Potential first pickset?

[benjour]

Hi guys and gals!
Basically I'm looking to get into lock-picking as a hobby, but I'm fairly unsure as to a couple of things which I'm certain someone here could help me with.
I live in the UK and from what I can understand there are 'euro' locks which have a thinner keyway than other locks (i.e. US locks). I'm currently looking to buy my first lock-pick set and, as a result, I was wondering whether I'd specifically need a euro/slimline set or whether I should get a regular set?
If a euro/slimline set would be more preferred given my location, are there any views on the Southord C801? (one set that seems to fit the bill as a new hobbyist)
I hope someone can find the time to answer my queries I'm afraid odds are I'll have more once these have been answered...
Many thanks in advance!

[GWiens2001]

You will find answers, views and reviews listed many times in the other threads. As for which picks to use, 'euro' or 'american' picks, beginners tend to be more heavy-handed with the picks, so thinner ones bend easier. On the other hand, if it won't fit in the lock, it won't work. Personally, even though I am in the United States, I make my picks thinner.

Best of luck, and welcome!

Gordon

[ARF-GEF]

If you live in the UK and you get more involved in the lock-hobby you will need thin picks sooner or later anyway.

[benjour]

Thank you both so far for excellent information! I'll be sure to have a look around for reviews on the pick-set I'm considering.
It seems to me a lot of people prefer thinner picks... I guess I'll try not to be heavy handed!
Many thanks again and any more information would be welcomed!

[GWiens2001]

Best advice I can give on picking itself, is to read Solomon's guide, found here:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jacqueline.goff/sollybook/Lockpicking%20Detail%20Overkill.pdf

He is a member here! His guide is very well written, very informative, and perhaps a little colorful on the language. However, as he says in the guide, if you don't use that language a little now, you will if you take up this hobby!

Gordon

[GWiens2001]

Oh, the password is evva3ks

Gordon

[benjour]

Thanks again Gordon!
Haha you read my mind, sir! I was just about to ask about the password

[benjour]

Also, good choice of password... apparently a particularly difficult lock to pick, if I'm not misinformed of course!

[GWiens2001]

I hope someone can find the time to answer my queries I'm afraid odds are I'll have more once these have been answered...

That is why we are here! We all have questions, and before you know it, you will be answering questions, too!

Gordon

[benjour]

Too true! Hopefully I'll be able to return the favour. Give what I get, which at the moment is copious amounts of help!
Thanks again.

[ARF-GEF]

If you are interested in other books about locks you should check out this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=55554&hilit=book
I makes some roundabouts but you can hunt down the titles from it:).

Evva 3ks is a fascinating lock! If you like it it's worth checking out EVVA's homepage. They have excellent drawings and even a video. You can get a grip on it under 2 minutes. (3ks is pretty much the same as 3ks+, the main and most interesting part is the same.)
http://www.evva.co.uk/products/mechanic ... system/en/

[benjour]

Thanks ARF-GEF. I'll definitely have a look into books at some point, probably once I get annoyed at myself for being unable to pick a lock!
Thanks for the information about the EVVA 3KS. I agree, it does look fascinating...however, having never picked anything in my life it may be somewhat out of my league...
Thanks!

[MrAnybody]

Go for the Slimline sets at Southord. They're just the thing for European keyways. Have a look at my post in the Buy/Sell section of this forum for a very nice discount code for Southord kit.

[benjour]

Thanks MrAnybody, I've had a quick look at Southord's site, and due to being from the UK the postage seems to negate any sort of savings from the discount code I don't suppose there's any way around this?
Many thanks!

[MBI]

Thanks MrAnybody, I've had a quick look at Southord's site, and due to being from the UK the postage seems to negate any sort of savings from the discount code I don't suppose there's any way around this?
Many thanks!

Buy from a retailer in the UK or make some picks.