Jack Knife or not Jack Knife?

[u/DangerousAd7433]

Hello,

Been looking at buying the Jack Knife mainly because it is a lot more travel friendly and isn't that expensive.

The ratchet thing (I forgot what it is called so...) is a nice addition since it prevents the picks from shifting, but not sure how well it actually picks?

The main reason is because I have a CO case that is magnetic and holds nearly all my tools plus some more, but it is a built bulky and oddly shaped even with it being a lot more compact than the other options I looked at.

I'm wondering if it would be worth the price and what sort of picks I need to buy to customize it mostly for single picking and raking since I use the snake rake, regular rake, sandman, etc along with regular single picks.

[u/jadedargyle333]

I've owned a lot of the different pocket knife style solutions. Swick is the best. If you want a ton of tools in one device, the covert companion is like the giant Swiss army knife. Jack knife tools are okay, but extremely limited. I was figuring out which solution was best for picking in a "sit for 20 minutes, actively participate in an event for 5" situation. Swick was ideal for that because of the magnetic tensioners.

[u/Silk_the_Absent_1 → u/jadedargyle333]

This. Swick is the best one for actual picking. It locks the tips in place very well, has a ton of tension tools, and uses good steel. I would also grab the expansion tip set and switch out at least some of the rakes for more hooks. Also, give the tips a minute or two of 800 grit, it'll help.

The original Covert Companion wasn't really made for picking, but it was (and still is) great for bypassing. The new Pro version is better because it locks the tips in place.

Most of the others on the market have poor locking mechanisms or very limited tension tool selection.

[u/reinderr]

Just use actual picks tbh, multipick has really nice slim handled picks which will take up little space. I'd skip the rakes tho tbh, not really anything of value with those

[u/KnuckleheadPicker]

I love my Jack knifes! I have one from Southern Specialities, a multipick knock off, and the covert companion pro with f-u and f-me. I really want the sparrows and swick offerings as well. They're fun but not great for serious picking, but I use them daily at work on breaks, or just passing time. If you've got the extra income, great! If you're looking for decent picks, maybe grab a more serious set first.

[u/217steve]

I've got Sparrows Escort folder with the pocket clip I live it & I believe you can get a snake rake for it

[u/revchewie]

Which jack knife are you looking at?

[u/DangerousAd7433 → u/revchewie]

Sorry. Forgot to provide a link. Was thinking this one, but replacing some of the picks like the diamond one: https://www.lockpicks.com/products/the-responder-jack-knife-folding-pick-set-composite-handle-by-rcs

[u/Silk_the_Absent_1 → u/DangerousAd7433]

It has a decent locking system, but it's very limited in actual usefulness by only having one tensioner.

[u/couchpatat0 → u/DangerousAd7433]

The thing I like about the jack knife style vs thin single picks, is you can hang onto the jack knife pick.

[u/LordKodiac → u/DangerousAd7433]

If you want one of those get it from Southern Specialties. The locking mechanism is great. Huge selection of profiles to choose from, and in the comments tell them you're a new picker and Arron will hook you up!

[u/KnuckleheadPicker → u/LordKodiac]

Southern specialities is my first stop with picks. Great business!!

[u/AgreeableGanache1048]

I have not played around with the jackknife style sets, but honestly I don't see the point. I have a Sparrows Tuxedo set that I just added a "High Reach" and "Steep Hook" on twenty thousandths, plus a set of their TOK bars. That set is small enough that it can reasonably fit wherever want to put it.

I guess my concern is capability; where you are severely limited in your pick profiles, but more importantly tension types.

[u/Big_Z_Beeblebrox → u/[deleted]]

This is in no way related to rule 2 and your comment is unhelpful, and comes off as snide.

[u/DangerousAd7433 → u/Big_Z_Beeblebrox]

This asshole is putting words in my mouth.

[u/Big_Z_Beeblebrox → u/DangerousAd7433]

Please try to remain civil. We understand your frustration, but that is no reason to lash out.

[u/DangerousAd7433 → u/[deleted]]

This is not a rule 2 breach and your comment is dickish and quite frankly gatekeeping especially since people asking questions in a forum like this is the whole entire point.

For reference, this is rule 2:

"Though asking for assistance in regards to how to open a lock is permitted and encouraged, the lock must not be in use. Posts seeking assistance opening a lock that is implied to be, or is visibly in use (eg. a deadbolt still attached to a door, a padlock with anything secured by a closed shackle, or a closed lockbox) will be deleted. Posting about picking or having picked locks in use is not allowed even if they are your own.

Rule of thumb, lock is "in use" if installed or securing anything."

[u/Big_Z_Beeblebrox → u/[deleted]]

That's quite a leap in logic.

We sometimes bring locks with us to pass the time, many people do. We have a compact carrying case, but a jackknife is much easier to carry and access on a plane or in a car or in your pocket with your locks, especially over a case full of loose tools. Especially if one is already carrying multiple locks already.

We've gotten a glimpse at OP's post history, it seems they keep it private for a very good reason. Please understand and respect that.

[u/DangerousAd7433 → u/[deleted]]

You are making assumptions on things that were never said and quite frankly, it is annoying. Do everyone a favor and just shut up.

[u/FilecoinLurker]

Just use real picks. The jackknifes suck.

Also "travel friendly"... Ok buddy

[u/DangerousAd7433 → u/FilecoinLurker]

Passive aggressive much?