Where to find a good supply of locks to begin with...

[cruisefx]

I have decided that I'd like to begin locksport.

I have a decent leather-encased lockpicking set.

I want to start with the book "How to Open Locks With Improvised Tools" by Hans Conkel.

I see the FAQs cover the question of where to obtain lockpicks, but not locks.

I am envious of all of the lockspot videos I've seen where there are a large collection of stripped-down locks ready on a table to work with. I'd like to start a locks collection.

I've been to the hardware store, but I know deep down that I should not buy new locks for this purpose. I am not thrilled about the prospect of making the secondhand, flea, or surplus circuits to find these things.

Also, the idea of what I should start with is not clear.

Any recommendations for starting or possible locations for obtaining proper training locks?

[cruisefx]

I have decided that I'd like to begin locksport.
Any recommendations for starting or possible locations for obtaining proper training locks?

Or, never mind about "proper," just locks.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Don't buy any books about lock picking or locks. The information found on this website is enough to fill volumes of books and even better: it's all free. You could also argue that the authors of this forum are of the utmost quality because unlike people writing a book for profit, these guys detail their research, experiences, and knowledge out of pure interest and fascination with their hobby. Many have put their time, effort, and money in most cases to share their information for others like them. If you can't find something you're looking for on here, simply ask. Someone on this forum will able to help you so long as it's lock related.

As for looking for locks: Craigslist, eBay, yard sales, Wal Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, locksmith shops, and even this website are all reliable sources for obtaining locks (some cheaper than others). Consider visiting your local locksmith shop and explaining your new found interest in locks and asking if they had any scrap or old locks they were going to through out or had no use for to help you along your journey. Most will be flattered and impressed that someone else finds enjoyment out of the same things that most of them do.

Best of luck.

[MacGnG1]

see if there is a ReStore in your area.

" I am not thrilled about the prospect of making the secondhand, flea, or surplus circuits to find these things."

well thats where you get all the good stuff.

[Eyes_Only]

The LSI & MIT Guide is really all you need to start off with, and they're free. I have that book by Conkel and its more of a general overview of basic lock by-pass techniques and doesn't really cover lockpicking that much. Nice book to have but I don't think it's suitable for someone just getting into locksports.

Many of these authors or publishing companies might make their various books sound like it has the latest "must have" info on lock picking but all they're doing is putting the same vomit that's already out there in a different and nicer looking packaging each time to sell to suckers. And I can speak from experience cos I've been that sucker.

[cruisefx]

see if there is a ReStore in your area.

Here we go. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Potentially one-stop shopping for my first few locks. Just what I was looking for. You caught my drift.

Any thank you everyone else for your documentation recommendations. I figured that Improvised would be a good book to start with, but apparently not. I will more fully utilize this forum and the MIT guide.