards end up spinning out to the right when I try to throw them.

10ofclubs · « **Reply #12 on:** September 13, 2013, 07:53:15 PM »

The measuring system is an interesting idea. I suggest making it subtle enough that you can't tell that it's used to measure (as in, don't just put a ruler on the back). I'd even be against having numbers on the back. You could use the circle idea ad use one of the ad cards to explain the system.
Also, keep in mind that the United States is the only country that uses inches. If you want to appeal to foreigners, go metric.

jmrock · « **Reply #13 on:** September 13, 2013, 10:02:20 PM »

If you'd like to see something truly amazing... Ricky Jay Throwing Cards...

http://youtu.be/k1ZGIN0UqJE

Don Boyer · « **Reply #14 on:** September 14, 2013, 02:05:48 AM »

I think you've basically covered the bases with this deck, J.

10ofclubs mentioned metric measure - you could make it a background pattern on the faces, in a light color like a pale blue on white. This way you have English and metric measures. Concentric rings extending out from the corners would make sense, since it's most likely that the card will penetrate on a corner impact. Make the Jokers or at least the ad cards with actual, accurate rulers printed on them - never hurts to have a measuring tool.

See if the manufacturer can make your cards in a way that allows them to be laminated AFTER they've been cut from the sheet. This would allow you to apply laminate right on the edge of the card itself, strengthening it to help keep its keen edge and aerodynamics. I recall hearing that some old-school decks were done like this. Even if it's a secondary lamination done after the standard manufacturing process, it would still make that edge stronger - and could give the card a little extra heft for penetration power.

Do some simple aerodynamic tests of various embossing patterns that would be available to you when having them made. To my knowledge, a simple dot pattern similar in appearance to the surface of a golf ball would be best, but what do I know - I'm not an aerodynamics engineer. It could be possible that one pattern will give you a slight edge over the others. Another possible idea to test - would "faro-style" sharp corners be more or less effective for piercing than modern rounded corners?

Cartamundi may do a good job and have the right stock - but Fournier is capable of some very precise, high-grade card manufacturing, as anyone who appreciates a pack of Fournier 605s can tell you. The stock they use on the 605s is not just stiff and strong, it's actually water-resistant - many people use brief submersion in water to clean the cards individually . I'm thinking that if any company can make you a playing card that's the closest thing to armored you can get while still being made of paper, Fournier is that company.

Nurul · « **Reply #15 on:** September 15, 2013, 07:23:52 AM »

Here's another link for throwing cards http://youtu.be/RZjBxAxrfd4 Brian brushwood from revision3 and scam school shows 2 techniques on how to throw it. He uses different cards.

EDIT: I just re-read the first post from Jason. Brian also mentions Ricky Smith, so this video is probably useless to u lol

JasonBrumbalow · « **Reply #16 on:** September 17, 2013, 10:03:38 AM »

Thanks for the feedback guys. Great stuff as always.

xela · « **Reply #17 on:** September 18, 2013, 02:53:04 PM »

Quote from: JasonBrumbalow on September 17, 2013, 10:03:38 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys. Great stuff as always.

Any ETA on the card-throwing deck, or any ideas you want to explore on getting it stiff and deadly?

Collector · « **Reply #18 on:** September 27, 2013, 02:48:28 PM »

My idea:

Throw them into my pocket

JasonBrumbalow · « **Reply #19 on:** October 02, 2013, 10:21:34 AM »

Thanks to everyone and their great input!

Found something incredible on the shoot with Rick Smith Jr.

If you cut a certain series of designs in the right place, in the right size, with the right orientation - the card actually screams through the air when thrown. Not just by a pro, I had these making significant noise on my 3rd throw.

The deck will be made of 100% Prestige Plastic for durability, have reinforced coatings for strength and piercing power, a marking system to measure your depth of target hits and of course, the die cut punches to create a scream as they whizz through the air.

Look for "Banshees: Throwing Cards" this Christmas.

Nurul · « **Reply #20 on:** October 02, 2013, 11:12:24 AM »

That's an awesome name for the deck considering it screams through the air :p maaaaan, I'm defo looking forward to these

JasonBrumbalow · « **Reply #21 on:** October 17, 2013, 10:29:14 AM »

They're coming to life...

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=573629636018129

Don Boyer · « **Reply #22 on:** October 18, 2013, 12:13:02 AM »

Jason, this is killer - I made a new topic for the actual deck, since it's rapidly on its way to becoming a reality! I'm going to move this topic into the Design/Dev board, since it was more about designing the deck.

Anthony · « **Reply #23 on:** October 18, 2013, 07:59:16 PM »

I've been reading the threads Jason, very exciting project. Even though I'm not a professional (Magician or Cardist) I would love to have these in my collection! Can't wait to see more

Don Boyer · « **Reply #24 on:** October 18, 2013, 11:55:47 PM »

Quote from: Sparkz on October 18, 2013, 07:59:16 PM

I've been reading the threads Jason, very exciting project. Even though I'm not a professional (Magician or Cardist) I would love to have these in my collection! Can't wait to see more

If I was a card thrower, I'd be curious about how the "shriek" whistling effect affects the aerodynamics of the card. It might slow it down because of the air intake, reducing the speed and thus the penetration, or it might actually speed it up due to the lighter weight as compared to a solid card, perhaps even creating a lifting effect that will keep it airborne longer much like how the ailerons of a plane's wings can alter the wings' shape to provide lift.