Sentio is an Alan Rorrison and Vanishing Inc. Magic utility device that permits the performer to card punch a playing card in plain sight. As stated in the promotional video, it is built into a Sharpie marker. Very clever.
The product comes with the utility device and a streaming (not downloadable) 35 minute instructional video. Oddly enough, the video, which is taught by Rorrison, is not called Sentio and instead, Rorrison calls it “L.P.” L.P. must be the original version’s name, but I am just guessing. I am surprised that Vanishing Inc. did not create their own instructional video.
Rorrison first teaches how to easily do a one-time set up on the gimmick to your specifications, which is not intuitive. He warns to watch the full instructions first, lest you break the gimmick. The gimmick can be used on any Sharpie marker and Rorrison guarantees normal wear and tear for the lifetime of the product. He provides his personal email if the purchaser has any questions too.
The promotional video and ad copy are both accurate. The instructional video looks like it was shot by Rorrison himself with a bird’s eye view of a close-up mat. It is a no frills video.
He teaches a few basic routines using the gimmick and teaches a deceptive way with reasonable motivation that justifies the moves needed to deceptively punch the card during the performance. The device can be performed surrounded and can even be handed out without the spectators realizing what they are holding. One of the routines is simply a ‘punch and find’ routine and the others consist of a drawing duplication and routine with currency. The routines seemed a bit light, but there are many possibilities to use this gimmick if you give it some thought or refer to other resources.
This is what you think it is and if you think you have use for an on the fly gimmick (as opposed to a punch that you use before you perform), this is a great utility device at a reasonable price.
Because the gimmick is so well made and deceptive it gets a 9 out of 10 rating.