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{{Short description|American magician}}
{{Contradict|date=August 2009}}
{{Magazine|date=August 2009}} {{Excessive citations|date=November 2024}}
⚫ {{Infobox person
{{Citecheck}}
⚫ | name = Matt the Knife
⚫ {{Infobox Celebrity
| image = Matt_the_Knife_reading_minds.jpg
⚫ |name= Matt "the Knife"
| caption = Matt on stage reading an audience member's mind
|birth_date=]
| birth_place = Rhode Island
|height= 5'9"
| occupation = ], ], ], ], ], former ]
|birth_place=], ]
⚫ | website =
|caption=
|occupation=], ], ] Performer, ], ], ], ]
⚫ |website=
}} }}


'''Matt the Knife''' (or MTK, as he’s commonly called) was born in ] in 1979 and grew up in ] but now resides in ]. He's a highly regarded Magician and Mentalist as well as the breaker of a multitude of ]. <ref name=providence>{{cite magazine | last = Schwartz | first = Dan | author-link = Dan Schwartz | title = From Grifter To Guinness | magazine = Providence Monthly | pages = 14 | year = 2007 | date = August 2007 | url = http://www.providenceonline.com/providencemonthly/}}</ref><ref name=deluca>{{cite magazine | last = DeLuca | first = Sharon | author-link = Sharon DeLuca | title = It’s Magic! | magazine = QUAD angles | pages = 35 | year = 2007 | date = September 2007}}</ref><ref name=bozigian>{{cite magazine | last = Bozigian | first = Terri | author-link = Terri Bozigian | title = Prestidigitation Plus | magazine = Your Smithfield Magazine | pages = 4 – 6, 68 | year = 2007 | date = June, 2007}}</ref><ref name=martin>{{cite newspaper | last = Martin | first = Dick | author-link = Dick Martin | title = Not A Hard Act To Swallow | newspaper = The Observer | pages = 1B, 3B, 20B | year = 2004 | date = September 9, 2004}}</ref><ref name=jw>{{cite newspaper | last = Jones | first = J.W. | author-link = J.W. Jones | title = Guinness Book record holder comes to J&W | newspaper = The Wildcat Chronicle | pages = 4 | year = 2006 | date = October 25, 2006}}</ref><ref name=circo>{{cite episode | title = Circo Massimo | series = Circo Massimo | serieslink = http://www.circomassimoshow.rai.it/ | airdate = September 2007 | season = 8}}</ref><ref name=dailyplanet>{{cite episode | title = Daily Planet | series = Daily Planet | serieslink = http://www.discoverychannel.ca/Showpage.aspx?sid=13287 | airdate = February 2, 2006}}</ref> but began his career as a professional ]. <ref name=providence/> '''Matt the Knife''' (also called '''MTK''') is a magician and mentalist. He has broken a number of ].<ref name=AmericanVoices>{{cite episode | title = American Voices | series = American Voices | airdate = October 12, 2008}}</ref><ref name=citypaper>{{cite news | last = Amorosi | first = A.D. | title = Just Do It | newspaper = Philadelphia Citypaper | pages = 63 | date = January 18–25, 2007 | url = http://citypaper.net/articles/2007/01/18/just-do-it}}</ref><ref name=providence>{{cite journal | last = Schwartz | first = Dan | title = From Grifter To Guinness | journal = Providence Monthly | pages = 14 | date = August 2007}}</ref><ref name=deluca>{{cite journal | last = DeLuca | first = Sharon | title = It's Magic! | journal = QUAD Angles | pages = 35 | date = September 2007}}</ref><ref name=bozigian>{{cite journal | last = Bozigian | first = Terri | title = Prestidigitation Plus | journal = Your Smithfield Magazine | pages = 4–6, 68 | date = June 2007}}</ref><ref name=gabrie>{{cite news | last = Gabrie | first = Ptah | title = Haunted Fun for Everyone | newspaper = Philadelphia Citypaper | pages = 66 | date = October 25 – November 1, 2007 | url = http://citypaper.net/articles/2007/10/25/halloween-etc}}</ref><ref name=martin>{{cite news | last = Martin | first = Dick | title = Not A Hard Act To Swallow | newspaper = The Observer | pages = 1B, 3B, 20B | date = September 9, 2004}}</ref><ref name=Play>{{cite journal | last = Perry | first = Rachel | title = Matt The Knife: Fire-Teething Never Looked So Good | journal = Play (Philadelphia Edition) | pages = 10–12 | date = January 17, 2007}}</ref><ref name=jw>{{cite news | last = Jones | first = J.W. | title = Guinness Book record holder comes to J&W | newspaper = The Wildcat Chronicle | pages = 4 | date = October 25, 2006}}</ref><ref name=circo>{{cite episode | title = Circo Massimo | series = Circo Massimo | url = http://www.worldmagicmedia.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=261&lang=it&Itemid=227 | airdate = September 2007 | season = 8}}</ref><ref name=dailyplanet>{{cite episode | title = Daily Planet | series = Daily Planet | url = http://watch.discoverychannel.ca/daily-planet/july-2007/daily-planet-july-18-2007/#clip4945 | airdate = July 18, 2007}}</ref> He began his career as a professional ].<ref name=AmericanVoices/><ref name=providence/><ref name=Play/><ref name=jw/>


