Number & 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
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
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
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.
Stoneleg
Sounds right. I’ll keep the test run to a few picks, mark each bevel, and watch how they behave. If one hits a lock with a little more resistance, I’ll shift it a tenth of a degree, measure again, and see if it clears. No over‑engineering, just a steady, measured tweak.
Number
That sounds like a methodical approach. Just keep a quick log—angle, lock type, resistance level—so you can spot trends before you tweak again. Good luck with the test batch.
Stoneleg
Will keep the log tight, note every angle and lock response, and get back with the results soon. Thanks for the heads‑up.