Reference Guide

to the

Color Changing Knives

knife

Compiled by Doug A

Last Update: Dec 2022: Added Books: Bob King's Opening Nite Magic; John Derris' updated Come a Little Closer book with Roy Walton's Knifed routine; Roberto Mansilla Cerca book (Spanish); Alexander de Cova's Burners Vol. 6; The Magic of Johnny Thompson Volume II;
Magazines: Ralph Hull's Juggling Knives routine in Pallbearer's Review; Danny Cheng's My Favorite from The Disclaimer
Mar 2022: Added Marc DeSouza's Master Works of Conjuring Lecture.

Thanks to Lawrence O (over at TheMagicCafe) for the French references.

Introduction: This is a listing of books, videos/DVDs, and products related to the "color changing knives" effect. I have not included most related effects, such as the Hot Rod (with a few exceptions). I started a section with Magazine References as well.

Please note that none of these items are for sale from this site; this page is for informational purposes only. Any prices listed are just ballpark estimates and are provided only for comparison purposes. Check with your local dealer for availability and current prices.

Click the links at the top of this page for other articles on the Color Changing Knives.

Books with Color Changing Knife routines, moves, or references:

Adair, Ian: Adair's Ideas. 1959, softcover. Page 12, Crazy Knife

Ascanio, Arturo de: The Magic of Ascanio, Volume 4, Knives and Color-Blindness. 2008, hardcover, 132 pages. Ascanio's treatment of the Color Changing Knives, formerly available as Jose De La Torre's (abridged) Ascanio's World of Knives, listed below . Includes sleights, routines and philosophy of the color changing knives.

Bandy, Father: Isn't That Good? The Magic of Johnny Brown. 1974, 101 pages. Contains a Colour-Changing Knives Routine on page 3. Published by John D. Standridge, Mesquite, Texas.

Baron, Harry: My Best Close-Up Trick. Includes Jeans Chameleon Knife, by Alexander Elmsley. Uses a Chameleon/Visible Change knife and a matching color change knife, and a third white regular knife. Teaches Sleeving a Penknife and the Paddle Move in addition to the routine.

Bennett, Doug: Extra Sensory Deceptions. 1984, softcover, 27 pages. Close up magic, including Mirror Knives, a color changing knives effect using a small mirror.

Bobo, J.B.: Watch This One. 1947, hardcover. By the author of Modern Coin Magic. Features cards, coins and more, including a move for the color changing knives (not a full routine).

Brahams, Anthony: Karl Norman: Forty Years at the Forks (see also Karl Norman's Here's How, below). 1995, hardcover. Includes a four knife Color Changing Knives routine.

Brooke, Ken: Ken Brooke's Magic, The Unique Years (Edwin Hooper, editor) 1980, hardcover. This collection of Ken Brooke magic includes Ken Brooke's Penknife Routine, p. 50. A Supreme Magic publication.

Clark, Keith: Encyclopedia of Cigarette Magic. 1937. While not covering specific knives moves, several of the sleights used for cigarettes can be adapted to knife work.

Conn, Doug: Conn-fidential. Softcover, 1997. Includes Switchblades, a five phase color changing knife routine. 

Conn, Doug: Connsolidated Connundrums. 2006; e-Book/PDF. Includes Switchblades, a Color Changing Knife routine. Uses a four knife set (such as b/b, w/w, w/b, b/r). Same routine as previously published in Conn-Fidential.

Cova, Alexander de: Burners, Vol. 6 (German). 2018, 289 pages Hardcover. Includes Färbemesser, on the Color-Changing Knives and including bringing the knives into play, banknote penetration, through the handkerchief, and more.

Daryl: New Millennium World Tour Lecture. 1999, softcover. includes Daryl's unique Daryl Color Changing Knives, that uses a unique knife with a thumbprint! I don't believe the knife set is available anymore.

Derris, John: Come a Little Closer - New Edition. Hardcover, 1998 L&L Publishing. Includes Roy Walton's Knifed color changing knife routine.

DeSouza, Marc: Master Works of Conjuring - the Lecture. Covers Marc's Cutting Edge Color Changing Knife routine.

Drane, E.O. (Enardo): The Color Changing Knives. Routine that came with Enardo's Color Changing Knives.

Duraty: Magie Pour Les Amis. (In French) 1975, 117 pages. Includes, "Le Canif de Bagdad", a three knife routine using sleights by Juan Tamariz, Bob Ostin, Alex Elmsley and Arturo de Ascanio. The knife changes color several times to end up, after a sucker explanation, being multicolor (p.105 to 112)

Elliott, Bruce: Classic Secrets of Magic. 1953. Chapter 4 is The Very Peripatetic Paddle: The paddle move with knives, matchsticks, business cards and dice

Elmsley, Alex: The Elmsley-Color Changing Knife Routine: see entry below under Stephen Minch, below.

Frank, Gary: Classic Color Changing Knives and Paddle Routines. 1993, softcover, 21 page booklet, no photos. This booklet is essentially an extract of Merrill's Knife Book, covering approximately the first half of that book. Covers basic moves, push through color change, turn around color change, the switch, silks and the knife, visible color change knife, advanced move with color change knife, and advanced routines for two identical knives. Gary Frank worked with Dr. R.D. Merrill and is mentioned in Merrill's book. Gary's booklet can be purchased alone or with set of knives, though I would certainly recommend getting the Merrill book instead (also available from Gary). 

Ganson, Lewis: The Art of Close-Up Volume I: 1996 (reprint), hardcover. Includes a Paddle Trick chapter that features two color changing knife routines. One knife routine is Niberco's routine using 2 knives, one gimmicked and one regular of a completely different color. The other routine is Rink's Simplex Routine, using one gimmicked, and two regular of each color.

Ganson, Lewis: Routined Manipulation Part II. 1950, softcover; my edition includes parts I and II in one volume, but they used to be separate. Ganson's Colour Changing Pocket Knife routine uses three knives: W/R, W/B, and Striped.

