1074 Carbon Spring Steel - Is this replacing 300 series SS?

[Emrys]

So I was browsing the Southern Specialties site today and thought I'd check out what was new in the game nowadays. Apparently they have a new line of picks that are made of 1074 Carbon spring steel with a black oxide coating.

They claim it gives better feedback than our typical 300 series spring Stainless Steel that has seemingly dominated our hobby. Obviously the biggest drawback to the carbon steel is the rust factor, but with a black oxide coating...are they onto something?

I personally loved the way a thinly filed allen wrench felt in a lock. Feedback was awesome. Too bad it'll kills your grinding wheel AND fingers to make one pick.

I might have to give myself an early christmas gift and write a review

What do you guys think? http://lockpicktools.com/new-releases.htm

Rob

[Emrys]

Just noticed Brockhage makes a carbon spring steel kit with black oxide coating too. Not sure if it's 1074 but it looks like a decent little kit, especially for the price.

http://www.lockpicks.com/brockhage-lock ... -b230.aspx

[raimundo]

the advertizing bumpf says its "far more superior" so its probably also redundant.

[Violaetor]

Carbon steel is also rusty steel, if you don't take proper care. Every steel has its place, but I don't think I would take High Carbon over stainless.

[Emrys]

True. And I think that's why they put that black oxide coating on there. Not too sure how durable it is. I'm always interested in trying out new tools though.

It'd be nice if they handed out a demo set to someone so they could do a product review... *HINT HINT*

[Legion303]

I don't think the coating would last very long in normal use, but then again I've never tried it.

-steve

[raimundo]

since the pick needs sanding to reduce the 90 degree corners that interact with internal warding you would need to recoat it anyway.