The H2K2 Videos

[baron]

As a hobbyist locksmith, I'll throw in my two cents as well.

On the videos:

I found the two videos to be excellent. Not necessarily in technical detail but for something else. Inspiration. These videos have really lit a fire in me to learn what I can about locks. They have an excellent attitude, they are humourous, and they show what the possibilities are.

For instance. I don't feel the need to pick an Abus high-security lock at this point in time, but it makes me feel kinda warm and fuzzy to know that some dedicated german hobbyists have figured out how it can be defeated. Now I know it can be done, and when I progress to the level where I'm ready to take on that lock. I will know that I'm facing an adversary that can be defeated.

If they had gone into a lot of detail, it would sort of spoil the fun of figuring out a look by myself. Knowing some general principles is definitely a bonus, but working for something makes it that much sweeter.

In short I liked that they showed that a decent variety of locks, and confirmed 100% that they can be beat.

On locksmiths (and the comments about them):

I think the comments on locksmiths were directed at specific "locksmiths" that the presenters have encountered, and this would be the only thing that would make sense. If I remember correctly, he also mentioned that there were some good locksmiths as well, or mentioned that some of the TOOOL people were also locksmiths. I never took this to reflect badly on *all* locksmiths.

I think the comments made during the film, and some of the responses here were very interesting. They are interesting in the fact that they apply to many a profession. There are people who care about what they do, and as a result do it well. There are also those that are just out there to make a buck. I don't think this isolated to locksmithing.

I'd also like to thank any of the professional locksmiths who help educate people outside of "the industry". This alone has ensured that I will never have bad feelings towards locksmiths as a whole, and I personally would avoid any locksmith who I felt was keeping me in the dark.

[Varjeal]

baron: I agree with your post. I'll admit I get a little emotional when it comes to protecting my trade sometimes, and those initial comments in the video kinda set me off. Anyways, that's that.

I will say that although I don't mind helping people out in learning about locksmithing, etc. There is information that I will not pass on to just anyone.

For example, lock codes. I yearly spend a pile of money on keeping updated with codes for various types of locks. When I have opportunity to use this knowledge, I charge for it accordingly. This is not something that I would just duplicate a CD or two and give it to all my friends and all the good folks on here. I will make it known that the software is out there, but it would be foolish of me to distribute it to everyone.

That's just part of the job. Hope everyone understands.