==Early Years== ==Career==
⚫ Sometime around 2000 he began to perform magic. Since then, he has performed in 21 countries across 4 continents (including television shows in the United States, China, Italy, Canada, the United Kingdom and several others).<ref name=AmericanVoices/><ref name=providence/><ref name=deluca/><ref name=bozigian/><ref name=Play/><ref name=jw/><ref name=circo/><ref name=dailyplanet/>
From the ages of approximately 14 through 21 he worked as a con artist, ran a card cheating ring, a shoplifting ring and a pick-pocketing ring who famously bilked dozens of casinos, corporations and even at least one Mafia family (in spite of, or possibly due to, being tied to at least two criminal families himself) out of untold sums.<ref name=providence/>


He has probably best known for his feats of mentalism, but also often mixes sword swallowing, stunts, escapes, magic and his unique brand of humor in to his stage performances.<ref name=AmericanVoices/><ref name=citypaper/><ref name=providence/><ref name=Play/><ref name=jw/><ref name=circo/><ref name=dailyplanet/><ref name=Weekender2006>{{cite news | last = Stout | first = Alan K. | title = 'Sideshow Gathering' celebrates tradition | newspaper = Weekender | pages = 43 | date = August 30, 2006}}</ref><ref name=Weekender2005>{{cite news | last = Martin | first = Leslie | title = Talking tattoos | newspaper = The Weekender | pages = 44 | date = August 31, 2005}}</ref><ref name=ABMag>{{cite journal | last = O'Brien | first = Tim | title = Oohs, ouches and the odd | journal = Amusement Business | pages = 8 |date=October 2005}}</ref><ref name=Chronicle-Telegram>{{cite news | last = Bishop | first = Bruce | title = Bound But Determined | newspaper = The Chronicle-Telegram | pages = 1 | date = April 27, 2007}}</ref>
==A Transition in to the Magical Arts==
⚫ Sometime around 2000 he began to adapt his talents from that of a criminal to the skills of a conjurer and slowly transitioned out of an illegal lifestyle over the next couple of years. Since then his magic has taken him on to perform in 10 countries across 3 continents (including television shows in the United States, China, Italy, Canada, the United Kingdom and several others). <ref name=providence/><ref name=deluca/><ref name=bozigian/><ref name=circo/><ref name=dailyplanet/>


⚫ {{as of|2021}} he has broken 12 Guinness records. They include records for things such as escapes, sword swallowing, fire manipulation, feats of strength, and card manipulation. He usually performs these stunts for publicity or as the climax of his television specials.<ref name=AmericanVoices/><ref name=citypaper/><ref name=providence/><ref name=bozigian/><ref name=Play/><ref name=jw/><ref name=circo/><ref name=dailyplanet/><ref name=ABMag/><ref name=GuinnessBook2006>{{cite book | title= ] | authorlink= Guinness World Records | year= 2005 | publisher= Guinness | location= United Kingdom | isbn= 1904994024 | pages= }}</ref><ref name=GuinnessBook2007>{{cite book |title= ] |authorlink= Guinness World Records |year= 2006 |publisher= Guinness |location= United Kingdom |isbn= 978-1-904994-02-2 |pages= }}</ref><ref name=GuinnessBook2008>{{cite book |title= ] |authorlink= Guinness World Records |year= 2008 |publisher= Guinness |location= United Kingdom |isbn= 978-1-904994-37-4 |pages= }}</ref><ref name=post>{{cite news | last = Scheck | first = Frank | title = Knife flinger | newspaper = New York Post | pages = 38 | date = June 27, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= Guinness World Records To The Extreme |last= Ryan-Herndon |first= Lisa L. |author2= Manzanero, Paula |year= 2007 |publisher= Scholastic Reference |location= United States |isbn= 978-0-439-86562-3 |pages= |url= https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec00ryan/page/33 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Brown |first= Seth |title= Rhode Island Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff |publisher= Globe Pequot |date=September 2007 |isbn= 978-0-7627-4338-4 |pages= 279–281 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=DdU9NHiX3OcC&dq=Matt+The+Knife+RI+Curiosities&pg=PA279
He’s probably best known for his feats of mentalism but also often mixes sword swallowing, stunts, escapes, magic and his irreverent brand of humor in to his stage shows.<ref name=providence/><ref name=jw/><ref name=circo/><ref name=dailyplanet/>
}}</ref>


