if you go to southord's site and use code noel11, you get 30% off. You can pick up a nice set of picks and some practice locks at a considerable discount.
I bought two of the clear locks, one with standard pins, and one with spool pins. I also bought their standard 14 piece set, I didn't need the tension wrenches because I have LAB ones which seem to be better, but it came with a case and the case separately cost like half the kit. They also had some picks that you couldn't find separately buying individually. It also came with covers for the metal part of the handle. From what I understand as long as you hold it like a pencil with your forefinger on the metal you don't lose touch feedback, but i could be mistaken. I also bought some ward picks for $6 after the promotion.
to me, the big deal was getting the set of clear see-through plastic locks at 30% off, the rest was an impulse buy. I wanted to share the sale, but can't seem to post in the beginner area.
Also I want to know if posting sales like this that compete with site sponsors is a no-no.
I know locks where you can see the pins isn't the holy grail of lock-picking but its a good place to start, and with the discount I could probably sell them on ebay when I am done with them for at least what I paid for them. I don't think you can sell picks there, but practice locks are free game.
I just wanted to share this somewhere, but don't know where exactly where I have posting privilages.