Garcia, Frank: The Close-Up Magic of Frank Garcia, Vol. 1. 1982, 103 pages. Includes, A Handful of Entertainment, Frank's color changing knife routine using 4 knives: W, B, B/W, and B/Striped.

Garin, Jean: La Magie Des Canifs (In French): 2001. Hardcover, 166 pages. A complete text in the color changing knives, with moves and several routines.

Giobbi, Roberto: Secret Agenda. 2010, hardcover, 414 pages. Includes Climax for a Knife Routine, in which a knife changes into a lot of tiny knives.

Green, Paul: Take a Stroll With Me Lecture Notes: 1998, Softcover, 20 pages. Notes contain thoughts on the business side of doing Magic. Complete but not for the beginner. Includes a Color Changing Knife routine that appeared in Genii Magazine.

Hall, Trevor H.: The Testament of Ralph W. Hull. 1945 ARCAS. Includes in Chapter 8, - The Juggling Knives: color changing knives routine featuring R.W. Hull's Unpublished Routine and the Author's Routine

Haydn, Whit: The Intricate Web of Distraction. 1989, softcover. Excellent, fully explained color changing knife routine. As usual to Whit's style, includes comedy patter. This is a three knife routine using the gimmicked knife and two others, one of each color. Explains moves, including a couple of unique variants, a nice close vanish, and the routine. Recommended; also available as a video/DVD.

Ireland, Laurie L. (editor): The YearBook Reader. Volume 1949 includes Dave Lee's "New Effect for Color Change Knife Routine" (also listed below under magazine entries).

Jensen, Jon: Monte Too. 1988, softcover. Collaboration between Jon Jensen, Dan Harlan, Phil Kannen, and Gary Darwin. This book applies the "3 Card Monte" theme to other props such as bills, Lota bowls, trash cans, film canisters, chewing gum, coins, crayons, matchboxes, color changing knives and the magic coloring book (though NOT the endless chain).

Kellerhof, Alfred: Typisch Alfred! (Typical Alfred!); 2003, 159 pages. This German language book contains many routines of Alfred Kellerhof. Includes "Das Färbemesser", his color changing knives routine in which the knives can be examined at beginning and end.

King, Bob: Opening Night Magic. 1995 softcover, 42 pages. Includes Lightning: color changing knife routine for a single knife

Lancaster, Lou: Tricks of the Trade Commercial Closeup Magic. 1984, softcover. Includes Lou's Lost and Found Department color changing knives routine. The routine uses the "standard" 2-knife set; the knives in the photos appear to be Enardoe style knives.

Lavand, Rene: Magic from the Soul (and Slow Motion Magic Volume II). 1993. Magic from the Soul incorporates Slow Motion Magic Volumes I & II, as well as the never before published Volume III. Features tricks with normal and prepared decks, and many essays. Also includes a section on Color Changing Knives

Leech, Al: Manipulating With Leech: Magic, Inc. 1952 (with lots of reprints), Softcover. Includes Bob Lotz' Color Changing Knives and a Flip Over move (among other non-knife effects). The Bob Lotz' routine is a good one, using four knives: gimmick, two regular knives (one each color), and with a tiny knife climax. Recommended. 

Leveridge, Mark: The 8th British Close Up Magic Symposium Book. 2003. Available separately or in a book compiled with the other Symposiums. Includes Richard Pinner's The Opening Colour Change, a novel color changing penknife idea.

Lichter, Millard: FunTASTIC Knife Routine Book. 2000, softcover. 12 phase color changing knives routine consisting of changes (many color), transpositions, transformations, triple climax, complete comedic script, and photos. Explains painting, moves, routine, and analysis.

Lorayne, Harry: Apocalypse Vol 3 No 5 May 1980. (Available as part of the hardcover bound set Apocalypse Vol 1-5, 2000). Harry Lorayne's Apocalypse volume 3 number 5 contains the routine Knives, Knives, Knives by Gonzalez, Kaufman and Stone with three handlings for the Color Changing Knives.

Lorayne, Harry: Apocalypse Vol 17 No 1 Jan 1994 16th Anniversary Issue. (Also available as part of the hardcover bound set Apocalypse Vol 16-20, 2002). Harry Lorayne's Apocalypse Vol 17, number 1 contains Bob King's Fantasy Knives, which uses two knives and a total of three color changes. Includes patter.

Mansilla, Roberto: Cerca (Spanish). 2019 hardcover, 160 pages. Includes Las Navajas color changing knife routine with a shrinking knife portion. 

Mentzer, Jerry: Another Close Up Cavalcade. 1975, hardcover, 160 pages. Includes Knives: a routine for the color changing knives using two regular knives of contrasting color and the gimmicked knife. Follows the "Enardoe" pattern, but includes a nice flip color change and ends with both knives examinable.

Merrill, R.D.:Merrill's Knife Book: 1981, softcover or hardcover, 64 pages. A complete book on the color changing knives. Contains everything from the basic routines to the most advanced flourishes and moves. The Merrill knives are a classic, and this book is very thorough. I like Ascanio's World of Knives a little bit better, but the Merrill book is still highly recommended.

Minch, Stephen: Collected Works of Alex Elmsley Volume 1: 1991, hardcover & e-book, 424 pages, this routine originally from 1954. While most of the effect are cards, the chapter "Minus Fifty Two" includes non-card effects and features: The Elmsley Color-changing Knife Routine, a three knife routine featuring a visible-color change knife (uses R/Blu, W/W, Blu/R-Blu visible color change).

Mogar, Joe: Fantasy Knives Routine. Routine that came with the 5 knife Fantasy Knives set by Joe Mogar.
Miracle Knife Routine. Routine that comes with the Mogar 4 knife sets

Morris, Bud : I Am Curious (Magic). 1970, softcover, 54 pages. Includes an entry entitled, Color Changing Knives Revisited, on page 14. Magic Limited (Lloyd Jones).

