Chris' Home Brew Picks

[chris]

Thanks Oldfast, glad you like them. I have about 7 picks left to make before I can get to you. I can put you on the list, but it might be a long while before you get them. I have a few things coming up in the next few weeks so my progress will definitely be slow. It's up to you.

[chris]

Here is Jeff's other pick, based from a Peterson Gem as he requested.

[jeffmoss26]

wow wow wow that looks good!

[chris]

Hey Jeff, glad you like them, they are sitting in a toothbrush holder with kitchen roll padding them. I'm going to mail them to you on Monday, I have a full book this weekend man, can you PM me your address if you are happy with them?

[jruther2]

Another fantastic looking pick chris! The handle looks great too!

Hey Jeff, glad you like them, they are sitting in a toothbrush holder with kitchen roll padding them. I'm going to mail them to you on Monday, I have a full book this weekend man, can you PM me your address if you are happy with them?

Toothbrush holder huh? Good idea.

[chris]

I'm pretty sure that Mister Sour got the toothbrush holder you sent to me with the picks I sent him. Thanks a lot Jruther, from you that means a lot, oh master of the G10!

[chris]

Made this hook quick today, made from the new high carbon 1095 feeler gauge.
This metal is a lot tougher, at least it takes a lot longer to cut with the dremel and sand.
I haven't given it a good test yet as far as bending it around in a lock but I will. So far I'm pretty impressed with the metal.
The handle is two blue aluminum HPC scales glued to the handle covered with a piece of heat shrink.

This is by no means a "nice" pick to what I usually make, I just wanted to make a quick one to test the metal.
It has been sanded and such, but I didn't polish it yet. Nor did I make sure the handles were perfectly flush with the pick on the spine. Again, just a test pick that I will probably destroy and recycle soon.

[jruther2]

Great contours on the pick, especially for a "quickie". I look forward to hearing how well the 1095 holds up compared all the other materials you've used, keep us updated.

One thing that concerns me is the greater potential for oxidation over time as compared to the stainless. Its not a big deal really, I'm just curious how much, if any, there will be and how long it will take to show.

[darkhorse]

dont chuck it chris...throw it my way with the parcel...hehe

[Bryanxwhite]

Great contours on the pick, especially for a "quickie". I look forward to hearing how well the 1095 holds up compared all the other materials you've used, keep us updated.

One thing that concerns me is the greater potential for oxidation over time as compared to the stainless. Its not a big deal really, I'm just curious how much, if any, there will be and how long it will take to show.

That is a very valid concern. I usually keep my pick case on me at work. It's been damn near 100 degrees these past few weeks in Jacksonville and my case got some sweat on it. I had a pick made from 1095 in there and it did oxidize a little bit. But only on the areas where the polish wasn't so perfect. My solution I would think, don't keep your picks in an area were sweat can get to it. As far as daily use, some of my picks are at home in my large case, no oxidizing whatsoever. As long as your polish is really good, it seems to ward off most of the oxidizing.

[chris]

Darkhorse, I'll send it your way if you like, I might have to thin it out a bit more so it will work in the Euro locks though. I'll also give it a damn good polish.

Bryan: I agree, when I get done using my picks I generally give them a wipe down with a soft dry cloth to remove any sweat. I've found that even on the Stainless that with a lot of use it oxidizes a lot as well. Since I have been using the Simichrome polish it doesn't happen as much. I generally do about 4-5 go overs with the Simichrome on a buffing wheel nice and slow then with a microfiber cloth. So far it seems to be working well.

I do agree that this steel is stronger than the stainless, I haven't bent it yet at all and I've picked quite a few locks with it. I'm pretty happy with the stuff. Though like you said it is harder to cut and shape the steel.

[darkhorse]

cheers chris...And at least I'll be able to work on the handle to fine tune it...Youre a star mate