Black Zero Picks

by **Black Zero** » 30 Oct 2007 15:18

Black Zero Picks

I decided to create a new thread as well to display my different picks, and although I am a beginner compared to many of you, I hope to get feedback to improve my picks. After looking through some of the brilliant designs of Kaotik, raimundo, and many more I decided I would try to get into this amazing art. After about a week of researching, buying tools, and working, here is my first completed pick:

I think this pick has taught me a lot on how to work with the different metals, and what techniques work the best. The overall color of this pick is very odd, because after the hours and hours of sanding, I decided to buff it out and it gave it all the different shades. Being my first pick I know I still have a lot to work on and a lot to learn so please criticize and let me know what I can do to make these picks better.

There will be many more on there way.

- BZ

by **linty** » 30 Oct 2007 15:29

nice looking handle, what is that?

by **Black Zero** » 30 Oct 2007 15:33

Just two pieces of sheet aluminum... then I used a set of small files to do the designs and shape.

by **Afisch** » 30 Oct 2007 16:02

It looks stylish, i'll give you that

so much is personal preferance so it'd be great to know how it is to use it? From a non-pick making critiquing point of view, for me maybe the handle is two tall and the hook a little to short or not quite gradual enough. Others will have other opinions of course and nice lockpick there all told, great starting point.

by **ady1989** » 30 Oct 2007 19:26

Nice pick mate, looks comfy. Go out and buy some 400, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 grit wet sanding paper. Start wiht 400 grit and work your way up. Make that pick nice and shiny. This is really important for the actual tip that goes into the lock. The smoother it is, the better it works and the better it glides inside the lock. Keep up the good work!

by **Trip Doctor** » 30 Oct 2007 20:37

When I first looked at it it kind of looked like firescaled copper to me, lol. Cool design. I like the upper left dip/valley, seems like it would make a nice place to put your finger.

by **Kaotik** » 30 Oct 2007 21:30

I find it odd that you tried to polish it and the color turned out that way. What did you polish it with?

As for overall design, it looks very intriguing and will probably work well in function and comfort. Really good start, can't wait to see how you progress in the future.

by **Black Zero** » 30 Oct 2007 21:33

Kaotik wrote:I find it odd that you tried to polish it and the color turned out that way. What did you polish it with?

As for overall design, it looks very intriguing and will probably work well in function and comfort. Really good start, can't wait to see how you progress in the future.

Thanks that means a lot coming from you

. I did use the wet grit paper, although I will probably spend more time with that next time. What turned it weird colors was this electric sander/buffer that I tried out with some pink polish (don't know the exact name). I'll just try to stay away from that next time.

by **Jaakko** » 31 Oct 2007 6:38

Kaotik, you really should do an article to these forums about polishing and finishing certain materials, like brass, aluminium and steel and to show how to make certain kind of textures/looks.

by **raimundo** » 31 Oct 2007 10:13

The slash that is part of the style of this pick originally had me thinking that it could be a pick that has the blade withdrawn into the handle, and that slash on the side, could be a mechanical guide to some part of the lock that would keep the pick secured inside and then outside the handles. and if the lockup requires springyness, well the tang of the pickshaft is itself a spring. look at how a scalpel blade is its own spring for locking itself onto a handle.

I saw a lot more in the design that is there yet, but its a possiblility

by **simon_G** » 31 Oct 2007 12:17

as for the discoleration, i actually think it looks pretty nice

so maybe just put it aside in case you want a similar color scheme in future ^^

by **Black Zero** » 31 Oct 2007 14:21

And if anyone is interested in purchasing this pick or wanting me to make a similar pick, please let me know. They'll be pretty cheap as I can't match the quality of kaotik and raimundo, however they will work just fine. I'm also up for any suggestions of different styles of picks you would like to see be tried out.

- BZ

by **LockNewbie21** » 31 Oct 2007 19:39

To polish you pick go sand until oyu reach 2000grit, then 3M rubbing compound and some elbow grease, then clean, and use and car grade pollish and buff it.

I have already used a huge auto buffer in a vise on low RPM.. wanna talk about mirror finish.

I like the pick, looks really cool mate, I tip my hat

by **Kaotik** » 31 Oct 2007 19:53

[off topic]

Jaakko wrote:Kaotik, you really should do an article to these forums about polishing and finishing certain materials, like brass, aluminium and steel and to show how to make certain kind of textures/looks.

Sounds great, and I will be happy to do such an article. Nothing that i've noticed here regarding that subject with how-to's and pictures, so yes, i'll work on that for you guys.

[back to topic]

by **raimundo** » 29 Nov 2007 9:56

I think the discoloration is just polishing compound in the pores of the metal, probably come off with soap and a toothbrush.

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