lockpicks- sparrows or peterson?

[Shackle Jackal]

I would say after careful consideration that I really like Sparrows picks, the triple peak has become one of my favorite rakes, however some of their other tools leave a lot to be desired. If price point is not a concern go with peterson

[spacejunk]

I have both Sparrows and Peterson pick sets. Being new to picking I can't say who I will prefer in the future but I think both have their merits and disadvantages. The Peterson picks are more comfortable in the hand and tend not to make your fingers cramp as much. The Petersons are bulkier in a pouch and don't double up in a slot like the Sparrows. The exchange rate with Canada is most favorable, making the Sparrows high quality picks a bargain. Surprisingly everything I have ordered from Sparrows has arrived faster then anything I have bought from Peterson.

[jimu57]

Talked with Sparrows recently. They are going to offering sets of hooks and rakes at discount price. I wanting to get all hooks but it was only available with a pile of tension wrenches. Should be able to get all of a type cheaper than individual price.

[ltdbjd]

I would also say both, its fun and good practice to vary picks. ive tried many differents brands aswell, but none that i liked. cheers

s0u1h4ck3r, I think you might be reading it incorrectly. I think he's saying he likes both Peterson and Sparrows, but he's tried brands OTHER than Peterson and Sparrows, and hasn't found any of the other brands that he liked. At least, that's how I read his statement.

[Legion303]

Neither. Make your own. :)

[GWiens2001]

Neither. Make your own.

+1

Gordon

[s0u1h4ck3r]

I would also say both, its fun and good practice to vary picks. ive tried many differents brands aswell, but none that i liked. cheers

s0u1h4ck3r, I think you might be reading it incorrectly. I think he's saying he likes both Peterson and Sparrows, but he's tried brands OTHER than Peterson and Sparrows, and hasn't found any of the other brands that he liked. At least, that's how I read his statement.

Hehe, ok, English is not my native language so I don't always understand what I am reading

Thanks for clearing that up for me

[FletcherMunson]

I have a mix of tools from Sparrows, Peterson, Southord and self-made. So much of it is preference and every manufacturer has products that they excel at. Try a variety.

[GWiens2001]

And one picker may prefer one brand of short hook, while another picker will not like that one at all, preferring a different brand. Same for each pick.

Gordon

[Shackle Jackal]

Neither. Make your own.

I am all for making your own, however it took me a while to gather up the material needed to produce and finish picks, everything aside from windshield wiper inserts costs money, sand paper, dremel tool, even some Dykem or sharpie to mock up your stencil. When i was just getting started it was more financially feasible to buy a small kit. now that I know that i am hooked (and picked) i am willing to invest more money, just a thought

[Eazy123]

Southord was my first kit, bought years ago when I first intended to start picking, then life threw me a curveball. I found them uncomfortable after a few hours of use, so they sit in my glove box as my emergency kit. I have Sparrows' Wizzwazzle kit with a few Peterson picks in it. I much prefer the Petersons because of the grips and use the regular and slender Gems for most of my picking. The Sparrows Bogota broke on me so that's a ding on their craftsmanship in my book. The Petersons feel like they'll take quite a bit more to break, plus I can pick for hours with them and not get tired.

When I actually sit down and go through what I like and don't like about my favorite picks, I may try my hand at making my own. I don't have a grinder or room for one, but I do have a Dremel tool.

[TORCH [of KCK]]

Now, don't take this wrong,
As I own Peterson, Sparrows, Mad Bob's...
(And they are great)

I find most of the time, I use the my;
$18- (no-name set) from the gun show,
Homemade picks, & HPC set (22+ years old)

In that order ~ unless 0.014"->0.017" steep hook is needed. (Haven't finished replacement) so I'd grab my Sparrows.

Point I can only make...
What ever you get, make sure that you grab sandpaper & a file to put a good finish on them.

[TORCH [of KCK]]

But now, I'm considering getting the dangerfield praxis.

As it is a bit steep in price,
I believe that it would make a great starter set.
Due to, once polished up & handles are heatshrinked,
They can be compacted in the case & more tools can be added.

Something that you (& anyone else)
may wish not to rule out.

[OrMeanGene]

Southord was my first kit, bought years ago when I first intended to start picking, then life threw me a curveball. I found them uncomfortable after a few hours of use, so they sit in my glove box as my emergency kit. I have Sparrows' Wizzwazzle kit with a few Peterson picks in it. I much prefer the Petersons because of the grips and use the regular and slender Gems for most of my picking. The Sparrows Bogota broke on me so that's a ding on their craftsmanship in my book. The Petersons feel like they'll take quite a bit more to break, plus I can pick for hours with them and not get tired.

When I actually sit down and go through what I like and don't like about my favorite picks, I may try my hand at making my own. I don't have a grinder or room for one, but I do have a Dremel tool.

You could always do like me. Buy your wife something pretty, then toss the bench grinder on the dining room table.

[Eazy123]

Southord was my first kit, bought years ago when I first intended to start picking, then life threw me a curveball. I found them uncomfortable after a few hours of use, so they sit in my glove box as my emergency kit. I have Sparrows' Wizzwazzle kit with a few Peterson picks in it. I much prefer the Petersons because of the grips and use the regular and slender Gems for most of my picking. The Sparrows Bogota broke on me so that's a ding on their craftsmanship in my book. The Petersons feel like they'll take quite a bit more to break, plus I can pick for hours with them and not get tired.

When I actually sit down and go through what I like and don't like about my favorite picks, I may try my hand at making my own. I don't have a grinder or room for one, but I do have a Dremel tool.

You could always do like me. Buy your wife something pretty, then toss the bench grinder on the dining room table.

Ha! No wife, but my dining room table is where all my lock stuff resides already. I live in a small condo so there's not a lot of room.