About On Running LLC

An engineering-first approach to the art of cardistry.

Our Story

Founded by professional cardists and materials engineers, On Running LLC grew out of frustration with industry standards. We were tired of decks that lost their spring within a week and clumped at the slightest hint of humidity — especially during Canadian winters indoors.

Our mission is to build the perfect cardistry tool. We do not just illustrate designs; we engineer the mechanics of paper, polymer coating, and airflow. Every deck undergoes thousands of compressions, bends, and shuffles before reaching collectors nationwide.

Engineering and quality testing of playing cards

Production Process

Paper Sourcing

We use FSC-certified card stock with high fibre density, then apply additional pressing (crushed stock) to reduce thickness without sacrificing stiffness — ideal for long practice sessions.

Aero-Glide Coating

Our signature multi-layer varnish creates a microscopic air cushion between cards, ensuring consistent fans through months of daily use in varying Canadian climates.

Traditional Cutting

Blades cut from face to back, leaving a micro-bevel critical for perfect bottom-up faro shuffles — a detail mass-market decks often skip.

Rooted in Canada

From our Toronto studio, we design decks with Canadian performers in mind — accounting for indoor heating dryness, humid summers, and the growing cardistry scene in cities from Vancouver to Halifax. We sponsor local meetups and collaborate with Canadian creators on limited runs.

Every order ships from our Canadian fulfilment hub with transparent tracking and CAD pricing — no surprise currency conversions or hidden cross-border fees for domestic customers.

Cardist performing flourishes at a Canadian meetup

Quality Without Compromise

What sets our decks apart from mass-market alternatives.

Lab-Grade Testing

Each production batch is sampled for slide consistency, edge squareness, and coating adhesion. We reject entire runs that fall outside our tolerance window — a rarity in an industry that often prioritises volume over precision.

Responsible Sourcing

Our paper partners hold FSC certification, and we minimise waste through optimised print layouts. Tuck boxes use recyclable materials wherever possible without compromising structural protection during shipping.

Community-Driven Iteration

Pro cardists across Canada test prototypes before public release. Their feedback on grip, fan speed, and durability directly shapes the next edition — keeping our products aligned with real-world performance demands.