Neale, Robert E.: This Is Not a Book. 2008, hardcover, 410 pages. Includes a color changing knife routine around a tale of love and tragedy (not for children). Hermetic Press.

Norman, Karl: Here's How. 51pg. 1985 Collector's Workshop. Includes Color Changing Knives using 4 knives, adapted from Schulien's routine.

Platiquini, Marcos: Platimagics II. 2011, 52 pages, e-Book. Translated from the Spanish, includes Colour Changing Knives. Uses a visible color change knife. Lybrary.com

Schindler, George: Presto! Magic for the Beginner. Includes Color Changing Knife. How to make one and a basic routine.

Sisti, Jim: Grandpa's Fruit Knives: 2011, 12 pages, e-book. Structured around a Michael Skinner routine, designed for strolling, and with a logical script. Lybrary.com

Swinford, Paul: Lecture Notes. 1971, 12 pages. Includes The Color Changing Knife, which uses just a standard set of two knives.

Tahoe, T.C.: TC Tahoe Re-Thinks #5 - Color Changing Knife. 2011, 10 pages, e-Book. a "fun, fast and entertaining" routine. Lybrary.com

Tamariz, Juan: Bewitched Music Vol. 1 Sonata: 1989. A classic book of magic. Pages 1 through 263 include card magic such as The Tamariz Perpendicular Control (TPC), Sandwiches, Turnovers, Lapping, false shuffles and more. Pages 263-304 are on the color changing knife and includes The Tamariz Twist, 3 knife routines, and multiple moves and ideas.

Tarbell, Harlan, Course In Magic Vol VII. 1972, hardcover, 400 pages. Lesson 87 Novelty Magic includes a color changing knife routine. This routine is the "standard", using a two knife set (one gimmicked)

Thompson, Johnny: The Magic of Johnny Thompson Volume II. 2018, hardcover. Includes Color-Changing Knives including the Smash-Climax.

Torre, Jose De La: Ascanio's 'World of Knives": 1958 (Spanish), 1975 (English), softcover, 96 pages. Second edition published by Meir Yedid Magic in 2011. Jose's translation of Ascanio's World of Knives is not a word-for-word translation, but was meant to represent highlights of the original work. This book presents complete instruction, from an explanation of the knives, what makes a good color changing knife, moves, and complete routines. Highly recommended. There is also now available a full literal translation of the original work available as The Magic of Ascanio, Volume 4.

Torre, Jose De La: Knives Routine. Booklet that came with Joe's expanded Kolorfusing knife set. Book includes the New Kolorfusing routine, Color Changing Knives and More, and Fred Kaps' Knives Routine.

Torre, Jose De La: Routines that came with knives - Color Changing Knives and More. Routine that came with Jose's knives.
Smash Climax: 4 page instruction sheet; as the penknife passes through the fist, it changes into a multitude of mini-knives

Victor, Edward: More Magic of the Hands. 1938. 133 pages. The second in a series of three books on manipulative magic. The series covers cards, coins, silks, billiard balls, thimbles, cigars & cigarettes, and more. This volume contains a color changing knife routine called The Rainbow Penknife and using a set of four knives. 

Warlock, Peter (editor): Come A Little Closer, 1953. Contains contributions from Tommy Vanderschmidt, Arthur Holland, Bobby Bernard, Alex Elmsley, Roy Walton, Ted Danson, John Derris, and Jack Avis. Among other effects, it includes Roy Walton's "Knifed", color changing knife effect.  (See also 1998 revised edition edited by John Derris).

Wilmarth, Phil: The Magic of Matt Schulien. 1959, 178 pages. Nice color changing knives routine. This one uses four knives, including several gimmicked. It also uses comedy.

Wonder, Tommy: The Books of Wonder, Volume 2. 1996, hardcover, 342 pages. Includes Tommy's Toss and Turn one handed toss paddle move on page 59.

Yedid, Meir: Magical Wishes. 1994. Includes a Color Changing Knife Interlude (not a routine) as well as lots of other coin, card, and other magic

York, Scotty: Original Handling and Presentation of the Color Changing Pocket Knives. 1998, 38 Pages. Instruction manual that was available only with Scotty's Color Changing Knives (long out of manufacture). Includes some history, knife design, basic moves, a Fred Kaps routine, the Double Edge Knife Case, and an Al Cohen routine.

Magazine References:

(Listed in order by Magazine Title)

Abracadabra Magazine: Goodliffe (editor)
1946 March 23rd, Vol 1, No. 8. John K. Bays - The Bays' Knife Routine page 4;
1952 July 5th, Vol 13, No. 330. Roy Baker - Colour-Changing Knives page 378;
1953 July 4th, Vol. 15. No. 338. A.J. Thomas. A New Move for the Colour-Changing Knife. A one-handed change. Pg. 473.
1954 April 17th, Vol 17, No. 429. Reg. Danton. Knives, Sleeves and a Lighter. Page 197. Using a set of three knives and a lighter.
1957 September 14th, Vol 24, No. 607. Bob Ostin. A Novel Penknife Routine. Uses a regular, gimmicked, and Chameleon knife, a midget knife, and a holder.
1982 July 17th, Vol 74, No. 1903. William Zavis. Getting an Edge. Using one visible change/Chameleon knife.

Apocalypse. Harry Lorayne
1980, Vol03, No05, May. Gozalez, Kaufman, Stone: Knives, Knives, Knives; Three handlings for the Color Changing Knives
1994, Vol17, No01, Jan. King, Bob: Fantasy Knives: Uses two gimmicked knives with a total of three different colors. Includes patter.

Arcane Journal (In French). Jean-Yves Prost (editor)
No. 19 and 21: Cavailles, Marc: Marcus Routine: clever routine using two gimmicked knives with a micro knives climax.

