Survival Tips from Lockpickings

We live in a time where many people in the Netherlands are becoming more aware of their dependence on systems that are not always reliable. Power outages, water main breaks, cybercrime that cripples banks – these are no longer wild doomsday scenarios, but realities we face. According to recent research by HCSS, 59% of the Dutch are concerned about internal tensions and societal stability. At the same time, 65% of us say we trust that neighbors will help each other when needed.

That is exactly what urban survival is about: not panicking about the end of times, but becoming aware of your own strength and possibilities. It’s about skills that give you confidence in an unpredictable world.

What is Urban Survival Actually?

Let me clear up a misunderstanding right away: urban survival is not the same as wilderness survival. You don’t need to make fire with two sticks or skin a deer. Urban survival is about surviving and thriving in an urban environment when normal systems fail or break down.

Think of situations like:

• A large-scale power outage lasting days
• Water mains unexpectedly failing
• You get locked out in a strange city without your wallet or phone
• Emergency situations where you need to evacuate quickly
• In short: moments when you cannot rely on usual provisions

The 4 Basic Pillars of Urban Survival

Years ago, I wrote a survival article in which I mentioned four essential points. Those basics still stand, but in 2025 I need to adapt them to a modern, urban context.

Water

In the city, water doesn’t come from a stream, but from your tap – until it stops working. Know the alternatives: where are public fountains? Where can you get water in emergencies? Do you have a method to filter water?

Heat & Energy

Central heating, electricity, gas – we depend on them. But what if they fail? Do you have alternative heat sources? Backup batteries? Knowledge of how to retain heat in a modern home?

Food

The supermarket is great – until it’s closed or emptied. Urban foraging (edible plants in the city), stock management, and knowledge about non-perishable food are valuable.

Shelter & Safety

Your home is your base, but do you know how to secure it better? And what if you’re not home? Where can you find safe places in the city? How do you move inconspicuously (the “gray man” concept)?

Pro tip:

Lockpicking: The Forgotten Fifth Pillar

And now we come to the topic that makes my heart race: lockpicking as an urban survival skill. I notice that many people associate this with crime, but nothing could be further from the truth. Lockpicking is a legitimate, valuable skill that comes in handy in countless emergency situations.

Why is Lockpicking so Valuable?

Let me sketch a common situation: you’re in a strange city, your phone has been stolen or is dead, and you’ve locked yourself out. Or worse: there’s an emergency and you need access to a building where essential supplies are located (think of water reservoirs, electricity panels in public areas, or medications behind a lock).

The major benefits of lockpicking in an urban survival context:

1. No destruction: Unlike kicking in a door or smashing a window, lockpicking leaves no trace. This is crucial if stealth is important to you.
2. Access to resources: Behind locks often lie valuable items that others cannot reach. Think of locked gates to safe areas, access to water or power sources, or storage cabinets.
3. Confidence: The feeling that a lock no longer holds you back gives a huge boost to your mental resilience.
4. Economic advantage: Even outside of emergencies: how many times a year do you lock yourself out? A locksmith quickly costs €150-300.

How Do You Start with Lockpicking?

The beauty of lockpicking is that it is not rocket science. With the right tools and some patience, almost anyone can open their first lock within a few hours. I’m always honest: it requires practice, but the learning curve is much less steep than people think.

Important legal note:

Why This is More Relevant in 2025 Than Ever

You may be wondering: “Okay, sounds interesting, but do I really need to invest time in this?” Let me be honest: the world is not ending. But there are a few developments that make self-reliance increasingly important:

1. Increasing System Dependence

We are more dependent on technology and systems than ever. That’s great… until it doesn’t work. Cybersecurity incidents, power outages, digital crime – it’s happening more frequently. Didn’t we just have a major outage at a bank last week?

2. Growing Awareness

Since COVID, there has been a huge shift. People realize that “the government will fix it” isn’t always true. Self-reliance is no longer seen as paranoia, but as sensible preparation.

3. Economic Uncertainty

A locksmith costs money. Depending on service providers costs money. Learning skills is an investment you always have with you, regardless of your financial situation.

4. The “Gray Man” Philosophy

In urban environments, it’s increasingly valuable to be inconspicuous. Lockpicking fits perfectly into this philosophy: you solve problems without drawing attention, without destruction, without fuss.

Where Do You Start as a Beginner?

Okay, I hope I’ve convinced you that urban survival skills – and lockpicking in particular – are worth the effort. But where do you begin?

Step 1: Start with the Basics

You don’t immediately need a professional locksmith toolkit. For lockpicking beginners, a basic lockpick set is more than sufficient. At Lockpickings, we have specially assembled sets for people who are just starting out.

Step 2: Practice on Legal Locks

Buy a few cheap padlocks or use a transparent practice lock (cutaway lock). The latter is brilliant because you can see exactly what happens while you manipulate the pins. It significantly shortens your learning curve.

Step 3: Build Your Urban Survival Kit

In addition to lockpicks, there are more things that are useful:

• EDC (Everyday Carry): A small flashlight, multitool, notebook
• Water filter or purification tablets: For emergencies
• Cash: Digital is great until it doesn’t work
• Knowledge of your surroundings: Know where water reservoirs, hospitals, and safe places are
• Backup communication: For example, a cheap prepaid phone that you keep charged

Step 4: Network and Community

You are not alone. There is a whole locksport community in the Netherlands. TOOOL (The Open Organisation Of Lockpickers) regularly organizes meetings where you can practice and learn from experienced lockpickers. It’s not only educational but also a lot of fun.

Self-Reliance Starts Today

Look, I’m not going to tell you that the world is ending or that you need to prepare for a zombie apocalypse. That’s nonsense. But what I do say – and I mean this sincerely – is that self-reliance gives an enormous sense of freedom and control.

Whether it’s about lockpicking, knowing your surroundings, having basic survival skills, or just the confidence that you won’t get stuck when systems fail… These are all investments in yourself that prove their worth.

Urban survival is not about fear. It’s about preparation, skills, and the confidence that you can save yourself. And honestly? That feels damn good.

My advice: