Cyclone on/off switch. How's it work?

Condition 1 · Feb 11, 2009

Just wondering how the switch on the Cyclone works? I would love to see an exploded view if someone has it. Or just an explanation of what’s going on? When the off switch is engaged (after opening blade) does it disengage the spring somehow?

I love this knife. Kershaw bring it back.

Thank You.

Colog · Feb 12, 2009

Along the inside back of the handle is a bar. The wheel either makes the bar flush with the handle(speed save off) or it makes the bar extend down a bit(speed safe on). When the bar is extended down, the speed safe torsion spring hits it and stops sliding. When the bar is flush the torsion sping just slides and doesnt catch on the bar. If you have an ET you can see how the wheel and bar work. Its the same mechanism. Hope that helps. Sorry if i didn't explain it that well. Makes sence in my head lol.

rbmcmjr · Feb 12, 2009

I thought it was the reverse of that.

When the switch is "on", the little bar is lowered to rest on the backspacer and it catches the torsion spring to actuate the mechanism. When it is "off", the bar is raised and the torsion bar slips between it and the backspacer: regular manual action.

Condition 1 · Feb 13, 2009

Ok so a bar causes a catch or ledge for the torsion bar to stop against and create the spring tension to propell the blade (ON POSITION). When the ledge is flush (OFF) the torsion bar slides right past it and has nothing to catch it. No spring tension=manual opening. If I have that right it seems simple. If I don't, then what the sam hill?

In fact, leaving the switch in the off position when not in use or more so in storage will keep the pressure of the torson bar. That way it will last thousands of years.

Condition 1 · Feb 13, 2009

It also explains why the blade has to be open for the operation to work. Whan the blade is closed the torson bar is already under pressure. Releasing that pressure would cause the spring (OK TORSON BAR) to release it's energy all at once and send it backwards. That would damage it and make a noise.

You can activate the switch while the blade is closed but the ledge holding the spring will not retract (off) or extend (on) until a full cycle of the blade deployment.

Of course I'm just guessing based on the prior posts. Unless someone knows???

I still say the torson bar is just a spring with a cooler name.

Colog · Feb 13, 2009

Condition 1 said:
Ok so a bar causes a catch or ledge for the torsion bar to stop against and create the spring tension to propell the blade (ON POSITION). When the ledge is flush (OFF) the torsion bar slides right past it and has nothing to catch it. No spring tension=manual opening. If I have that right it seems simple.

Yup, you got it right.

SharpOne · Feb 13, 2009

Too bad the cyclone cannot be deactivated when the blade is closed. I guess mechanically that's not possible.

Condition 1 · Feb 14, 2009

Colog said:
Yup, you got it right.

Thank You. :thumbup::thumbup:

Condition 1 · Feb 14, 2009

SharpOne said:
Too bad the cyclone cannot be deactivated when the blade is closed. I guess mechanically that's not possible.

Well my Cyclone just deactivated itself with the blade closed. Today, with a SNAP!! Torson bar must have slipped or something. No more AO. Back to the good folks at Kershaw it goes. No worries mate.