I think there are 2 distinct camps here.  Not sure if there is a need for a wand for street performers as drumsticks / rulers and tape seem to be the most durable, functional there is.

The other camp seems to be a well balanced, durable wand for general stage / close up etc.

Thanks for your input everyone

Keep it coming!

Bri

Bri,

You're right. Two different kinds of wands; elegant and street. But any wand you use should look nice, even if you're banging it on the pavement.

That was a good poll.

Tom

Tom,

Speaking of banging wands on pavements... I was given a MM (sorry for swearing) 2 piece wand and dropped it on carpet which promptly split in 2.  (The wand not the carpet!)

Come to think of it that didn't really have ANYTHING to do with pavements did it?

I need to lie down....

Bri

For me any object that provides and excuse to go to the pocket , pouch or basket is a "wand," with the ability to enhance palming or misdirection secondary.  I prefer a small daggar or spoon -- something natural to the setting.

Bri, that was one high quality wand you had there! 

FunSway, You're right. Anything like a pen or pencil will do.

Hi All… I believe whatever you feel most comfortable with and fits who you are will work as a wand. I own several wands, most being traditional with 2 ends… my favorite wand however is an oak dowel with rounded ends.

Take care,
Bruce

I think a wand has to be big enough that it is easy hold while palming something. If the wand is too thin or too short, it just doesn't look right while palming. However, in a pinch anything will do.

Tom

There's definitely a certain "esthetic" quality of a good wand. I can't nail it down, but I've had wands with tips too short, shafts a little long or short, fat or skinny. I can forgive any one of these in a wand, but if two or more of these aren't "right" the wand ends up in the junk magic drawer.

A well proportioned wand is a joy to use.

I am most comfortable with wands that are made from ½ “dowels and are between 12” and 15” long. The best for doing wand spins for me are 12” long with copper tips.

Thanks,
Bruce

Dave, Bruce, Tom... I agree totally, all related to size...  One of my pet peeves is wands with very short tips in proportion to the shaft.

True as well about the thickness, it does help to have a little extra.

I'm really not trying to make this sound like a "carry on magic" script, I just can't say it any other way!

Bri

My wand collection, all three of them, are made from 1/2" dowel. They are 12 inches long, painted or taped as necessary. Good enough for me! Andre makes some nice one, though. Nice and classy.

Tom

I use the tape wrapped drum stick Like Gazzo uses. Its okay but a bit ugly. A simple hardwood wand with no glued on bits would be great. Needs to be a heavy wood. A few turned lines at the tips would make it look nice. Iron wood, ebony, rosewood.

I have real happy with simple wands I have made from Oak dowels, my favorite is just a simple one about 15” long with rounded edges. I stained it a little darker oak color and use a tinted furniture wax on it to give it a polished sheen. As it gets used and receives slight dings it looks more and more like something from olden days.

With other wands I have made, I use a pipe cutter to score designs and rings into it and give it a treatment of Danish oil. The Danish oil stains the scores and highlights the wood grain.

Thanks,
Bruce

None of these seem to apply.  I use only 'found' cups and non-traditional cups, and never use anything that looks like a 'classic' wand.  So, the only reason to use a 'wand like' device is diversion to Steal or Dump, and I use an item appropriate to the setting and effect such as a spoon, chop stick, salt shaker, pocket knife, etc.  I also like to show both hands empty -- not possible if you are holding a wand.

I know this is heresy as many believe a wand to be essential to a C&B routine -- because their role models did it that way; but then, I also don't believe a weird final laod is essential either.  I am not trying to convert anyone, just presenting a different view.

Obviously, I use other vanishing methods than the Wand Ploy.  Since I also show my Cups empty between Transportations a Wand in hand is a hinderence.  see my ShareBook "ChopSign" for more info -- till at No CHarge for serious performers.

However, in the spirit of things "If I were to use a classic wand"  I would want one that looks exotic but can stand being dropped or banged without emotional distress -- and inexpensive enough to replace if it is ever lost or stolen.  This si a good question, though, for those planning to acquire an expensive, custom wand.

I feel sure that if anyone is looking to aquire an expensive custom wand they will take those points into consideration before commissioning one, just as they would also take those points on board should they be producing their own inexpensive one too.

I'm not sure anyone uses a wand just because someone else used on, if it doesn't serve a purpose, suit your needs and fit your style, lose it.