some one has this??

[bhysteria]

Both the pen and jacknifes are a last resort tool. I had both. Don't waste your money unless you are going to throw it in a drawer and only use it because nothing else is around.

I don't know what it is about it, but whenever I used the thing it felt like the heads were gonna break off. More of a novelty.

[DeadlyHunter]

it's total junk, dont buy one, mine was awkward and the picks never stayed in place

[omelet]

oh come on, its gotta be worth 35 bucks for that handle part...its shiny and has a foam grip, what else could you want?!

I think they come up with the prices completely out of thin air....maybe they sit around and laugh talking about what they will price lockpicking tools at and people will still buy them.

[kodierer]

If your a beginner, then buy a beginners set. I recommend a 14 piece set. Also be sure to buy the spring steel without the reinforced handles. The handles remove some of the feel, and are a waste of money for a non experienced picker as your pick will wear out, and bend, or break in a few months. After you have some technique, and finess then buy a higher quality set. Like a 17 piece set with metal handles, or just replace picks one, or 2 at a time
If you find yourself picking very well then a jacknife is a great carry around tool, but I agree not to use it for any serious picking.

[logic]

Boy, I'll never listen to this group on advice on tools. I have this tool as noted in a previous post and feel it is very well made. The picks are smaller which is a big benefit for some smaller keyways but I've never felt like they would break. Also once a pick is secured in the tool handle, there is no way the pick will fall out. And there is no way that someone has the strength to pull out the pick when secured. Sure the tool may not be many people's preference but it surely isn't junk or cheaply made.

So are we talking about the same tool? Or are people just assuming that this tool is junk?

Anyone who has posted negative comments on this tool and has owned one, please indicate the manufactor and model name engraved on the handle as I'm curious if we are talking about the same tool.

[MrB]

You have to apply a bit of consideration to the advice you receive before you believe it. On an open forum where anyone can chime in with comments, you could as easily be given bad advice as good.

But one of the considerations with pen picks is that when picking a lock, you may want to put down one pick with your right hand and pick up another, all the while holding the tension carefully with your left. For example, to swap between a diamond and a hook. If a pick has to be unfastened and fastened into a pen holder, this is not so convenient.

YMMV of course. It's all down to what works for you.

[master in training]

one of the considerations with pen picks is that when picking a lock, you may want to put down one pick with your right hand and pick up another, all the while holding the tension carefully with your left. For example, to swap between a diamond and a hook. If a pick has to be unfastened and fastened into a pen holder, this is not so convenient.

i agree with MrB on this one, it is sometimes necessary to change picks during picking, sometimes when you're learning, you may break picks as well, meaning that you have to buy the heads for the pen/jack knife, i dont own one, but judging by the price for the actual thing, i would guess the heads for it are more expensive than normal picks as well.

am i right in thinking it only comes with one tension wrench as well? i would say you certainly need at least a few different sizes in your first set, it can be really frustrating not having one the right size for the lock you're trying to pick.

personally, i probably went a bit overkill with my first set, but i got the 17piece set from SouthOrd, not sure of the actual code since i got it in a shop, not from a website, but its the one with the brass handle for the picks

~ Master in Training ~

[SFGOON]

You guys don't get the true value of the pen set, you can be just like James Bond!! It's sexy! As a guy who regularly shifts between raking and pin by pin, I would have a hell of a hard time with a tool like that, too many little pieces to lose.

[SFGOON]

Why can't I write hell? What's this?

[MrB]

It's the automated censor. You can't write naughty words in case it upsets the delicate sensibilities of sheltered people who grew up in a convent.

[SFGOON]

Well, it doesn't work very well. I'm expecting a written public spanking any second now for my gratuitious and ludicris use of the word bullsh*t in another post of mine....

[kodierer]

I have a southord JPXS-6 The metal one, and its a good carry around tool, but it doesn't transfer feel like a normal pick.