What type of Swami Writer is best for me?

Hello friends,

There are lots of types of Secret Writers out there. Here at Ronjo, we offer you a wide selection to choose from. But I am going to try to help you narrow the choices to help you determine which one might suit you best.

First of all if you have never had one or are unfamiliar with some of the different types, I recommend 13 Steps To Mentalism by Corinda. He has a full chapter in on various types of Swami Writers as well as what to do with them.

Now we'll take a look at the types of writing tips that are out there.

Regular Lead gives the look of a mechanical pencil.

Thick Lead or Lead, gives the look of a regular pencil.

China, Grease or Listo Marker (also represents a Sharpie marker). Can been seen easier for large groups.

Some of the above models come in different choices of writing tips.

Writers can be fashioned as TTs or a curved metal wedge that fits under your thumb nail, a band that clips around your thumb or a disc that sticks to the base of your thumb.

Some are refillable, some are disposable but the disposable ones are inexpensive enough that they won't break your wallet.

All offer various pluses and minus for the individual and really all are a matter of preference.

In the end they will all get the same job accomplished.

Here is a detailed description to help you decide.

1. Swami Gimmick from Sam Dalal you get four metal C clips that go under the thumbnail has replacement lead and a booklet for uses. This is the traditional nail writer type our most popular seller and the least expensive of the group.

2. Jerry Somerdin makes the Eric Mason Boon Writer. This uses thick bold lead that is replaceable and the larger round gimmick sticks to the base thumb for more surface area. The gimmick is made of steel and can be stolen or disposed of quickly with a magnet nearby.

3. Next up is the Scarab by Ray Piatt. The Scarab comes in a variety of writing elements. The metal beetle shaped shell fits your thumb perfectly. The shell has a heel this aids in the stability of writing. The lead is off center to provide a natural writing angle. All of the Scarabs are designed to be disposable but can be re-leaded. The Black Beauty version is intended for refilling, though it takes some effort.

4. Viking Magic has the Swami Band Writer. This is a large C clip that goes around and under the base of your thumb. This shape enables you to slip it off easily but prevents rocking when using. Replaceable writing element.

5. Vernet has created two styles of Swami Thumbs. One in a lead, the other in a marker. This is best suited for larger groups because the gimmick is a tad bulky compared to the others. Replaceable writing element.

6. Guy Bavli has the Super Writer Pro consists of a Thumb Writer with replaceable writing element and a special clip board that contains a hidden feature to allow for perfectly legible and stable one handed writing. We will not tip that method here.

7. The newest style to date is Super Sharpie from MagicSmith. The boone type gimmick is built into a Sharpie marker. It is easy to obtain and ditch. This marker can be used at anytime throughout your show and even used by your spectators to sign cards and such.

8. We'll give special mention to the RTW (Retractable Thumb Writer). Unfortunately this item is currently off the market. If you are lucky enough to find one somewhere, grab it. It is a unique device. This product was mainly of interest because of the booklet, Rules Of Thumb that it originally came with. Rules Of Thumb has popular routines that were originally published in Vibrations, the official magazine of the Psychic Entertainers Association.

Now you have a whole lot to think about. I hope we were able to guide you and not confuse you even more.

Talk to you soon.
Team Ronjo