Hello guys, I'm the nice Canadian (thanks Zach) that collaborated with theory11 in the launch of the Hofzinser Card Gaffs. To that end, I wanted to step in and share some thoughts and ideas on the cards, how they're made, and what makes them so cool and so special. The Hofzinser card has been around for a long long time - dating back to the late 1800's. Based on our research, the date appears to be around 1844 when Johann Hofzinser first utilized the gimmick.
It is commonly referred to as the see through card but ironically enough, it's not. If it was see through, then the image on the back of the card would be a reverse image of the face, and of course match the face's value. This is intentionally not the case. I personally use this card in two effects. The first, to reveal two spectators "freely" chosen cards, and the second effect as a prediction gone wrong type of effect. Once you get a set of these cards into your hands, you will start to come up with some really sick effects. It has incredible applications - from a full effect to a subtle convincer (allow your spectator to "see through" the card themselves, without mentioning it directly).
The cards usually are 3 layers glued together to assemble one card. The cards made this way are okay, but do not have the snap and durability of the cards we present here at theory11. I use a different process, splitting the card stock, removing the face layer of two cards, and the back layer of one card. I then press the stock for 24 hours. Once the stock is pressed, I sand the inside rough side of the card to make it smooth. I then put dry mount on the card and run it through a specific laminator machine that took me forever to find as they no longer make the one that works the best.
Once the dry mount is applied, I use a straight edge to trim the excess, use a custom made corner rounder to round the card and then assemble them. It's that easy! It took me about a year to perfect making this gaff, and other gaffs that are commonly used in our trade. A lot of trial and error went into finding the right grade of materials and temperatures to assemble the perfect Hofzinser (IMHO).
Traditionally, the gaffs have sold for $15 a piece - each! But we're offering them here for the first time, in super slick packaging, for $19.95 for THREE. It's an amazing deal, and I encourage all of you guys to grab a set, experiment with it, and create applications of your own. Please post any questions you have here, and I will answer them as soon as I am able.
It is commonly referred to as the see through card but ironically enough, it's not. If it was see through, then the image on the back of the card would be a reverse image of the face, and of course match the face's value. This is intentionally not the case. I personally use this card in two effects. The first, to reveal two spectators "freely" chosen cards, and the second effect as a prediction gone wrong type of effect. Once you get a set of these cards into your hands, you will start to come up with some really sick effects. It has incredible applications - from a full effect to a subtle convincer (allow your spectator to "see through" the card themselves, without mentioning it directly).
The cards usually are 3 layers glued together to assemble one card. The cards made this way are okay, but do not have the snap and durability of the cards we present here at theory11. I use a different process, splitting the card stock, removing the face layer of two cards, and the back layer of one card. I then press the stock for 24 hours. Once the stock is pressed, I sand the inside rough side of the card to make it smooth. I then put dry mount on the card and run it through a specific laminator machine that took me forever to find as they no longer make the one that works the best.
Once the dry mount is applied, I use a straight edge to trim the excess, use a custom made corner rounder to round the card and then assemble them. It's that easy! It took me about a year to perfect making this gaff, and other gaffs that are commonly used in our trade. A lot of trial and error went into finding the right grade of materials and temperatures to assemble the perfect Hofzinser (IMHO).
Traditionally, the gaffs have sold for $15 a piece - each! But we're offering them here for the first time, in super slick packaging, for $19.95 for THREE. It's an amazing deal, and I encourage all of you guys to grab a set, experiment with it, and create applications of your own. Please post any questions you have here, and I will answer them as soon as I am able.
Last edited by a moderator: