"That's Not My Move": Ken Krenzel and the Wisch Wedge by Bill Wisch
- Bill Wisch
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
January 28, 1986, the day the Challenger disaster stunned the nation, was the day I created what I first called “Phan-Thumb Technique.” In 2012 Jon Racherbaumer renamed it the “Wisch Wedge.” I was practicing in my car when the idea struck. For more than 40 years I have featured this move in lectures, seminars, and on video. It first appeared in the 1991 MVN release The Phan-Thumb Technique and later as VHS transfers sold at my events. The move was reviewed in the December 1993 issue of MAGIC Magazine. Jon Racherbaumer wrote warmly about its application to Oil & Water: “Bill's "Wisch Wedge" as applied to an Oil & Water" routine give Rene's routine a run for the money. If you get a chance, check out this lecture-session.” I have always been proud of that endorsement.
A Dispute Resolved
When I first shared the technique, questions arose in some circles about its similarity to Ken Krenzel’s work. That discussion became known among certain magicians. I received a strongly worded letter from the late Wesley James accusing me of copying Ken and using language I will not repeat here. I kept the letter private and chose not to respond publicly.
The matter was settled once and for all on November 5, 2006 at Metro Magic 2. Ken examined the move closely while my son Kevin documented the moment with photographs. After careful observation Ken looked up and said, “Yeah. You're right. That's not my move.” I thanked him sincerely. That conversation ended any question of similarity. The photos remain a personal record of the resolution.
Transparency Matters – A Principle I Live By
I have received many questions over the years about the Wisch Wedge, its origins, mechanics, and place in the literature. I answer openly when people ask directly.
Recently a respected figure in the magic community contacted my son Kevin about the move in connection with research for a book on the double lift. We asked for more detail on the project’s scope and how any materials would be used. The initial response was indirect. Only after we declined to provide the DVD or permission to describe the method did the researcher reveal the true motivation: verifying whether Stephen Hobbs was correct in his 1993 MAGIC Magazine review that the Krenzel move was essentially the same as mine.
I wish that motivation had been stated plainly from the beginning. At 78 years old, with 54 years in this art, I have no patience for roundabout approaches or hidden agendas. If someone wants to know about my work, they should ask directly. I will share the full story, as I am doing here. Anything less makes genuine mutual respect difficult.
A Gift to the Community
Because I believe in transparency when asked openly, I have decided to release the complete 1991 Phan-Thumb Technique video for free to everyone. This is the original recording where the move was first presented on video. It is embedded below as a private, non-searchable YouTube link. Study it, enjoy it, and share the link with anyone who values straightforward magic.
I hope this preserves the move’s place in our art and shows the value of being direct. Had the recent inquiry been straightforward, this story could have been shared privately. Instead it is now public for all.
I will close with Ken Krenzel’s own words from that 2006 conversation:
“That’s not my move.”
The record is clear. The Wisch-Wedge is not the same as Ken Krenzel's move according to Ken Krenzel himself. And, it never was.
Thank you for reading.
Bill Wisch
"The Wisch Wedge Card Control Technique"
(formerly, "The Phan-Thumb Technique")
by Bill Wisch
Dai Vernon, Slydini, Larry Jennings, Charlie Miller, Harry Riser and many others have said that these card-control technique are the most natural they have ever seen.
"Bill's 'Wisch Wedge' as applied to an 'Oil & Water" routine gives Rene's routine a run for the money." ---Jon Racherbaumer
This 60 minute DVD is a transfer from the original VHS Cassette, made in conjunction with "Magician's Video Network" in 1993. It includes the basic Slydini "Oil and Water" Routine, a "knock-out" double color-change and two other, outstanding effects.
The crux of the DVD is "The Wisch Wedge" (named by Jon Racherbaumer), a totally original and ground-breaking, gripping technique (Wandering Edges Deceptively Gripped Evenly) that enables standard false counts, double lifts, multiple lifts and numerous other difficult handlings to be carried out more cleanly and naturally than ever thought possible.
Finally, this DVD introduces the first ever, 'front-face' handling of the Elmsley (Ghost) Count, which widely opens up, to larger audiences, the ability to witness and enjoy many amazing packet effects never before practical in cabaret or platform situations.
