So, it's been a while since i've discussed any kind of picking related, so I guess it's time.
I kind of quickly outgrew my Southord pick kit, and found myself in the market for something else. But, what to get ?
My problem with the picks I got, was that they were tiny, and my hands cramped up very easily after long time using them. So one night I were watching Bills show, and found a review on the Andy Law stuff, and man was I hooked :) So, here's my take on the Andy Law Increment Pro kit :)
First, go check them out at Andy's webshop. increment-pro-lock-pick-set :)
Notice the size compared to a normal pick, about 10 mm longer, and three times the thickness, and about 16 grams and with sandwiched handles. So, they are massive. And that banana shape is something you have to get used to. But, how are they when using them. Well. One of the things I noticed when i were using ordinary small picks / rakes, like the one on the left, was that my hands got cramped up. I simply had trouble relaxing, they felt waaay to tiny. I had to pad them with rubber handles, and that took away the feeling / feedback when i were using them.
So, i switched to something larger and heavier, and boy that made a difference. I got feedback back, my hands could relax, and overall, my picking really took a leap forward. And, I have to say, these things are built to last. They are built for the operators standing on a dark back porch somewhere in cold, rain and snow. But priced at 130 British Sterling, also not cheap :)
I know some say that it sucks when you're not able to use the full length of the pick, but i would say, it's a matter of taste. Normally I do have some of them sticking out the back, so I'm not using the full leverage of them, but that's okay, you get used to it. And the great thing is, they work wonders both ways, no matter what way you turn them. Like the banana, picking pins US style, or facing down, picking EU style pins at the bottom. I tried both, and they still work wonders, and are very comfortable to work with.
So, what do you get in the kit ?, let's have a look.
Four hooks, micro, small medium and large. Normally I don't really use the small ones, unless it's really low pins, and I haven't really come across something like that. But they are also good for small keyways, or so I've been told, so I guess I have yet to have the pleasure of using the small ones.
From left to right. A couple of "Nessies", one I don't know, and a half diamond. The nessies I've been trying out and I do see it got a place in a kit.
The nessies double as a first strike rake, and a hook, so for raking to that first fake set, I guess it would work as good as any rake. That's my experience at least So, for a kind of limited EDC kit, a nessie and some hooks would do.
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When it comes to rakes, here's a couple. First off we have some Bogota's, a City rake, and last a snake. They work, but the Bogotas are to sharp some times, they tend to get caught up easily, so it's usually not my first go to rake. It really depends. Usually I use something a bit more rounded.
The first one I don't know, anyone ?. Next, the Prince and Princess, and lastly the sinusoidal I think :)
The last ones are somewhat special. They are the reach tools / reach picks. Normally favoured by american pickers, or so I've been told. I tried them on really deep low pins, and boy do they work wonders.
I would say, not your average picks, but something I would keep in an EDC kit, for those special cases. But for euro style keyways, maybe not so much. Hooks are usually enough, and a couple of rakes for fast testing / first strike, before finishing up with a hook.
So, my final verdict ?. If you're seriously into picking, and in need of a good kit, that will last a long time, and a kit where you would like an option to supplement it with spare picks / special picks, I would go for some of Andy's stuff. It's pricey, but worth it. And it really is an absolute joy to work with, even for longer sessions. So, Andy, thumbs up dude :)