Channel One Magazine. Tony Miller, editor, RFA Productions.
2000, Issue 3. Draun, Steve: The Draun Knives. Another excellent routine. Provides some very subtle moves that work well, and a full routine using three knives (two gimmicked, one regular). Steve uses Mogar knives.

The Disclaimer, by Chicago Magic Bash (Tom Dobrowolski).
2021, July, Volume 1, number 4. Cheng, Danny: Current Favorite. Presents a fake explanation with production from a tiny purse, along with a fake finger, and another knife.

Genii Magazine. Larsen, Kaufman (editors)
1950 January. William Larsen. Coins, Cuff Links,  Stamps and Tricks Column. Includes description of a one handed switch.
1950 February. Eddie Joseph: The Elusive Blades. For a set of three knives, using your watch band and a handkerchief.
1956 July. Nick Trost. Nick's Color Changing Knives, routine for 3 knives from Nick's Table Tricks No. 1 column
1963 October. Perry Robinson. Knife Switch. A method of misdirection to switch in a gimmicked knife at the start of your routine.
1975 Feb. David Bamberg The Casavalle Anti-Giro. Dr. Carlos M. Casavalle's rendition of Ascanio's Ultra Rapid Turn.
1983 June. El Duco. Color Changing Knives - The Underside Move. Another approach to showing both sides.
1988 July. Frank Chambers. A New (?) Color Changing Knife Move.
1988 Aug. Frank Chambers. A One Handed Switch for Knives and Similar Objects.
1988 September. Steve Aldrich. Color Changing Knife Routine. For a three knife set.
1988 December. Todd Robbins. Manifestations. Knife used as part of a mentalist effect
1989 May. Dai Vernon. Pocket Knife Trick. Routine using a two knife set with a small, baby knife.
1994 July. Lester, Neil: The Trouble With Gravity. A short and sweet routine using only one knife with rhyming patter. The knife vanishes while held at eye level and at arm's length with no pulls, no topits, no sleeves. Includes two new color-changes, one in the air and a one-finger-turnover move.
1996 July. Paul Green. Foot-in-the-Door Color Changing Knives. Ice-breaker routine using three knives. 
2000 Feb. Vol 63, #2. Robert McDaniel: Technicolor Changing Knives. A four knife routine with Silks.

Ireland's Yearbook. Laurie Ireland (editor)
1949 Ireland Yearbook: Dave Lee, New Effect for the Color Changing Knife Routine: a move for the color changing knives
1953 Ireland Yearbook: Malcolmn McCallum. MacCallum's Rainbow Knife Routine. Six knife routine based on the Stanfield Colorfusing Knife.
1957 Ireland Yearbook: John F. Mangan. Color Changing Knife Finale. Using the Jim Dandy vanisher.
1963/64 Ireland Yearbook: Eugene Boyd. Sucker Knife Finale. Uses a set of three knives, B/G, W/R, B/W.
1969/70 Ireland Yearbook: Bob Zraick. Color Changing Knife Finale with knife through pocket, using a standard two knife set.

Journal de La Prestidigitation (In French); Association Syndicale des Artistes Prestidigitateurs (A.S.A.P.)
1975, No. 302, Kaps, Fred knives routine using a handkerchief and described by Ascanio in Navajas y Daltonismo. French translation by Rémi Verlet. Page 10, 11.
1976 No. 308: Verlet, Rémi: Corbier’s Penknives Routine. Uses four knives: W, W, B, B/W; page 218.

Magic-Unity-Might (MUM). Publication of the Society of American Magician (SAM)
1967 November. J.G. Thompson, Jr.. Colorfusing Knife. From Chapter 33 of Mr. Thompson's Top Secrets of Magic.
1978 September. Lim Hap Hin. Color Changing Knives. Using a five knife set - B/B, B/W, Bl/W, Bl/Y, W/W and a holder.
1981 July. Father Paul A. Zipfel. Chameleon Knife. Using a single visible-change knife.
1985 April. John Apperson. Color Changing Knives - Revisited. Presentation for a two knife set.
1999 July. Bishop Paul Zipfel. The Color Changing Knife. Updated version with illustrations.
2011 September. Dennis Loomis. Color Changing Knife Routine Finale. As part of the column, "A Magician Prepares"; miniature knife climax.
2014 December. Roy Walton. Knifed. Routine using four knives: W/W, W/Y, W/G, W/R.

Magical Arts Journal: Michael Ammar, editor
1986 Vol 1, No. 4: Tahoe, T.C.: This Is Only a Test: Color Changing knives routine presented as a friendly challenge (also reportedly in T.C. Tahoe's notes, "Thoughts, a Lecture to Think About")

Magicana. Michael Woolf, editor. New Zealand.
2011 Feb/Mar. Ian Adair. A Look at Colour-Changing Knives. Tips and ideas.

Magigram. Edwin Hooper, Supreme Magic, UK.
1977 Vol 10, No. 1, Sep. Kellini: Kellini's Colour-Changing Knife: a color changing knife that is specially gimmicked
1978 Vol 11, No. 3, Nov. Luis M. Gavilondo, Some Notes on Colour-Changing Knives: page 215

Pabular. Nick Boldon, publisher.
1975 January. Peter Stammers. Colour Changing Knives Without a Paddle! Routine using penknives you can gimmick yourself and small matchboxes they can fit into.

Pallbearers Review, Karl Fulves.
1975 April, Vol 10, No. 6. Hull, Ralph W.. Juggling Knives. Originally marketed in 1940.

Sorcerer News-Sheet. Martin Breese.
1981 Summer, Issue No. 4: Michael J. Austin: Routine for the 5 Knife Set: outline for a routine using a Tamariz 5 knife set.

Spellbinder. Stephen Tucker
1982, Vol 02, Issue 16. Tucker, Stephen: Excalibur Color Changing Knives. A three knife routine.

The Bat. Lloyd E. Jones, Magic Limited.
1949 July. No. 67.  Jimmy Sanders. Routine for Jimmy Sanders Set of 3 Color Changing Knives. And other tips.

