Swami gimmicks have been used at least since the days of the 19th century spiritulaism,
and probably long before that. The ability to write a message surreptitiously
after an event and have it written prior to the event offers limitless possibilitites
for entertinment and mystification. That's why skill with a swami is one of
the most potent weapons in the mentalist's armory -- some would say it is the
ultimate weapon. Ray Piatt's SCARAB is the ultimate in a boon style swami.
Happiness is a SCARAB!
- The beetle-shaped shell ( from which the name "scarab" is derived)
fits the shape of the thumb beautifully.
- The elongation of the shell provides a "heel" that aids the stability
of the writing.
- The placement of the writing element forward of center provides a natural
angle for writing.
The SCARAB is available in three styles:
- Regular lead - matches mechanical pencil lead
- Super lead - matches standard wooden pencil
- Waxy marker - matches Listo, China marker, Scripto crayon
The Black Beauty Kit Unlike the other scarabs,
it is intended to be re-leaded by the user. One
sands off the residue of the tip and mounts a new
one (spares supplied) with super glue. (Other scarabs
have the writing element mounted through a hole,
and are not intended for re-leading -- though some
do it.) The lead for the Black Beauty is heavier
than the super -- resembles writing with a carpenter's
pencil of editing pencil. This one sells for $22.50
