A New Era of Lockpicking: Impressioning Seminar in Sokolov, 2017
At the beginning of 2017, the Czech lockpicking community gathered in Sokolov for a specialized weekend seminar on impressioning. The event was organized by Locksmith Service, with participants including members of the Czech Lockpickers Association and representatives from the German lockpicking community, who came to share their expertise in this precise and demanding technique.
The seminar was structured as a combination of theory and practice. The theoretical session introduced the fundamentals of impressioning, explaining the principles behind the method and the tools and materials required. Instructors provided an in-depth overview of key blanks, the use of specialized files, and the manipulation techniques essential for mastering impressioning.
Following the theory, the most exciting part—practical training—began. Each participant had the opportunity to hand-file a key for a prepared cylinder lock, experiencing firsthand the level of precision and skill required. Even those already familiar with impressioning improved their techniques and learned new tricks and approaches, which they could immediately apply in their lockpicking practice.
The Sokolov seminar marked a significant milestone in the development of the Czech lockpicking community. Not only did participants enhance their skills, but they also strengthened ties with their German colleagues, fostering future collaborations and knowledge exchange. A new era of precision lock manipulation began here, and impressioning became a key skill for every lockpicker striving to elevate their expertise.