The Conjuror's Magazine. Walter Gibson (Editor)
1948 Vol 04, No 07, Sep, Edeling, Haakon: An Original Method for the Color-Changing Knife

The Gen. Lewis Ganson & Harry Stanley, editors.
1951 Volume 6, No. 11, March. Lewis Ganson. The Colour Changing Pocket Knife Part One: type of knife to use, a convenient holder, showing the sides
1951 Volume 6, No. 12, April. Lewis Ganson. The Colour Changing Pocket Knife Part Two: vanishes, color change while held by spectator, changing one knife for another.
1953 Volume 9, No. 5, September. Lewis Ganson. Berglas' Suit-Able Sorcery: contains an excellent section on sleeving penknives
1959 Volume 15, No. 4, August. Nic Niberco (Holland): Niberco's Colour Changing Knife Routine (also in Ganson's Art of Close Up Vol 1)
1960 Volume 16, No. 9, January. Rink (Holland): New Lamps for Old - a Simple Colour Changing Knife Routine.

The Linking Ring. Journal of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM)
1939 April. Joe Berg. Berg's Broadcast article. Includes a transposition move for the Chameleon Knives.
1941 December. Jimmy Sanders. Knifing. Routine for Jimmy's 6 knife set.
1944 August. Paul Huckabee. Color Changing Knife. Two knife routine.
1944 September. Mark Jacobs. Again - Color Changing Knives. A one knife quickie. And Another Knife Gag, can use with a Hot Rod knife
1951 January. Lewis Ketchum. Routine for the Color Changing Knife as part of the MagiCops on Parade special; simple routine for a single knife.
1955 February. Nick Trost. Quick Color Changing Knife Routine. Simple routine for two knives.
1957 October. U.F. Grant: Grant's Chameleon Knife Routine. A quick description of using the split-color knife.
1957 November. Jimmy Sanders Routine for Three-Color Changing Knives, and Deluxe Set of Eight Knives.
1972 September. R.W. Hull. The Juggling Knives. Uses four knives, two gimmicked and two regular.
1972 November. R.D. Merrill. An Original Routine for Four Knives, and Silks and the Knives.
1975 May. Roy Kissell. Color Changing Knife. Using two knives. A routine Roy used to provide with each set of knives he sold in his shop, Guaranteed Magic.
1976 Jan. Tommy Rowe. A "Clean" Finish for the Color Changing Knife. A switch for ending your routine.
1981 May. Clyde E. Glandon. Arabian Knives. Uses a three knife set and blends into a do as I do card effect.
1988 May. Bev Bergeron. Color Changing Knife Routine. A knife is removed from a chain, changes colors, vanishes and is found back on the chain.
1988 September. David Drake Big and Little Knives. Quickie with the Color Changing Knives.

The Magic Magazine. Max Andrews (editor)
1955 December. Eddie Joseph. The Elusive Blades. A Six phase routine using a three knife set.

The Sphinx. Hilliar, Wilson, Mulholland (editors)
1945 Vol 44, No. 4, June. Little Johnny Jones: Knife Flourish. A two knife routine using un-gimmicked knives.
1952 Vol 51, No. 2, June. Sanders, Jimmy: My Color Changing Knife Routine.


Video/DVDs

Bernard, Bobby: Videonics Program #04 Bobby Bernard Close Up Moves Vol. 2. 1980, VHS, downloadable video. Includes a color changing knife lesson along with some coin magic and a lesson on sleeving. L&L Publishing bought the rights to the Videonics line

Burt, Brad: Down and Dirty Color Changing Knives Instructional DVD. DVD comes with a set of Enardoe Style knives. Includes the Paddle Move, the Basic Thru the Hands Change, the Flick Change, the Transposition of Knives and Brad's favorite Vanish. $25 with knives. \

Carney, John: Greater Magic Volume 8 DVD Includes: The Logical Bill Trick, Coin in Bottle, Strike up the Band, Card in Balloon, Color Changing Knives, Ring on stick.

Daryl: Fooler Doolers Volume One DVD Includes Daryl's Color Changing Knives,.

Davidson, Larry: Scripted Insanity Volume 2 DVD. 2Hr, 14 min. Includes: Cut Above The Rest, which combines Color Changing Knives with Knife Through Coat and a Baby Knives climax.

de Cova, Alexander: Close-Up Session Volume 4. (In German). This German video (not available in the US as far as I know) includes: Farbemesser-Routine (Color Changing Knife) with demonstration of Juan Tamariz' Rainbow effect; as well as a Benson Bowl routine, Cups and Balls, and more

DeSouza, Marc: Master Works of Conjuring Volume 1, Stand Up Magic for Cabaret and Stage. Includes a Bonus routine featuring the Color Changing Knives.

Draun, Steve: Standing Room Only Volume 1 DVD. Includes Steve's Color Changing Knives routine that automatically resets and allows the knives to be handed out for examination.

Eason, Doc: After All These Years DVD. Live performance (only) from 2003. Includes The Disappearing Knife (color changing knife); Card Transposition; The Puzzle; Torn & Restored Card; Bar Bets, and Card on Ceiling.

 Griffin, Gerry: Video Magic Lessons Vol 1 (VHS): Effects include Color Changing Knives, a sponge ball routine and more. These tapes were part of the Gerry Griffin Teaching Tapes (of California Magic & Novelty).

Haydn, Whit: The Intricate Web of Distraction DVD/Video. Includes the theory, moves, patter and presentation for Whit's routine, plus a live performance. Available in Video or DVD

Kanter's Magic Shop: Kanter's Chameleon Knives. Produced in the 1930's, widely advertised in The Linking Ring. Designed specifically for the manipulation moves. Original knives featured a Stag to Pearl color change, the "popular priced" knives were of a different handle material, but using the same base knife. The blades were stamped with the  "Kanter" name.