⚫ He also founded a consulting firm that specializes in the prevention of fraud and cheating within the gaming industry. He also works with corporations, security & police forces, as well as the film, literary, theatrical and television industries to create realistic characters and help develop more accurate depictions of topics involving criminal activity, the occult, the allied arts, the magical arts and mentalism.<ref name=AmericanVoices/><ref name=providence/><ref name=deluca/><ref name=bozigian/><ref name=Play/>
==Guinness World Records==
⚫ {{as of|2009}} he’s broken 12 Guinness records. They include records for things such as escapes, sword swallowing, fire manipulation, feats of strength, and card manipulation. He usually performs these stunts either for publicity or for the climax of his various television specials. <ref name=providence/><ref name=bozigian/><ref name=circo/><ref name=dailyplanet/><ref name=GuinnessBook2006>{{cite book |title= ] | authorlink= Guinness World Records | year= 2005 | publisher= Guinness | location= United Kingdom | isbn= 1-904994-02-04 |pages= 177}}</ref><ref name=GuinnessBook2007>{{cite book |title= ] |authorlink= Guinness World Records |year= 2006|publisher= Guinness |location= United Kingdom |isbn= 978-1904994022 |pages= 177}}</ref><ref name=GuinnessBook2008>{{cite book |title= ] |authorlink= Guinness World Records |year= 2008|publisher= Guinness |location= United Kingdom |isbn= 978-1904994374 |pages= 102 and 175}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= Guinness World Records To The Extreme |last= Ryan-Herndon |first= Lisa L. |coauthors= Manzanero, Paula |year= 2007 |publisher= Scholastic Reference |location= United States |isbn=978-0439865623 |pages=33}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Brown |first= Seth |title= Rhode Island Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff |publisher= Globe Pequot |year= 2007 |month= September |isbn= 978-0762743384}}</ref>


A séance-based performance entitled "Epitaph" debuted in Rhode Island and toured in several major cities including Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC and New Orleans.<ref name=AmericanVoices/><ref name=gabrie/><ref name=metro>{{cite news | last1 = Robinson | first1 = Dorothy | last2 = Boutin | first2 = HaLeigh | title = Tricks or treats | newspaper = Metro | pages = 17 | date = October 26–28, 2007}}</ref> It was eventually renamed "Possessions" and was adapted into a large scale stage version in 2017. Despite his claims that it was only intended for entertainment it has occasionally come under fire by some religious groups in the US.<ref name=AmericanVoices/><ref name=metro/>
==Lecturing==
Since his transition from a grifter to a performer he's also gone on to be an anti-fraud expert. The stories from his early years along with tips on how to protect yourself, information about fraudulent activities, and demonstrations of many of these feats were put together for his keynote speaking engagements. The lecture has been featured at theaters, colleges and corporate events. <ref name=martin/>


⚫ Matt The Knife has been featured in ],<ref name="post"/> ], ], ],<ref name=citypaper/> PLAY Magazine,<ref name=Play/> The "METRO" Paper, Road King Magazine, Escape Masters Magazine, Amusement Business Magazine,<ref name=ABMag/> and ]; as well as being on ],<ref name=dailyplanet/> ], ], ], ], ], ] on ], ], ],<ref name=AmericanVoices/> ] (China), ]<ref name=circo/> (Italy) and the ] (United Kingdom).
==Consulting==
⚫ In 2003 he went on to found a successful consulting firm that specializes in fraud and the prevention of cheating within the gaming-industry. It supplies knowledge to corporations, casino personnel, as well as security & police forces. Additionally he works with the film industry, the literary industry, theaters and the television industry to create realistic characters and help develop more accurate depictions of topics involving criminal activity, the occult, the allied arts, the magical arts and mentalism. <ref name=providence/><ref name=deluca/><ref name=bozigian/>

==Media credits==
⚫ Matt The Knife has been featured in ], ], The "METRO" Paper, Road King Magazine, Escape Masters Magazine, and ]; as well as being on ] <ref name=dailyplanet/>, ], ], ], ], ] on ], ], ] (China), ]<ref name=circo/> (Italy) and ] (United Kingdom).

He was also a question on the American game show ]. <ref name=Jeopardy!>{{cite episode | title = Jeopardy! | series = Jeopardy. | serieslink = http://www.jeopardy.com/ | airdate = 23 December 2008 | season = 25 | number = 5592}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
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Latest revision as of 06:29, 26 December 2024

American magician
This article may contain an excessive number of citations. Please help remove low-quality or irrelevant citations. (November 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Matt the Knife
Matt on stage reading an audience member's mind
BornRhode Island
Occupation(s)Mentalist, magician, speaker, comedian, escapologist, former con artist
WebsiteMatt The Knife.com

Matt the Knife (also called MTK) is a magician and mentalist. He has broken a number of Guinness World Records. He began his career as a professional con man.

