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I can’t decide between 20thou and 23thou thickness?

Generally the 23thou is best to start as its the strongest and will provide the largest feedback (more thickness means more steel which results in more feedback). The downside is some locks with restrictive key-ways (narrow opening) are then harder to navigate. You might find the 20thou for those locks is still too wide so 15thou is required.

Perhaps (slightly incorrectly) think of the 23thou as beginner, 20thou as intermediate and 15thou as advance. If you purchase the 20thou set then it will give you a wider variety of locks (i.e beginner and intermediate) at the cost of some strength and feedback.

Both are quite suitable and really wont go too wrong with either to get started.

The thickness difference between 20thou and 23thou depends on the locks you are mostly first opening. Majority of Australian locks use a ‘C4’ keyway which is considered quite open. Its therefore suitable for 23thou thickness picks. You can certainly still open these open locks with 20thou picks but will find the strength/feedback slightly less. Using 15thou would still be possible but even weaker feedback. The idea is to get the thickest pick which will fit into the keyway (also known as the warding) and give you free movement.

I can’t decide on with or without handles?

Handles do make a difference to comfort after picking for long periods. I think they are a must but you could always buy the unhandled version and add something later if needed. Just make sure the material you use is rigid (3D printed,timber,steel,etc) to transfer the feedback from the pick tip to your fingers. Soft rubbery material will absorb like a shock absorber and cause attenuation. You want the feedback to pass through and ‘feel’ every bump

I can’t decide between your beginner set and your intermediate set?

Unfortunately everything is a trade-off.  The intermediate will serve you the longest duration but might be a bit much to bite off as a beginner.  If you can pass on learning raking (although the half diamond will cover as a rake) and jump into SPP (Single Pin Picking) then the intermediate in 20thou with coffin handles is the winner.

Other end would be beginner set in 23thou.  It’s got hooks and rakes to cover wide C4 keyways in Australia (like the common lockwood). The thicker steel has more strength and therefore better feedback while picking. Most users will start with that option. Thicker steel is more durable so often better when starting out

Either kit or any of the other options will get you started and a long way through your journey.

Ultimately,  it’s a coin flip and not an easy decision I can make on your behalf.  Worst case is you add some deeper 20thou hooks at a later stage or drop back with some 23thou rakes if SPP hits the wall too quickly.

I’m new to Locksport, should I buy the Lockwood 119 or Lockwood 120?

Actually I wouldn’t recommend either Lockwood 119 or 120 when you are just getting started. Both are quite difficult locks and punch well above belt ranking. You might start to get frustrated with them after having no opens or success after a period of time. I would suggest a few ‘cheap’ brass locks from the dollar stores to get the motion and mechanics covered. The lockwood series have tight tolerances and therefore more difficult to open. The ‘cheaper’ locks have less tolerances and therefore easier to open. Easier locks will help to give you confidence than picking a challenging lock first up. Try and get a Master 140D though from Woolworths or Bunnings. Its a good starting point and generally are around $10.

A Lockwood 119 will be fine but still a pretty challenging lock for someone just getting started (all modern Lockwood locks have good/tight tolerances so more difficult to pick). Don’t overlook even grabbing a few locks from your local ‘Dollar Shop’ or discount variety place. They ultimately wont be too hard to open but will give you some confidence and understanding of pin tumblers before tackling the next challenge.

My suggestion would be to save up and buy the Lockwood 334B (Bunnings sell them as well). It will get you to learn re-pinning and picking shallow spools. You can always just pin it with two spools and then add the third when confident. The 334B can hold up to 6 pins so definitely has longevity.

Of course, if money is no problem then grab a Lockwood 120 but don’t beat yourself up if you find it difficult. They are generally known to be ‘cursed’ in locksport circles. Bare Bones Lock picking offer the Lockwood 120/40 which is 40mm size. If preferred, the Lockwood 120/50 has identical pins but with a 50mm body and can be sourced from various online retailers.