Are you convinced that sword swallowing is an art and not a trick?

[Shrabastee]

I believe that it is a skill, as long as it is an actual sword and not a sword that is fake or collapsible. I have seen real sword-swallowers at circuses before and it is absolutely stunning how they are able to do that. I don't think Duke is a fraud, as long as he is "swallowing" real swords and not fake or collapsible ones.

Wow! That must have been one heck of an experience. I don't know whether I will be able to see this feat for real without flinching. The descriptions of the sword-swallowing in the book had me breathless every time. I don't think it is a trick, but at the same time I wonder how one does that without scratching any part of their throat.

[Shrabastee]

I see this as a two-part question as well. The first question is whether or not I believe from the reading of the book that sword swallowing is an art and not a trick. My response to this question is yes. Robinson does a compelling job of describing sword swallowing as an art which needs to be learned and treated with respect. He does illustrate how the swords pass through the esophagus and move the heart. Also, the fact that if you do not remove the swords quickly enough, you can cause permanent damage while performing. Now, as for the second question, which would be regarding my belief in the reality of sword swallowing in real life. I find it extremely difficult to believe that someone can truly swallow a real sword without causing permanent damage to themselves. So, I do think that in the case of real life there is a trick involved just as all magic incorporates tricks to appear real.

Since Robinson goes on to describe the feat in such details, I agree with you that there must be some technique nehind this. I mean something which helps you perform this without damaging the throat. As for the real life, I haven't seen any ever, but some of the folks say they have watched a performance or documentary. So there should be some truth to it.

[timd]

I was fascinated to read this in the book as I have studied matters like conjuring and tricks such as mind reading and sword swallowing. There is definitely a way of learning to swallow swords but it is extremely dangerous. I am just extremely sceptical about the performances in which he swallows five swords. I honestly do not believe that this is possible. However, if there is one thing that I have seen from the world of exhibitions and performance, and that is that people are able to train themselves to do extraordinary things that seem impossible, at first glance. The dedication and time involved are incredible. I would like to check whether this act has been recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.

[Tobiasblackwell]

I honestly believe that it's an art. Just like painting or cooking, it takes years of practice to master the art of sword swallowing. Not to mention the mental discipline to relax one's entire body when doing something so precarious.

[Hiruni Bhagya 81]

Before reading this book I thought it was a trick. But after reading this book and reading about it some more, I believe it's a skill.

[Philip Chepsingil]

Nop. I am not convinced. I feel that it is more of a trick than an act. It would seem unimaginable to see one swallowing a sword despite the mastery of skills by various acrobats and 'magicians'.

I too wonder how, because of human natural reflexes which can't allow anything which is not food to get through the throat. It must be a trick.

[supernatural143]

I have not seen sword swallowing live. On movies and comedy clips, I think sword swallowing is both a trick and a skill. It's scary and risky. I wonder what made other people try doing it for. It's like choosing between money and life.

[WardahEbrahim]

I'm skeptical at best. I think that to teach and learn a skill, there has to be some accepted leeway for failure. Because that's what people do as beginners. They fail. In this particular case, failure has a high probability of being fatal. I'm not buying the point that a person who is allegedly skilled at this would get there without accidentally cutting his windpipe a couple dozen times.
So, I guess no. I don't believe that it isn't a trick.

It wouldn't go down the windpipe, it'd go down the esophagus, And I'm they practice with blunt objects first? I think it's a skill. Same with any danger sport.

[Erandi Ekanayake]

I haven't got a chance to read the book yet, but I have seen people swallow swords and just the sight of them doing so always make my whole body numb. I think it is a skill they get by practising for a long time, but not merely a trick.

[jhunt]

I'm definitely skeptical to whether it's an art, seems to be more of a trick

[Essywa]

I think it's an art that requires one to learn and perfect for many years,it's just not for anybody. It needs discipline willingness to learn and patience.

[Reader-247]

I have never seen it performed in real life, I have to see it to make an informed decision.

[Yj_Besoy]

Yes. I consider sword swallowing as an art.