I’m a locksmith so any time since the invention of the pin tumbler lock 150ish years ago I will be fine. I don’t prefer it but I can hand file keys without any electric key cutting machines. Before that the bit and barrel locks that were used I know enough to get by though admittedly I don’t know enough history to say roughly how long ago those were invented.

I have all my important documents in a fire rated safe mostly because whenever I need to get one of them I remember “oh yeah I put that in my safe”. I don’t own anything valuable that could fit in the safe. As someone who works on safes though I would recommend anyone who wants one for burglary protection to bolt it down if possible and don’t show anyone you have it. I’ve seen the aftermath people’s 200+ pound safes dragged through the house and out the door. Also if you own guns and have kids I would absolutely recommend a safe to put them in. Check your local laws as well because here in California starting in 2026 gun owners can be charged if they don’t have their guns locked securely and someone in their household who should not have access to guns gets access to their guns.

Definitely a skill that decays quickly if you don’t practice it. I don’t do lockout calls so I always find I’m super rusty whenever I actually need to pick things for customers.

Locks especially high security ones like Medeco. I am the most knowledge person about them at the locksmith company I work at which easily puts me above the average Lemmy user.

Keys, wallet, phone, pick set (licensed locksmith and it comes in handy), pocket knife. Usually leave the last 2 at home if I am planning on going to anything with security checks.