Lock Etching History
Lock Etching History
This document serves to tell the story of the custom etched locks that 44 Delta sells and provide a timeline. In addition, it will help explain some of the terminology used in the product names for etched locks.
In the Beginning...
When 44 Delta first opened in the fall of 2024 the focus was strictly on 3D printed locksport tools. With eschlenz being a member of the community he was intimately familiar with the concept of "logo locks". These are locks that have been laser etched with an individual's or company's logo and are fun to collect and share.
There was a desire to participate in this cultural activity by creating a 44 Delta logo lock. However, at the time, 44 Delta did not own a laser engraver. Luckily, companies such as Paclock offer this as a service. Thus, in late September of 2024 the first 44 Delta branded lock was born; the original 44 Delta Paclock 90A-PRO.
First 44 Delta branded lock introduced late September, 2024. Engraved by Paclock. 
Epic Etch Series 1
After getting to work with Paclock a few times and having a better understanding of their etching service capabilities, a new idea came alive. What if the idea of the logo lock was took to an extreme with more emphasis on an artistic and collectible item? And what if only 50 were made, and each had a serial number? This would become known as the Epic Etch Series.
It was in late October of 2024 that the first Epic Etch Series (1) was created. eschlenz has no natural physical ability to produce artistic graphics, but he does have a wild imagination. With the help of AI his vision for how the first Epic Etch lock would look came to life.
First Epic Etch Series lock introduced late October, 2024. Etched by Paclock.
Epic Etch Series 2
Shortly after Series 1, in late November, 2024, came Series 2. It largely had a similar look and feel but with different graphics, and a different storyline to go with it. It too was etched by Paclock on behalf of 44 Delta.
2nd Epic Etch Series lock introduced late November, 2024. Etched by Paclock.
The Laser Arrives
44 Delta is extremely thankful for Paclock helping make these etched locks a reality, but it was time to take production in-house. This would allow 44 Delta far greater control over where graphics were placed on locks, quality control, timelines, and production. A new piece of machinery was needed.
In late December, 2024 44 Delta acquires its own laser engraving machine. This is when things got really exciting. Now any brand lock could be etched in any way desired. Ideas came pouring in and etched locks started flowing out.
American Locks Arrive to the Party
Numerous people had requested that an etched American Lock be made available. eschlenz is fond of American Locks because they were his first real challenge in lockpicking, and they are generally enjoyable to pick once you learn the tricks. This also provided the first real opportunity to make an etched lock entirely in house.
The plan for an etched American Lock was simple:
- Make it comparable to the 44 Delta Branded Paclock 90A-PRO
- Use different graphics
- Put more graphics on more than just the front face to give customers more value for their money
And with that, the 44 Delta Branded American Lock 1100 was created.
