Well the S1 keyway is commercial biaxial. Basically if you want a biaxial key, but still want to be able to take it to any locksmith for a copy it's what you get. A way to get a biaxial key, without the hassel of trying to get a copy.
I'm not 100% but im pretty sure the G3 is a factory controlled key that you need to send away for copies. You would need the factory issued card to get copies made.
picksmith wrote:Well the S1 keyway is commercial biaxial. Basically if you want a biaxial key, but still want to be able to take it to any locksmith for a copy it's what you get. A way to get a biaxial key, without the hassel of trying to get a copy.
I think that an ethical locksmith will not provide copies of any resticted keys, patent expired or not.
I don't think G3 is currently patented--I see G3 blanks on ebay all the time. If I see some M3 blanks, then they'll have my attention (and a very high bid entered into my powersnipe account ).
Maxxed please re-read what you quoted. It is a commercial keyway. It was specifically intended by Medeco to not be restricted. It was for anyone in the world who wanted to buy a biaxial lock, but didn't need strict key control.
It is NOT restricted. It isn't even marked "do not dup." or the like by the factory.
Sorry if I didn't explain it well.
G3's patent is expired (and the rest of the biaxial as of sept. 2005) in the USA and is not expired in some areas outside the USA. This is why you see the G3 for sale. ILCO makes it now.