9th Annual World Sword Swallowers Day This Saturday

By Molly Daly

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., (CBS) -- A Chester County man will join an elite group Saturday, taking part in an international demonstration of an ancient, death-defying art -- one which has also made significant contributions to science.

If you saw David Peyre-Ferry running the cash register at the grocery store in Jennersville, you probably wouldn't peg the slightly built redhead as someone who slides swords down his gullet -- which evolved to handle more standard fare.

"There are actually four different gag reflexes to overcome when swallowing swords."

On Saturday, Peyre-Ferry, who sometimes spices up his act by lying on a bed of nails, will mark World Sword Swallowers Day at Ripley's Believe It or Not in Atlantic City. And just before 2:30, he and a few dozen others around the globe will scarf steel in an effort to set a record, and raise awareness.

"This is actually National Swallowing Disorders month."

He says sword swallowers have played a role in the development of a number of medical advancements.

"The first of which is back in the 1800s, with the rigid endoscope."

Hard to swallow, but true.

For more information: www.ripleys.com/sword-swallowers-day/