For every great journey, there is an unusual beginning. A moment of decision in which we walk the line between taking our first step forward or turning away and venturing in a different direction. It is often at this line that we contemplate the value of stepping forward — its worth, its inevitable struggles, and its likely outcome. However, what often deters us most from taking that first step are the unknowns — the questions we have in which we can initially find neither a solid nor direct answer to. It is because of these uncertainties that we often miss out on some magnificent opportunities. The art of Lock Picking is no exception. It is a craft that seemly everyone wishes to venture in, but at first glance are discouraged by the fog of mystery and vagueness surrounding it. So let’s lift the veil and look at lock picking in its truest form —unhindered by bias and mystery — so that we may take our first confident step forward in this exceptional journey that is lock picking! But first, to break any misconceptions of what lock picking is, let us start by truly defining it. Quick Navigation: What is Lock Picking: The Relm of Physical Bypassing The Art of Lock Picking The Truths About Lock Picking Is it Hard to Learn Lock Picking? Is Lock Picking Illegal? Is Lock Picking Expensive? To Conclude What is Lock Picking: The Relm of Physical Bypassing Lock picking falls within the scope of what is called physical bypassing. A bypass is nothing more than a technical term for going around or through something by means other than normally utilized. However, bypassing typically takes advantage of a flaw or weakness in design. For example, we normally use a key to get through a padlock. However, if that particular model of padlock utilizes a spring-loaded bolt to hold the shackle, we may be able to very simply and quickly bypass it by sliding a thin sheet of metal between the bolt and shackle — thus releasing the shackle and unlocking the lock. This method of “shimming” is very commonly practiced among bypassers and can even be accomplished by cutting up a soda can. Another example would be taking a more violent approach and melting the padlock to a frothy liquid with a blowtorch. Regardless of the method, the goal is the same — to get through the lock without using the key. When it comes to physical bypassing, the sky is the limit. Your only restrictions are your imagination and innovation. Any and every lock can be bypassed, it is only a matter of how and when — there is no such thing as the perfect lock. However, in the vast multitude of bypasses possible, lock picking is the apple that falls furthest from the tree. Unlike any other known method, lock picking has an extreme elegance about it — being both highly subtle and strikingly artful. The Art of Lock Picking Lock picking has a very subtle nature about it. Not only is it a very soft and silent technique, but it also leaves behind little to no trace of ever being performed. Utilizing minimal equipment — typically two small pieces of metal — lock picking can often be performed anywhere without drawing attention. But even with this subtle nature, lock picking’s elegance is granted primarily through its artfulness. It is artful in the sense that no other method utilizes upon the attention to detail that lock picking does. While anyone can pick a lock, those who have mastered this skill have mastered their senses. The practiced master of lock picking — using nothing but their pick, tension wrench, and sense of feel— can visualize what is occurring within the lock and, in essence,  can paint the key within the lock using his pick as a brush. Just as there are many styles of painting, there are a variety of unique techniques available to the lock picker. Some, like an artist throwing paint at a canvas, are erratic and volatile — much like that of zipping or raking a lock. On the other hand, some methods are pencil precise, requiring more skill and finesse over that of madness — like that of single pin picking. This is what we refer to as the Art of Lock Picking and leads us — finally — to our definition and understanding of what lock picking truly is. Lock picking is the act of mimicking the key through artful manipulation of the lock’s internal componentry to the same state they would be in if the correct key were inserted.Click To Tweet In other words, we are tricking the lock into believing we are the key. There is one additional definition that we believe lock picking to maintain: “Awareness” To learn lock picking is to learn just how poorly designed and manufactured most security devices are. When you delve into lock picking you are not just picking locks, you are developing an awareness of what security sincerely is. For the only way to truly security ourselves is to learn the flaws in that security. Lock picking is a means of self-defense. The Truth About Lock Picking There is one irritating reality to learning the craft of lock picking — the degree of misinformation, bias, and vagueness surrounding it. This aggravating combination of traits is typically enough to deter most people from ever pursuing this craft — mainly due to the frustration of finding straight forward answers to very simple questions. This is extremely disheartening that so many abandon this extremely fun and valuable skill before even starting. So to help avoid this frustration, here are some straight and simple answers to the most commonly asked questions about learning lock picking. 1. Is it Hard to Learn Lock Picking This question is often met with conflicting answers. However, this is not to say people are being deceptive nor have any true knowledge of the craft. People’s answers are relative to how they understand the [...]

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