Schuyler Towne, a competitive lock picker, can pick most everyday locks but he still won't pick the lock on his apartment building's front door.

Picking a lock one doesn't own violates competitive lock picking ethics.

It's no secret the skills he practises and teaches can be used for criminal activity, but Mr Towne says it's simply up to each person how they'll live their life.

In this first person account, the lock picker describes the thrill of competing in "locksport" where participants race to pick through a series of locks.

Over the years Mr Towne has come to realise how the use of locks reveals the way people relate to each other.

Additional photos and video courtesy: Danny Gagne