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I have looked around for a thread on this but I couldn't find anything.
If there are some threads already, then I apologize.

I'm interested in getting into lock picking, and I have a little experience, but with emphasis on the "little."
I have made a couple picks and they seem to work ok. Grinding down hacksaw blades is fun, but I need a basis for reference, so I'm looking at getting a couple picks or a set.

My question is, what sets or picks would you guys suggest for a beginner?
I want something basic and inexpensive to get me started, and I would like to learn a little about SPP and raking.

So, what do you guys suggest?

Have you looked at our sponsors?

http://www.lockpickshop.com/

http://www.uklockpickers.co.uk/

http://www.bumpmylock.com/

Also, have a look around here for cheap picks you can use to learn: http://www.lockpicks.com/picksetparts.aspx

Stay away from "pick sets", buy a short hook ( ) medium hook ( ) diamond ( ) and if you want to mess with raking buy a and and

Thanks! I'll check it out!

A follow-up questions if I may....
Are the jack-knife sets worth getting?

In my opinion the Southern Specialties (not SouthOrd) jackknife set is the only one worth a darn. Get the aluminum handled one, not the plastic one. They make a version with regular picks and slimline picks.

I don't recommend them for learning to pick, but if once you've learned to pick you feel you have a need to carry something convenient, it's a good way to go. It has a locking lever that really clamps down the pick once it's extended so it doesn't wobble, and it's easy as pie to disassemble it and change out pick blades so you can customize it. Replacement pick blades aren't very pricey. They even have pick blanks available.

Most other folding picksets I've tried, and I've tried many, have one or more problems: high price, the picks wobble so feedback is crap, disassembly is not easy, or replacement picks are not conveniently available.

Here is a picture of what I'm talking about. You can order directly from the manufacturer, but if you plan on ordering an assortment of supplies, check out the links xeo posted because some of our sponsors carry these same picks as well as an assortment of other gear.
http://www.lockpicktools.com/folding-picket-picks/