About
About JM Authentics and Jordan Murphy
Hi, my name is Jordan Murphy and I run a small company in the Magic Industry called JM Authentics. We specialise in providing custom close up pads and tools that are engineered from the ground up for card technicians, card guys, magicians and gambling demonstrators. We've been trading for just under 3 years and in that time have been fortunate to work for and collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry. We are committed to providing the best tools possible to enhance our customers magic and presentation. Finally, we feel it's time for JMA to produce a deck of cards with our own spin and I hope you'll join us for the journey!
The Cutters, a brief history...
Since I got my first decks of Steamboats and Bee Casino playing cards I became obsessed with classic playing cards. It was actually my obsession with this style of playing cards that got me into table magic and into building the props that JM Authentics has become known for. There's something special about the way handling decks like these make you feel. They make you want to be better and elevate your card work which is the feeling we aim to achieve with our close up pads.
Over the last 12 months I've been working closely with Graphic Designer and Magician Phill Smith (designer of The Westminster Playing Cards, the DMC Elite Series and numerous effects) to create a modern re-imagining and combination of two timeless classics and two of my favourite decks. Capturing the nautical theme of the Steamboat and that recognisable Casino feel that makes table work so satisfying.
The design and our choices...
When you hold the cards in your hand you’ll immediately recognise it alongside its “parent decks”. There are many smaller aspects to the design that weave into the story of the deck that I will endeavour to detail in smaller videos over the campaign via our instagram @CuttersPlayingCards and via regular Kickstarter updates.
The Backs
Borderless, with influences from Steamboats and Bee Casino Playing cards. Features our hand drawn Cutter Sailboat. Phill has captured that classic style beautifully
The Courts
As we're going for that classic feel we opted to keep the courts standard but switch up the colour palette to those used across the Cutters deck. The pip colours have been kept standard for maximum visibility when in use.
The Ace of Spades
A minimal, casino themed Ace of Spades with Cutters branding and Northstar accents. We wanted to make sure this Ace wouldn't look out of place in both the Steamboat deck or Bee Casino and Phill hit the nail on the head with this design (in fact I may even get it as a tattoo!...stretch goal?).
The Jokers
The Jokers are mostly identical, with a few very small differences. There's a great deal of lore hidden within this artwork.
The Cut Card
No casino deck would be complete without a cut card. We chose to colour ours in a high contrast plum/burgundy. There's no chance of losing this in the deck!
The Tuck Case
The rich contrast of blue on white and bold fonts make the artwork pop from the box whilst maintaining that classic feel. In the final production box the window will be die cut to view the deck through the box which can also serve a purpose for covert peeks!
The Barcode Card
This card serves multiple purposes, as a barcode for the deck, a shield to the elements via the window and as an extra cut card.
Printing and Manufacture
From the beginning we knew that we wanted this deck to be made to the very highest standards. I didn't want to hide any premium cuts or stocks behind any reward goals. This deck is aimed at serious card workers, card technicians and enthusiasts who deserve the best. In order to properly do homage to the decks that came before, that this deck is based on, we have to use the very best tools, materials, and manufacturing process available to us.
The Deck
The cards will be printed at The United States Playing Card Company on their Crushed Paper stock. This stock has gained popularity for many reasons. Decks on other stocks require some wear in time before you can get the best out of them which negatively impacts their working life.Crushed stock, to me, is perfect as it overcomes this need for a work in period and the stock handles much more intuitively out of the box leading to a deck that lasts much longer.
The cards will be cut traditionally. This is another "premium" offering from USPCC but given this decks heritage we had to have it. A traditional cut makes card work like faros and shuffles much easier especially when carried out on a table. It is the choice of cut for casinos.
The Tuck Case and Seal
Once the cards are printed they will be shipped to Gamblers Warehouse who will handle the manufacture of our windowed tuck case and seals.
This is another aspect of the deck that was on the list from day one, we HAD to get the windowed tuck case and Gamblers Warehouse have a proven track record of producing beautiful decks, tuck cases and seals. The small note box on the back will not only contain the date and time of the cards manufacture but also the edition number and sign off signatures from myself and Phill as our seal of approval.
They will also be manufacturing our seals which will be matt paper with that traditional tax stamp look. We've also gone to that extra detail of having them offset ever so slightly to the left, just like those golden age decks we all love.
Uncut sheets
As of 25 December we've been able to make Uncut sheets of Cutters available as add-ons through the campaign. These will ship from the fulfilment centre, but in order for them to ship as cheaply as possible they will be shipped separately from the decks. To add an uncut sheet to your order please add £15/$20 for each sheet and £14/$18 for domestic US shipping for up to 8 sheets or £18/$25 for international shipping for up to 8 sheets. E.g. if you wanted 3 sheets to ship to France you'd add £45 for the sheets, and £18 for shipping for a total of £63. Details of add ons will be collected during the backer survey phase of the campaign.
Final Thoughts
It's hard to put into words just what magic, classic decks and this project especially means to me. Over the last 12 months I've poured so much of myself into this deck. Those of you who follow my social medias will have seen mentions of it here and there. Without my first Steamboats and Bee Casino decks I would never have gotten into table magic, without table magic I would never have started up JM Authentics, which changed my life. I truly hope you enjoy this offering to the community and hopefully this deck will effect you the way its predecessors did to me.
Credits and Thanks
Firstly I need to give huge credit and thanks to Phill Smith who designed and collaborated with me on this deck. He has worked tirelessly to capture the essence and style that I aimed for with this design and exceeded every one of my goals. It's rare when you have an idea in mind to find someone who can so brilliantly translate that into something physical. I'm so grateful to have worked with him on this.
All footage within our campaign was captured by Mijrin Al hajri. It takes a special kind of person to put up with me for two days straight especially when on rocking boat in a confined and hot space! Mijrin is a magician, mentalist and videographer who has been involved with a number of magic projects. We were lucky to have his help and input on this campaign.
When it came to choosing someone to represent The Cutters on screen with playing cards in terms of both cardistry and technical skill there are very few names ahead of Daniel Chard. His stunning card work can be seen in the campaign video. I've been a friend and follower of Dan's for a number of years and when he agreed to be a part of this project I knew the footage we were going to capture was going to be beautiful. If you aren't familiar with Daniel's work make sure to check out his many DVD releases!
I would also like to thank Adam Borderline and Levi Givens. Their help during the concept stages of this deck was vital to build it into what it is today.
Finally a thank you to everyone who has offered direction and support with this deck. It has meant so much to have you all on board. I really hope you Like The Cutters Playing Cards and decide to back them. It will mean the world to me to know that in some small way myself and the team behind The Cutters have contributed to improving your card work and progressing your journey in magic!
Jordan Murphy
Risks and challenges
This project has been a work in progress for the last year of my life, it really means a lot to me. The decks should be printed by March, but USPCC can be busy. Please understand that there may be delays in printing especially when working with multiple suppliers. I will be working closely with these suppliers through the process to ensure it all runs smoothly. JMA has been in business for 3 years dealing with various manufacturing runs, this is just another day at the office. Phill has also managed a successful campaign in the past, The Creative Solutions Deck and is familiar with all of KS' requirements. During this process please stay excited, stay patient, and enjoy the updates I'll be posting both here and on instagram @JMAuthentics and @CuttersPlayingCards.
I can't wait to get these cards into your hands!
Questions about this project? Check out the FAQ
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Funding period
- (30 days)