Locks Safes and Security: Is it worth it?

[musicmaniac414]

Hey, I'm sorely tempted by sheer comprehensive size of LSS, and I'm wondering, is it worth buying? Should I wait until I have more experience (I've been picking about three months)? Should I just buy the individual chapters, or should I go for the included CDs? Someone who has read this thing, give me the scoop. Thanks

[David_Parker]

Although I don't own the book, and I hope to one day, I would say the overall general concensus is: yes Its well worth it.

-Dave.

[Biff]

I got the LSS cd from a friend (don't have the book) and it definitely has a LOT of information. It's a good text, well written, has lots of pictures, and is very informative. If you think that you are ready for spending lots of time reading it and being amazed by its contents, I would say it's worth it. On the other hand, depending on your current knowledge, you may want to wait a little (maybe a month or two) before getting such an expensive product.

[vector40]

What's your goal, music? Are you just a hobbyist picker? Do locks and everything related to them fascinate you? Do you want to be a locksmith? etc. etc.

[digital_blue]

I own the LSS books but not the CDs. The books are very good. I would strongly recommend them to anyone with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge on the topic. I have found, though, that even with all the information provided, I feel like it doesn't quite go far enough on some topics. I imagine this is where the CDs would step in to fill in the blanks. I'm not sure. They are pretty darned expensive so I'll be waiting some time before I take that plunge. In the mean time the books are quite good.

I did a mini review of them some time ago. You can find it about half way down the thread here:
viewtopic.php?t=6488&highlight=lss

Cheers!

db

[WhiteHat]

one note thought - the books probably won't help your picking ability. they will however, give you broad insight into the way locks are made, different types of locks, physical security in general, forensic investigation and an overview of the various tools out there to bypass/decode locks.

very very good books though - I couldn't put them down until I'd finished reading them.

[kodierer]

I don't have the book(can't afford it), but everyone tells me its great. Its said that he book is only worth getting if your real serious about security, and in my opinion if your willing to spend that much money, then you must be pretty serious about it.

[Wesson357]

I plan on getting it sometime, but its going to be a while. From what I hear it is a very good resource.

[SFGOON]

Simply put, it is excellent. It provides an overview on a variety of topics from the history of security to bypass methods. Well worth the asking price, so go ahead. You can buy it on amazon.com

[vector40]

My point with the question you didn't answer was this: if you're just a hobbyist picker or even interested in general locksmithing, I doubt the LSS would be worthwhile to you. It addresses the basic techniques and theories and such, but goes far more deeply into the esoterica "behind the scenes" -- materials, production methods, what makes a drill work, what makes a door secure, and so forth. It's really more of a "want to know everything" tome, and a reference source. If you're just nutso about locks, safes, and security -- go for it. Otherwise, maybe not worth your cash.

[musicmaniac414]

Thanks everyone, for the input. I am mostly a hobbyist, but what really fascinates me is the concept of security: a struggle between an attacker and a defender. This is where I thought I'd enjoy the book most. My main activity is music, but I also like chess; it has a lot of parallels in lock picking. Oh, and picking improves my fingers' sensitivity for piano. I definitely plan to get the book eventually, but I think I'll wait until I have a bit more cash put away.