Number & Stoneleg
Number Number
Stoneleg Stoneleg
Stoneleg Stoneleg
I was just hammering out a new pattern for a set of lockpicks and thought it would be a good idea to run the angles by someone who can crunch the numbers—like you. What’s the most precise bevel you’ve ever calculated for a blade?
Number Number
The tightest angle I’ve pulled from a data set of over a thousand measurements is about 28.4 degrees. On average it’s 28.38, with a standard deviation of just 0.02, so every blade’s bevel is practically identical. That’s the precision I’d recommend for a new lockpick set.
Stoneleg Stoneleg
A tight angle like that is good. Consistency keeps the pick from binding. I’d make a test batch with a 28.4‑degree bevel, see how they feel in a real lock, and tweak only if something feels off. Better to be precise than to over‑work the blade.
Number Number
Sounds like a solid plan. Keep the test batch small, record the angles, and note any slip or resistance. If you notice a pattern—say, a slight binding at a particular lock—adjust by just a tenth of a degree and re‑measure. That way you stay data‑driven without over‑engineering the blade.