Unkei wrote:Hello all,
May be posting this in wrong place..if so, I apologize.
Has anyone any input on the Southord Jackknife Folding Lock Pick Set? Looks like a nice outfit to carry in pocket.
Thanks for any replies,
Unkei
I'd recommend against that set. If you search around the forum a bit you'll find a lot of threads about folding picksets in general, and a few about that set in specific. Feel free to browse the forum and read those threads if you want, but here's my take on them: that model is pricey for what you get and it's wobbly so you get poor feedback as to what's going on inside the lock. It has a "locking screw" that's almost useless, which easily falls out and is lost, costing about $5 just to replace that one part. It's one of the worst kinds of sets I can imagine for learning to pick with, and just a poor one for picking in general.
If you're learning to pick, I'd get a regular non-folding set.
If you are just looking for a folding set of some kind for easy carry, I'd suggest getting the FPS-7, FPS-8 or FPS-8E from Southern Specialties.
They have an adjustable locking lever so they lock up tight when open with no wobble and give good feedback when picking. While I still probably wouldn't recommend them for learning to pick, the feedback they give is nearly as good as with regular full size picks. Spare pick blades are available for those sets in both regular and slimline picks, so you can customize it with the specific picks you like. It's very easy to disassemble to change or replace pick blades. Most parts are available from the manufacturer and easily replaced if you ever break or lose a piece, although I've had one for about 8 years or so and it's never given me problems. As I recall the FPS-7 has a pocket clip, the others don't, if that matters to you. I'd suggest getting the aluminum handled model over the plastic one. It's a purchase I doubt you'd regret. Seriously, a quality piece of equipment to add to your daily gear.
I collect pick sets. Partly because I'm a tool wh0re, but also for reference purposes, to take measurements, make comparisons and whatnot so I can make recommendations to friends, on the forums, and in the classes I teach. I wanted the best folding set I could get for my own daily carry so I bought every type of folding set I could find in order to evaluate and compare them. I know it probably sounds like I work for the company who makes these, but I don't. They simply make the best folding set I've ever used, by far. I haven't found another one that even comes close.
I believe they are available from our site sponsors (I think there is a coupon code available for members of lp101 but I can't remember it right now), or you can buy them from the manufacturer at lockpicktools.com
Welcome to the forum.
