I have some thoughts I'd like to share and maybe spark a discussion.  

I'm a pro fire breather and I'm procrastinating learning fire eating.  I have found that fire breathing is easy and very impressive and fire eating less impressive and more difficult.  What does the average audience think?

Does anyone know what fuel the fire breather used in his world record for biggest/highest fire breathing?

I also juggle up to 5 torches, spin fire poi, and wear a fiery hat.  What are some other good fire stunts than a one-man comedy show can incorporate?

David Slick

Guinness World Record Holder

Juggler, Unicyclist, Magician, Stilt Walker, Fire Breather, etc.

www.SlickJugglers.com

Hey, my name is Tim Black, current Guinness World Record holder for Fire Breathing. I just stumbled across this thread today :)

When performing the fuel I use is a hydrocarbon solvent called Shallsol T, TD or TK, Isopar L of G, or Pegasol 3440. These are all variations of the same thing, with slight differences such as flashpoint etc. If I'm attempting to break a record, I'll choose the fuel I use based on it flashpoint, taking into consideration the temperature and humidity of the environment I'll be making my attempt in. Never use a fuel with a flashpoint below approx 40C for fire breathing though.

With regards to what you said about fire eating, I never use fire eating in a show. As you suggested, it's more dangerous and far less impressive to the audience, and so that's a tradeoff I'm not willing to make. I suppose it would depend on the audience or type of show you're doing, but for me, it's not worth the risk.

Tim Black
Androgen Fire Art
www.androgen.net.au