Impressioning book by Diederichsen

[MacGyver101]

I was excited to see that Oliver Diederichsen had published an English version of his Impressioning book and, based on the reviews of Barry Wels and others, immediately ordered a copy. It just arrived today in the mail... and I'm feeling pretty underwhelmed. Despite not being overly fluent in German, I may see if I can exchange my copy for the German edition... and I'm curious if any of our German-speaking members might already have a copy of the book, and could offer any comment on whether it's of better quality?

My first impression was of the book's surprisingly poor construction: it appears to have been printed on a colour laser printer (Oliver's?), with "good-one-side" paper: in random sections of the book, the odd-numbered pages have a bright, white surface, and the images are crisp -- while the even-numbered pages have a dull yellow surface, and the images are muddy. (This is a particular problem in the sections where he's trying to demonstrate the marks observed during impressioning -- which is most of the reason I bought the book.)

Physical issues aside, the English translation is frustratingly poor, with notes like: "The pin is trenched into the blank material till its shut level." or "Impression mark of the pin, that is factory made the counterpart of the staggered drill hole." (to pick from a random page). The 100+ page count was also deceiving in terms of content, because every page is essentially written in point form (with every sentence on a separate line), and is printed in a font this big.

I sense that there is a lot of value in Diederichsen's work, but I also sense that the poor translation and printing is interfering greatly with my ability to learn the concepts he's describing. I guess I was just expecting a bit more from a $120 book... and I'm wondering if the German edition is clearer/better?

[greyman]

I do know that Oliver's book on impressioning is self-published, but that doesn't mean it was printed by him. I would think that the original German edition makes perfect sense even if some of the English in the translated edition is a bit unclear.

[NKT]

Just went through every page of "Impressioing" by Oliver Diedrichsen. The printing is perfect on every page, and it looks to my trained eye that it was done on a dye-sublimation Print-on-Demand system. Very, very high quality, both on paper and ink, and perfect bound hardback, just like the German version.

I'm going to get my vice and workshop set up. I'm also going to proceed with getting my cylinder impressioning down, mainly because I have still to make a key for the lock I took to Sneek, which I took off the door to my new basement workshop (of doom*)


*Actual doom levels may vary. But don't try walking through it barefoot in the dark.

[NKT]

"Impressioning" by Oliver Diederichsen - how come I miss that first N every time? Even when I know I will and correct for it?

[vrocco]

Is there a US distributor to order this book through? I have been looking for a copy in English.

Thanks!

[greyman]

I think it is only available through the German distributor or from Oliver.

cheers

greyman

[aussielocky]

Is there a US distributor to order this book through? I have been looking for a copy in English.

Thanks!

MBA may be carrying it ..

[Squelchtone]

Is there a US distributor to order this book through? I have been looking for a copy in English.

Thanks!

Lockmasters has it now as well.

mmmm necro
Squelchtone

[pcworth]

I note that the last contribution to this post is some years ago, but I am now asking for updated advice from anyone, regarding the questions raised at the very beginning. I am considering purchasing Oliver Diederichsen's book, but since I live in New Zealand, I am conscious of the significant purchase cost, apart from the additional post to NZ.

The one UK outlet that seems to have the book for sale at the moment provides no significant information about it, other than an extravagantly positive review. My questions directly to them about the standard of the book's manufacture were not answered, in a less than helpful reply.

Perhaps issues with the book, such as the English translation and the quality of printing, have been addressed since the first person posted their "underwhelmed" message. I would be most grateful if anyone can advise me further about the current status of the book.

Regards,
Peter

[GWiens2001]

I note that the last contribution to this post is some years ago, but I am now asking for updated advice from anyone, regarding the questions raised at the very beginning. I am considering purchasing Oliver Diederichsen's book, but since I live in New Zealand, I am conscious of the significant purchase cost, apart from the additional post to NZ.

The one UK outlet that seems to have the book for sale at the moment provides no significant information about it, other than an extravagantly positive review. My questions directly to them about the standard of the book's manufacture were not answered, in a less than helpful reply.

Perhaps issues with the book, such as the English translation and the quality of printing, have been addressed since the first person posted their "underwhelmed" message. I would be most grateful if anyone can advise me further about the current status of the book.

Regards,
Peter

Will say that I have loved my copy. It gives a lot of information and covers a variety of methods.

Gordon

[capt.dunc]

had a copy for a few years, well printed and clear photos. minor translation glitches, but easy to understand the intent.

is it full of new exciting techniques which will lead to you being an expert in no time? no. i don't think it adds much content over what's here on the site and greg miller's paper, but what it does have is photos, and it looks at impressioning lock types beyond wafer and pin cylinder.

as above i love my copy and it lives in my impressioning tool case at all times, it's good to inspire you to do some.

however spending the same amount of cash on blanks and getting stuck in will also be a good way to go.

[pcworth]

Thanks very much Gordon and capt.dunc for your comments. They give me significant reassurance that the purchase would be worthwhile.
Peter