Keith, Jon: Impromptu Close-Up Magic Instructional Video Tapes. Includes a Color Changing Knives routine with special handing that will fool Professionals Magicians. Was $65 for three video set.

Lavand, Rene: Close-Up Artistry Volume Five DVD. Includes My Penknives, red and white knife change places and colors); Mirage (gambling); Single Handed Matrix (one-handed).

Malone, Bill: On the Loose Vol 4. Includes Walk Around Knives, a strolling color-changing knife routine, no table required

Mogar, Joe: Chameleon Knives DVD. From Camirand Academy. Joe Mogar's encyclopedic work on the color changing knives. 95 minutes including 7 essential moves, 13 color changes, 4 vanishes, 7 switches, and 6 miscellaneous techniques. Includes how to use the Pocket Pal.

Nu, Alain: Close Up Sketches DVD: Includes Alain's Switch Blades color changing knife routine where the knives change color, transpose, multiply and finally the odd knife changes to a totally different color..

Romero, Antonio: The Perfect Holdout System with video. $225. See description under Products, below.

Skinner, Michael, Master Teach In DVD. This DVD contains all three of the Master Teach-In videos in one volume. (The separate videos may also still be available in some places). Volume Two covers the Color Changing Knife routine, (Vol 1 The Linking Rings, Vol 3 Ring On Stick). Original videos were produced in 1998. The color changing knives is an approximately 15 minute presentation of Skinner's commercial color changing knife routine with standard and not-so-standard moves. The Linking Rings routine uses 3 rings.

Skinner, Michael: Skinner's Legendary Repertoire Volume 3 DVD. 2 disc set includes Safety Pins, Colour Changing Knives, Sponge Bunnies, Ultimate Three Card Monte, Vernon's Three Card Monte, One Card Monte, and more. Presented as home video, non-studio footage.

Tamariz, Juan: 1st Lecture DVD-R. Independently produced DVD. 75 minutes. Live lecture from 1990 at the International Magic Convention in London. Performance only includes Colour Change Knives. The Lecture explains: Spectator Locater, Three Card Surprise, and Cards Across.

Tamariz, Juan: Greater Magic V41 DVD: Includes Three Card Monte, Color Changing Knives (see products below), performance of Tamariz Rabbits, and more.

Thompson, J.G.: Top Secrets of Magic Volume 3. 1968, 114 pages. Includes Colorfusing Knife, Routine using Standfield's visible color change knife and one other ungimmicked knife.

Thompson, Johnny: Commercial Classics of Magic Volume 4 DVD: Cups & Balls, Color Changing Knife, and more, with an in-depth interview with Michael Ammar

Various: Bar Magic Greater Magic V49 DVD. Eric Mead's Bar Performance includes Killer Three Card Monte and more; Scotty York's Performance includes his Color Changing Knives and more; and Bob Sheets Performance includes Tonte and more.

Various: Magic of Japan, Greater Magic Library V45 (currently still VHS only). Includes Johnny Hirose: Triple Shock, Invisible Hole & Knife; Masao Atsukawa: Coins Across, 2 Coin Sequence; Hiro Sakai: ESP Prediction, Duck Change, Alibi in the Box; Dr. Masashi Neo: Neo's Knives, Card Printing; Dr. Yoshihiko Mutobe: 3 Coin Assembly; and Dr. Hiroshi Sawa: Piano Trick, Supernatural Rope

Various: World's Greatest Magic: Color Changing Knives, Worlds Greatest Magic Series. Includes: Bill Malone - Walk Around Knives (comedy strolling magic); Johnny Thompson Color Changing Knife;  René Lavand My Penknives (a love story); Steve Draun - Color Changing Knives (another walk around version); and Daryl's Color Changing Knives (using a unique knife).

Wilson, Mark: Color Changing Knives Routine DVD with Knives. Mark Wilson teaches his personal routine. The knives are modeled after the legendary Sanders Color Changing Knives. Set with 2 Knives is $50, or $60 with the optional third knife.

Yedid, Meir: Strolling Knife Routine. Downloadable Video. 15 Minutes, 2020. Quick and easy routine, using one knife under your watchband. For a two-knife set.

Zavis, William: Videonics Program #15, William Zavis Volume 2 (VHS). This video featured Color Changing Knives, complete in every detail.  L&L Publishing bought the Videonics video line, but all of the videos have not been converted to DVD yet.

Products:

Note: Many of these products are no longer available. Photos of some of these products can be seen on the Color Changing Knives article linked at the top of this page.
Prices listed below are estimated and for research purposes only. Prices below were either the list price of the product at the time it was available, or possibly a more recent price estimate. Many of these products are no longer available, and none of these products are for sale from this website.

Acer David, Camirand Academy: Keys to the Kingdom. A Color Changing Knife effect using three keys instead of knives. Released in the early 1990's for around $19.

Alan Alan Color Changing Knife Set. Advertised in a 1982 Tannen's advertisement. Three knife set. Features visual change from a plastic colored handle to a silver metal handle. From England. Retailed for $14.50 at the time.

Bay Area Magic: Ultra-Color Changing Knives. Produced around 2001 by Michael Silver (though a review in Dec 2002 Genii mentions David Lowenstein). Similar in design to the Eric Wolf knives, but without the rivet. They featured fine wood handles in walnut and maple with chrome finish bolsters on each end. The base knives were manufactured by Frost Cutlery. Each measures 2 3/4 inches with rounded contours and uniform shape, and they handle well. They were available in a two knife set for about $100.

Bertrand, Jean-Luc: No Smoking. A CCK routine performed with specially made lighters. A standard BIC lighter is designed for non-smokers, and the image jumps on and off the lighter and from lighter to lighter, ending with an "impossible object" climax. $60

Beyond Belief: Supreme Colour Changing Knives. By Mark Mystique. These are the tapered knives with wide ends, and included paper-insert handle colors. Knives have a key ring on one end, and one feature of the routine is a knife vanish accomplished with an extra gimmick. The Deluxe set came with three knives, the Supreme Set adds one extra knife and included a Velvet Box. Reviewed in Genii, July 1994. Retailed around $20-30 at the time.

