Slimline picks made from Peterson standard picks

[dsd5150]

I have been thinking of getting a set of Southord Slimlines for some time, but really prefer the Petersons(better steel and handles than most others IMO), so i had decided to modify a set of plastic handled picks to allow entry into smaller keyways.

In short I took the plastics(blue) and ground them down to produce a more narrow tang, sanded and re-blued using Birchwook Casey Perma-Blue.

I had figured I'd test them for a week or two and post the results.

After using them for a bit I was extremely impressed with the results. The Peterson steel is as good as all of the hype. The picks did not bend nor break while being put through several types of locks and using various picking techniques(even though I had slimmed them down somewhat). They have been extremely effective in the several Best SFIC cores that I have tried due to the increased mobility in the narrow keyway.

The photo will show the modified(blue plastic) and the un-modified(black rubber) picks... The only picks left unmodified are the Peterson Reach picks on the left as they seem to be narrow enough for most keyways.

Let me know what you think...

[poisoned]

wow.. They look a bit fragile, hope u wont break them

[DarK-X-SideS]

Peterson are made of spring steel so even if they look fragile i don't think that they will break but they probably will bend more often than the "non-modified" ones.

[dsd5150]

I give them a pretty good workout... When used properly and with normal pressure they haven't bent yet...

[thertel]

Let me correct something, Peterson's are made from either
"Peterson" aka Carbon Steel or Moly Stainless Steel (in the high end picksets). Also blueing the picks is better than the finish that comes on them, as this is just a finish that wears off and needs to be oiled to prevent rust build up. I've actually had conversations with Ken Peterson regarding this to get it confirmed.

Thomas

[Chucklz]

I would like to know how the blueing holds up over time, as I do not lik ethe finish on my Petersons, both the "black mystery finish" and the roughness of the factory "polish". I've done a bit to round over and polish the picks, but I am searching for some blueing to refinish the picks. I am also looking for a finish for some home made picks I hope to soon be making.

[dsd5150]

I am very pleased with the finish from the Birchwood-Casey Perma-Blue.
With a bit of light sanding both my Petersons and HPC's (Will not work with stainless)exhibit no rust and limited wear from picking... It's a very quick and easy process that leaves an even coat that does not flake off(it's more of a chemical reaction with the metal than a paintlike coating). It will wear over time, but much less frequently than oil and with no residue.

[Romstar]

dsd5150,

Quite impressed with your modifications. Like others, I was a bit concerned with the fragile looking state of the picks. If you haven't had any problems though, then I can't say differently.

I'll give eveyone this advice for the future. This is why I am such a stickler for a straight even grind. Tapered or untapered, the straighter the line the better it handles stress. It transfers along the entire shaft as opposed to causing fatigue at a specific point.

The bluing that you have chose is an excellent product, and certainly better than some of the other options that are available. You are correct when you say that it is a chemical reaction, and that it accepts much more wear than other finishes.

Very nice modifications.
Romstar

[skold]

by making them slim line, arent you supposed to make the hole pick thinner (except handle)
the tips look like they are all still the same

[Luke]

With the diamond you definately want to make the tip smaller.

[skold]

all tips need to be smaller