Career

Sometime around 2000 he began to perform magic. Since then, he has performed in 21 countries across 4 continents (including television shows in the United States, China, Italy, Canada, the United Kingdom and several others).

He has probably best known for his feats of mentalism, but also often mixes sword swallowing, stunts, escapes, magic and his unique brand of humor in to his stage performances.

As of 2021 he has broken 12 Guinness records. They include records for things such as escapes, sword swallowing, fire manipulation, feats of strength, and card manipulation. He usually performs these stunts for publicity or as the climax of his television specials.

He also founded a consulting firm that specializes in the prevention of fraud and cheating within the gaming industry. He also works with corporations, security & police forces, as well as the film, literary, theatrical and television industries to create realistic characters and help develop more accurate depictions of topics involving criminal activity, the occult, the allied arts, the magical arts and mentalism.

A séance-based performance entitled "Epitaph" debuted in Rhode Island and toured in several major cities including Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC and New Orleans. It was eventually renamed "Possessions" and was adapted into a large scale stage version in 2017. Despite his claims that it was only intended for entertainment it has occasionally come under fire by some religious groups in the US.

Matt The Knife has been featured in The New York Post, The New York Times, ESPN Magazine, Philadelphia City Paper, PLAY Magazine, The "METRO" Paper, Road King Magazine, Escape Masters Magazine, Amusement Business Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal; as well as being on The Discovery Channel, NBC, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, CNN, The History Channel, National Geographic Channel, Adult Swim on The Cartoon Network, Guinness World Records, Sirius Satellite Radio, CCTV (China), Rai Tre (Italy) and the BBC (United Kingdom).

References

  1. ^ "American Voices". American Voices. October 12, 2008.
  2. ^ Amorosi, A.D. (January 18–25, 2007). "Just Do It". Philadelphia Citypaper. p. 63.
  3. ^ Schwartz, Dan (August 2007). "From Grifter To Guinness". Providence Monthly: 14.
  4. ^ DeLuca, Sharon (September 2007). "It's Magic!". QUAD Angles: 35.
  5. ^ Bozigian, Terri (June 2007). "Prestidigitation Plus". Your Smithfield Magazine: 4–6, 68.
  6. ^ Gabrie, Ptah (October 25 – November 1, 2007). "Haunted Fun for Everyone". Philadelphia Citypaper. p. 66.
  7. Martin, Dick (September 9, 2004). "Not A Hard Act To Swallow". The Observer. pp. 1B, 3B, 20B.
  8. ^ Perry, Rachel (January 17, 2007). "Matt The Knife: Fire-Teething Never Looked So Good". Play (Philadelphia Edition): 10–12.
  9. ^ Jones, J.W. (October 25, 2006). "Guinness Book record holder comes to J&W". The Wildcat Chronicle. p. 4.
  10. ^ "Circo Massimo". Circo Massimo. Season 8. September 2007.
  11. ^ "Daily Planet". Daily Planet. July 18, 2007.
  12. Stout, Alan K. (August 30, 2006). "'Sideshow Gathering' celebrates tradition". Weekender. p. 43.
  13. Martin, Leslie (August 31, 2005). "Talking tattoos". The Weekender. p. 44.
  14. ^ O'Brien, Tim (October 2005). "Oohs, ouches and the odd". Amusement Business: 8.
  15. Bishop, Bruce (April 27, 2007). "Bound But Determined". The Chronicle-Telegram. p. 1.
  16. Guinness World Records. United Kingdom: Guinness. 2005. pp. 177. ISBN 1904994024.
  17. Guinness World Records. United Kingdom: Guinness. 2006. pp. 177. ISBN 978-1-904994-02-2.
  18. Guinness World Records. United Kingdom: Guinness. 2008. pp. 102 and 175. ISBN 978-1-904994-37-4.
  19. ^ Scheck, Frank (June 27, 2005). "Knife flinger". New York Post. p. 38.
  20. Ryan-Herndon, Lisa L.; Manzanero, Paula (2007). Guinness World Records To The Extreme. United States: Scholastic Reference. pp. 33. ISBN 978-0-439-86562-3.
  21. Brown, Seth (September 2007). Rhode Island Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff. Globe Pequot. pp. 279–281. ISBN 978-0-7627-4338-4.
  22. ^ Robinson, Dorothy; Boutin, HaLeigh (October 26–28, 2007). "Tricks or treats". Metro. p. 17.

Sources

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