Progressive Set of 7 Practice Locks

People can buy lockpicks WITHOUT any sort of checks or requirements from hundreds of places with a quick google and will find them if they want, I think the comparison to guns is completely ridiculous. Also LockSport and picking for fun is actually a REALLY big hobby these days and for those of us in Information Security and especially for those us who perform redteam engagements and perform physical penetration tests - picks are a requirement. It is also a fun hobby for many geeks and folks who enjoy puzzles, my wife picks while relaxing around the house to keep her hands and brain busy for example. I know most licensed locksmiths aren't too fond of the large and growing user base that pick for fun even when affiliated with very large and ethical locksport groups such as TOOOL because they assume people who like to pick are criminals (or working unlicensed which is worse imho). Though.... massdrop has knives which are much more likely to be utilized in a crime...a criminal isn't going to reach for a set of picks to take on a 5-6 pin deadbolt with some decent security pins, they are typically going to break a window, break the door in or utilize other destructive entry methods on the lock itself or find another way in. Keeping lockpicks out of the hands of everyone is essentially security through obscurity. It seems to be a common argument that comes up from people that have spent their lives making a career out of locksmithing when in reality, standard locking mechanisms have been around since the Sumerians and Egyptians and the tech hasn't really changed that drastically scarily enough, aside from them no longer being made out of wood. So do we just require a license to buy picks (which can be easily made at home from windshield wiper blades among other items) until lock companies actually acknowledge their vulnerabilities? Or can we put them on massdrop when they stop making locks that can be easily opened with kinetic techniques such as bumping and go say the way of Medeco and other high security locks that utilize REAL protection methods to prevent entry? You know, ones which are NOT easily bypassable by a jackass with a 5 dollar set of bump keys? Picks are picks...if massdrop was selling sets of bump key with guides, elevator and service keys, TSA master keys, large equipment default keys for industrial equipment etc., I might raise an eyebrow due to the complete lack of skill required for those items and would agree some vetting should be done for those types of items to ensure they are actual smith's or security experts. But really man, when it comes to picks, if a criminal is actually utilizing picks they are typically a quite a few levels above your average scumbag who breaks into peoples homes and they will get their picks REGARDLESS. Massdrop just helps make it cheaper for those of us who truly enjoy, love and appreciate locks and locksport. I know this is ranty and i feel your pain regarding unlicensed locksmiths stealing business and destroying the trust the public has in licensed locksmiths but comparing this to guns is just batshit crazy. This site is frequented by geeks who want mechanical keyboards so picks are kinda right up the alley of the people who visit this site. Anyway enough coffee, i'm done. Hopefully you can take this with a grain of salt and see it from the point of view of the hobbyist who has watched his 6 year old open sentry safe lock boxes in under 3-4 seconds with a popsicle stick...seriously. I apologize if this is taken wrong and have the utmost respect for your profession - but as I said criminals are going to get picks (if they know how to actually use them) if they want them regardless....why make it harder for the hobbyists when sparrows, southord and even serepick sell to everyone?

I'm a locksmith, too. 1. i personally don't have an issue with people buying a pick set. i think the other dude is trying too hard to defend his opinion. 2. it's called non-destructive entry, and it is always preferable to any medhod that results in damage to the customer's lock. think about it, if you call a locksmith and pay him 100 bucks to simply show up, but all he does is throw a brick through your window, how would you feel? and also, picking a lock is often times faster than drilling one. plus, it is a lot more impressive and professional looking, and less expensive for the customer.