OldddffAASSTT the Spin Master Extraordinaire and American Lock Slayer
Posts: 4412
Joined: Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:16 am
Location: Michigan
DrugofChoice - Lockpicking
My passion/obbsession for defeating locks is something I can only attempt to describe by relating it to my past life as a full-blown addict/alcoholic. I simply cannot get enough locks, reading material, or worst of all, time, to satisfy my craving for more. When I delve into a lock I'm suddenly emersed in a world where time does not exist. I forget that other people live on this planet. Hell, I forget that I need to eat & sleep every once in a while. More so for me than anyone I know, EVERYTHING must be in moderation. Eventually I'll take this hobby/study down to a more healthy, balanced level...... just not right now! LOL
1am - A pitch black room. Lightning intermittently illuminates it. Heavy rain hits the window. Long, rolling thunder overhead. Setting at my desk in front of the window, I take several deep breaths, and begin feeling and fumbling my way from lock to lock. Some open... some do not. As my eyes adjust to the darkness, I close them. 3am - I emerge and realize the last 2 hrs (which felt like 20 minutes) were some of the most "at peace" moments I've ever had.
So what is it that so intrigues us about locks? For some, the challenge. Others, maybe it's the emotional charge. And still others, who try to bring awareness and promote change- better quality, more security. I invite you to share your thoughts. Be it a hobby, study, sport, or career for you... I'd love to hear when, how, and most of all, why it is you got started. And, what is it, even years later, that still has you coming back for more!? What is it that drives you? Just what exactly is lockpicking to you?
Nearly all of us carry and use keys our entire lives, never knowing exactly why a key works... it just does. Often times, we don't realize just how well a particular lock works until, all of a sudden one day, it turns against us. Many are intrigued by the idea of picking a lock. The movies portray it as a kind of secret black art that only a few elite are capable of. A few are interested enough to maybe even try their hand at it for a bit. But the "007 factor" quickly fades as they realize there may be a little more to it. This, I think, is one of the reasons so many come and go.
A true picker, I believe, enjoys the challenge. Granted, I've only been picking for about 8 months now... but I'm certain I would've quit long before now if every lock popped open as easily as those first few. I seem to enjoy the humbling defeats as well as those victories that leave me shaking from the adrenaline rush. Very few things come naturally to me, and lockpicking is no exception. But, I've come to enjoy the very slow learning curve this hobby has placed me on. What I lack in skill, I make up for with patience. And when most people are ready to throw the lock through a window... I'm just getting started. Don't get me wrong, I certainly get frustrated from time to time... but, for the most part, I've learned to enjoy those moments. When I think of the vast array of various locks in the world today (with new designs constantly emerging), I realize I've barely scratched the surface. This.... gets me excited!
Thanks to all who help me enjoy this wonderful hobby. Your generosity continues to amaze me.