Broshears, Terry: Stag Color Changing Knife Set. Built from a 1893 "Doctor's Knife" style knife, 3.5" long, about 1/4" thick. These are heavier knives than most. Come in two knife sets, in a variety of different colors. Retail $85.
TailLight Color Changing Knives set, using car break-lights as the handle material and based on the same knife base. Comes in two or three knife sets from $85 to $125.
Sets include a velvet carry bag but no instructions.
Hot Rod Knife. Hand made single knife, each with a unique set of colors and available in a variety of force colors. No instructions. $45
Venue Approved Hot Rod Knife. A smaller, 2.75" knife with 2" blade for legal use in a wider variety of states. $37.50

Buck, Dan & Dave: A Practical Knife Routine for Gentleman.

Burt, Brad: Buck Color Changing Knives. A 2 or 3 knife set of knives made from Buck Knives. Retailed for $99.

Casavalle, Flavio: Casavalle Knives. Modeled after the Tamariz/Jose De La Torre knives, but with modern materials and design changes to minimize the potential for "flashing" and to enhance handling. The knives are very well made, with bright, highly polished colors, and are available in a variety of colors, to include the "visible-change" change knife, and smaller knives for a climax finale.

Chanin, Jack: Chameleon Knives. Two knife set with four pages of instruction along with a Knife Through the Coat routine. Advertised in 1952 The Linking Ring. I don't have any details of the knives.

Chazpro: Reflecto-Matic Knives. Color changing knives with a twist. Available with a mirror and dollar bill, card face, or card back finish. Effect is the card or bill image which reflects in the mirrored knife becomes permanent. A more rounded, tapered shaped knife. Originally cost around $12.50-$30.

Daryl: Daryl's Color Changing Knives. The climax of this routine features part of the performer's thumb print being imprinted on the knife during the final color change. A wide knife design.

Davenport's London: Demon Color Changing Knives. A Two knife set with flat handles, no bolsters, and three rivets. From the early 1950's. The blade featured a Demon Head logo on the end of the blade.

Dusheck, Steve: Giant Color Changing Knife. A 5.5" knife designed after the Merrill Knife pattern. Advertised in the July 1988 New Tops magazine.

El Duco: El Duco's Knife Routine. Full routine featuring El Duco's Underside Move and two knives. Knives feature bolsters on both ends. Released in the late 1980's.

Enardoe (E.O. Drane) Color Changing Knives. Two knife set, with the knives being "puzzle knives" in that there is a trick to opening them. Originating around the 1960's, this style of knife was very popular and has been replicated by several other manufacturers.

Fantastic Magic Company (Gary Frank): Color Changing Knives. Knives are 2 7/8" long and come as a two or three knife set. Includes Classic Color Changing Knives and Paddle Routines (see description in book section). A photo of the two knife set is available at Gary's web site. $27.00 for the two knife set $35.00 for the three knife set. A visible color change knife was available for $15.

Funtime Magic (formerly ElectroFun) Color Changing Penknife #2 and #3. The two knife set is Black & White, the three knife set is Black, White and Red. These are a lower quality knife, but now made in Aluminum so as not to rust. They feature a rivet at one end and a bolster at the other end. Inexpensive but workable knives. Three knife set includes a routine by Sam Dalal Three Color Changing Pen Knife, using the three knife set and a holder.

Funtime Magic: Ganson Color Changing Knives. Funtime has taken Ganson's color changing knife routine and packaged it with a set of inexpensive knives. Set has a Red/Blue knife color change, with Striped knife climax and features Lewis Ganson's routine as found in his book "Routined Magic". These knives are workable, but quality is only fair. Low price.

Jackson, J.P.: Custom Knives. J.P. Jackson produced multiple sets of custom color changing knives, some designed from high-quality Case brand knives. No longer available.

Kibbey, Lee, "Magic Lanny": Custom Knives. Lee sold his custom knives on eBay for quite some time. Based on a Wincheter knife, and were available in a variety of colors. These knives had very good reviews.

Loftus, Morris, Empire, Royal: Magic Puzzle Knives. Classic Black & White two knife set based on the Enardoe design. Knives are puzzle knives in that they hide a secret locking mechanism that allows the magician to open them but no one else. Knives are a good shape, a little on the wide side. I've seen ads for Loftus from the 1950's.

Long, Chad: Flash. A variation of the color changing knives using USB-style Flash Drives instead of knives. Includes 2 small flash drives, 1 long flash drive, and full color instructions (the drives are custom made and are not working memory sticks).  Reviewed in Magic Sep 2010.

Magic Toad Knives (Metodie Jorgancievski - the Magic Toad). Custom knives. Similar in style to Mogar knives, and in a wide variety of colors. I purchased a set and really like the handle material, and since the knife style is similar to Mogar's, the handling is excellent.

Malloy, Doug: Color Changing Lighters. Two lighter set with instructions, produced in the early 1990's. Retailed for $30 at the time, reviewed in May 1992 Magic.

Merrill, R.D.: Merrill Knives. A fine set of narrow, squarish knives that were available in a wide variety of colors. Very good shape for the various moves. Original knives were made in Japan, but manufacture later moved to Pakistan, though the quality control was not as good. No longer produced, but were very popular in the 1970's.

