After you perform CRYSTAL CLEAVER once, the gimmick automatically locks so that you are able to hand out the props to your audience for examination. By using the following method which does not cause the gimmick to lock, you will be able to perform CRYSTAL CLEAVER repeatedly, and then lock the gimmick at the very end so that you can hand out the props for examination. This trick is so diabolical that there is no way to figure out the method even after repeated viewings. Position the secret switch in the base so that it is to the side, as shown in the diagram.

Then cover the base with the tube. When doing so, tilt the tube slightly toward the switch and press down firmly. In order to engage the lock, casually turn the base so that the secret switch is facing toward you. Then place the box on top, followed by the tube.

For this variation, you will need a very thin ribbon that is approximately 2 feet long. Wrap both ends of the ribbon with clear tape to reinforce them. As in the standard handling, insert the ring into the case, place the case onto the stand, and cover the case with the tube. Now, pass the ribbon through the upper part of the tube, and have two spectators hold both ends of the ribbon. Push both ends of the protruding ribbon downward. When you remove the tube, the ribbon will have penetrated the ring. Lift the ring and display it as indicated in the diagram. The lock cannot be undone at this point, so you may hand out all of the props for examination without fear of detection.

Line up three "Vault Vision" next to each other. Buy some round stickers at a stationary store, and write the numbers 1, 2, 3 on them. Affix one sticker onto the center of each case. To perform, hand your spectator a penny, a nickel, and a dime. You will also need duplicates of these three coins, which you hold in your hand. Turn around so that your back is facing your spectator, and ask him to insert the coins into the cases in any order he pleases, and then to close the cases. Immediately upon facing forward, place the proper coin on top of each case so that they match the coins inside of each case. Open the cases to show that the coins inside do indeed match the coins that you placed on top of each case. Next say, "Let's make it even more difficult." Hand all six coins (two of each value) to your spectator. Have him insert any three coins into any of the cases while your back is turned, and then ask him to hide the remaining coins. Face forward, and tell him exactly which coins are inside of which cases.

Once a prop has been created, there are two ways to develop further variations. You can either conceive of a new presentation using that prop, or you can develop a way to baffle even those people who know the secret to the trick. The variation presented here is of the latter type. You will need three VAULT VISION cases. Place one penny inside of each case. Turn your body so that you are facing away from your spectator, and instruct him to open one of the cases, write his initials with a magic marker onto the face of the coin inside, and return the coin and case to their original position. Immediately upon facing forward, you are able to divine which case holds the signed coin. Since all three coins are pennies, this will fool even those people who know the secret of this prop. The method is simple. Place one coin into each case, and stack the cases on top of each other. Turn the stack of cases upside down, and lightly toss them onto the table. Perform this action casually, as you patter. Because of the construction of the cases, it will appear as if there are no coins inside of the cases, despite the fact that there are really coins inside. Gently turn the cases right-side up, and line them up on the table. While your back is turned, the spectator will open one case, remove the coin to sign it, and return it to the case. When the coin is returned, only this case will indicate that there is a coin inside. This allows you to easily determine which case contains the spectator's signed coin.