MIWA key - anybody got one?

[greyman]

Background: Miwa 10-wafer locks are extremely common in Japan but nowhere else. They look like crappy old Schlage wafer locks with a long key with a wavy profile: ___/\___ The key is cut on both sides and has a flat square head.

I've looked extensively on the web and on ebay but the old Miwa wafer locks don't seem to be available anymore.

I need a Miwa 10-wafer key for a photo for my book on locks. The only one I have is a blank key, although I do have the actual wafer cylinder. Does someone have a cut Miwa key they can send me? I'm quite happy to send it back if needed. Alternatively, if someone can send me a good quality photo of one (that they have taken themselves), I can put that in the book and acknowledge them.

Thanks for any help.

[LockNewbie21]

Did you try ebay? they always seem to have everything.

[greyman]

I've never seen a Miwa 10-wafer lock key on ebay. The Japan ebay listing had nothing but antique chests - no modern locks whatsoever! I'm not talking about Miwa magnetic locks, which you sometimes find on ebay, the one I am after is a common Miwa wafer lock as used in many front doors in Japan.

[LockNewbie21]

Hmm ok i would say try your best to find a jap. web site that sells them like a jap. locksmith company, then i guess translate usign .. i dont know what google i think, or you can get lucky and get one that has diffrent languages to choose from, Thats all i can really think of, i mean theres has to be some kind of used lock seller from japan.. i mean they do really sell everythink but the kitchen sinks.. but mostly sell them to keep looking one will pop up, ehh i typed tubular pick on ebay and behold some guy selling a new one for 36$ i reported him but ebay ignored it, so you can find anyhting just have to keep looking, to small of a world to miss.



Andy

[gandalf]

I'm visiting in Japan and picked one up from a local smithy. If you still need the pic, you could send me a private message and I'll email you one.

Gandlf