Cutaway Locks

Sparrows Cutaway with Check Pins

A cutaway lock allows you to literally see inside the lock as you attempt to pick it.

You'll see what makes a 'false set.'
You'll witness counter rotation.
You see pins bind and then clear the sheer line.
You'll see a set pin drop when you manipulate the next pin. Or over set pins...the key pin is partially above the sheer line.

Even if you never touch a cutaway lock you'll eventually learn to pick locks. The difference here is being able to visualize what our fingers are feeling.
Until you actually see the various lock states it is hard to understand the difference the cutaway makes.

As a start, I would avoid the acrylic locks, they work but the plastic wears far too quickly and the lock will then become useless.

I avoided cutaways for a long time but when I went I got one of the Sparrows locks with "check" driver pins. Pins that resemble chess pieces. They are novel but unless the chamber is threaded they do not seem to make much of a difference when all are used together - they are all the same length.

With this one you get it all.
A heavy body that you can hold within your hand comfortably. A schlage keyway with a removable rear cap. The core and bible are actually drilled for six stacks so you can even add another stack if you wish, although you will not be able to see the driver.

I also got another cutaway with "regular" driver pins. Much more of a learning experience. Due to the bitting two of the stacks over set very easily. And one stack provides very clear counter rotation.
(Where the wrench is moved backwards when you bind the pin)

They really do make your understanding of what is going on inside a lock crystal clear.