Regular Southord, slim picks or JPX-6 for a first timer?

[nonzero]

Greetings all

After much reading I've decided to take the plunge and learn the art of lockpicking. I've noticed that some people have mentioned that us UK pickers are better off buying the slim Southord picks instead of the regular USA ones that most UK/EU resellers stock.

I'm considering purchasing the C1510 (Fifteen Piece Slim Line Lock Pick Set) from southord.com - are there any regulations about import picks and are they likely to be taxed?

I've got a few ebooks (MIT, art of lockpicking etc..) and some websites to learn from but any help/pointers would be appreciated.

I would have preferred to purchase the JPXS-6 Jack Knife pick set but from what I have read you cannot get any feeling from these picks so I don't think they would be any good for a beginner.

Overall I'm looking at:

JPXS-6 Jack knife


MPXS14


C1510


What would you recommend for a starter as I would like some decent picks that would be able to open most pin tumbler locks.


Thanks

[Chucklz]

The slimline picks are almost definately a better deal for all situations. Good luck.

[CitySpider]

I started with a jackknife, and it worked just fine for me, but if I was starting today, I'd get the slim picks.

I've said this a hundred times, though: unless you want the case, and probably even then, there's no reason to buy a whole set. You'll probably get about $5 worth of useful equipment in that set.

However, if SouthOrd hasn't started selling their slim picks yet, you might not have any other choice.

Good luck. Any questions for which you can't find the answers, give us a ring.

[Grudge]

I throw my vote in for the SO 1510 also.

P.S. don't try to save $5 and get the 1500, about half of the picks have super thin 'handles' which are hard on the hands (IMHO).

[CitySpider]

I've said this a hundred times too, but I'm in a chatty mood: I much prefer the handleless. They're cheaper, the balance is better, and I can't imagine why you'd be gripping them hard enough to hurt your hands.

[Grudge]

Handles, like your favorite kind of pick, seems to bring out a lot of different opinions. I probably do have a heavy hand with my picks (a newbie tendancy, I am sure) and since I sometimes practice hours at a time, I literally find it a pain to use the thin handled SO picks. That being said, I think you would lose too much feel with a really soft handle, so thick metal or a hard plastic is about all I go for.

I know CitySpider has a LOT of experience so maybe toughing it out and getting used to them would be better in the long run.

[CitySpider]

I wouldn't say I have a lot of experience. More than ninety five percent of this board, maybe, but people like Chuck and Varjeal and doubtless a couple of others are way ahead of me.

And besides, I think I'm the only person who likes the handleless better.

Cityspider,
who thinks it's important to try out both, and likes to point that out 'cause lurkers/newbies tend to take anything on these boards as gospel.

[marso]

cityspider, i cant stand handless. But as you said it is a personal opinion. I like my HPC set.

nonzero:
I would not even think about getting jackknife as your first set as you
want the best tools so that you learn correctly. Perfect practice makes perfect.

Where to start, read through this site. Do some searches on the web. But a practice lock and take it apart etc.. Look at the lock manufacturers website and learn what sort of terms and guides they have. And most of all practice lots. Read the link provided below and all attached links.
viewtopic.php?t=1744

[nonzero]

Thanks people - SO1510 it will be. I'll post up my thoughts once they arrive and I've had a play with them.