Mogar, Joe: Color Changing Knives. Mogar knives come in a variety of colors and styles, with several sets available. Joe's knives are very nice with good routines and I highly recommend them. Joe carries knives that will fit almost any routine. A sampling of recent knives available include:
- Individual knives (regular/gimmick) in a variety of colors: $20 each
- Visible Change Knives: $20 each; VC Stag knife $30
- Gold Mirror Knives: $20 each
- Rainbow or Stag Knives: $30 (Rainbow/Stag combo is $40)
- Jumbo Knives: 5.5" $25 each
- Standard 3 Knife set: Black, White, Gimmicked Knife $60
- Mogar's Fantasy Knives set: Black, White, B/W, W/R/VC, R/B knives $100
- Stag Visual Change Set: W/W-StagVC, W/Stag $60
- Stag 3 Knife Set (Whit Haydn): W, BStag, W/BStag $80
- Stag Miracle Knife Routine: As above, with Stag/W-VCStag Knife $100
- Stag Sensation Set: 3 Knife Stag set plus W/Rainbow knife $110
- Perfect Knives: These knives use silk-screened colors and clear handles. This prevents any "bleed" of the color when viewed from the opposite side (similar to the Merrill Knives). Individual knives are $25 each, and sets are available.
- Jigged Bone and Rosewood: beautiful sets in rosewood, jigged bone, or smooth bone: $100 for a 3 knife set.
- Hot Rod Knife: perform your favorite Hot Rod trick with this knife. $30 (Ray Szwec). Also in giant 4.5" size for $40.
- Mini 1" Knives: in many colors. $10 each
- Flag Knives and a Flag Triple Changer: $25 each.

Porstmann, Mike: Color Changing Lighters. In German. Came with a set of three lighters.

Powell, Dave: Color Changing Swiss Army Knife. Three knife set in the size and shape of the smaller Swiss Army Knife, but in blue and white instead of Red. The shape of this knife is a bit wide.

Regal, David: David Regal's Color Changing Knives. A Custom-Made Four Knife Set. Designed from the ground up. Textured handles to allow identification by touch. Includes a Swiss Army Knife climax. Purchase includes an online video. $125.

Riser, James: Color Changing Knives. James Riser produced a set of color changing knives that looked very similar to the Mogar knives. Were available in two or three knife sets.

Rodger Lovins Magic: Hot Knife. Version of a Hot Rod Knife.

Rodger Lovins Magic: Transformed Knives. 3 knife set manufactured with stainless steel blades, brass liners, and silver bolsters. The knives feature a Pearl White and Brown Jigged Bone handles for good contrast. Size is 3.5" long by 0.5" wide. The single gimmicked knife is available alone as the Ultimate Color Changing Knife as well.

Romero, Antonio: The Perfect Hold Out. A new dimension pull. Includes instructional CD-ROM with video and three effects using the device. Routines are: 1) Super knives, 2) Incredible Card to Wallet, and 3) Multiple Vanish: Four coins vanish $225

Ronjo: Transposing Color Changing Knives. Set of three knives in red and white, similar in size to the small Swiss Army Knife, but with inlaid rubberized handle covers so that there is no danger of flashing. Knives are a bit wide.

Sanders, Jimmy: Sanders Knives. A classic set of knives using a two-blade knife, available in multiple colors and including a stag handle. No longer available and highly collectible.

Stanfield, John C.: Stanfield Colorfusing Knife. Smaller knife with a keychain on the end. Set featured the visible-color-changing knife. Came with a full 10 page instruction manual. No longer available. Reviewed in Aug 1952 The Linking Ring. 

Starsinic, Frank: Leather cases for the Color Changing Knives. Cases help to hold your knives in position in your pockets with the proper sides up so you don't have to fumble when you retrieve your knives. Frank makes a few different cases including 1) Zipper Case for Color Changing Knives. Holds 4 knives and has zipper closure to keep them secure between performances. Case is slightly larger than a deck of cards. $29. 2) Squeeze Case for Color Changing Knives. Holds 4 knives and includes a compartment to hold mini-knives for a "smash climax" ending. $24

Szwec, Ray: Custom Knives. Knives set on Marbles Knives and a few others that Ray experimented with. Ray also produced a Hot Rod knife in cooperation with Joe Mogar.

Tamariz, Juan: Juan Tamariz Knives. Similar to Jose de La Torre knives. Slender knives without a bolster on the ends. Shaped to handle the moves well, and were available in a wide variety of colors. 

Tannen Magic: Tony Spina Definitive Color Changing Knives. These were unique in that they were knife shaped, but not real knives, meaning you could take them on airlines without an issue. The handles were inlaid to prevent any flashing. The squarish shape made for excellent handling. In 1995 they added a Visible Change Knife to the options.

TCC Presents: Artisan Color-Changing Knives. Set of three black and white knives, and leather storage bag. Shell-white and Ink-black jade handles. Two bladed knives feature bolsters at both ends and Damascus patterned blades. 74.5mm long in closed position. Comes with online video instructions. $120.

The Magic Apple: The Incredible Color Changing Swiss Army Knife (Duffy Demetrus). Includes two real Swiss Army Knives (one regular, one gaffed), detailed 3 page instructions for two routines with full color photos. $100.

Torre, Jose De La: Multicolor Changing Knives. Similar in design to the Tamariz knives, and as described in Ascanio's World of Knives. They include the key ring at one end, and handle well. A full set included six knives, a holder, and full instructions.
New Kolorfusing: Uses the Stanfield-style split color knife along with the regular two knife set, with full instructions.
Knives Routine: Included the New Kolorfusing set, plus an extra gimmicked knife, with expanded book with Color Changing Knives and More, and Fred Kaps Knives Routine.

Vernet Magic: Fantasio Color Changing Lighter. Comes with two gimmicks - one to change a lighter to Red, the other to change it to White.

Weber, Michael: Double Edge Knife Case. Leather case allowed you to knowingly pull a particular knife from your pocket, and included a pocket for a tiny knife climax.

Wolf, Eric: Eric Wolf Color Changing Knives. Similar in design to the Michael Silver knives, with bolsters on both ends and one rivet in the handle. Eric produced two different styles. High quality knives that look like real pocket knives you would take with you.

York, Scotty: Scotty York Color Changing Knives. Designed to look like real knives you might carry, were available in a set of three. Includes bolsters at both ends, and one side of the handle had a shield. 



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