Famous Locksmiths from History
While locks may not sound appealing to many people, they have a fascinating history that has gone back to our earliest civilisations. The art of making and opening locks has also captivated the imagination of some very famous people over the years, and here’s a look at some of the most famous of all.
Pharaoh Khafre
Pharaoh Khafre was possibly the world’s first-ever locksmith and there’s evidence he created the first known lock mechanisms. And while the name might not sound familiar, the Pharoah has one of the most famous faces on the planet. After all, Egypt’s world-famous Sphynx was made in his image. Pharaoh Khafre also built one of the largest pyramids in Giza.
King Louis XVI
King Louis XVI was the last King of France and was beheaded in 1793 during the French Revolution. The King was also an amateur locksmith and he was accused of turning to locksmithing as a distraction from problems France was facing at the time. It could even be said that his passion for amateur locksmithing contributed to his demise.
Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini is perhaps the most famous magician in the world. He was best known for his ability to escape from apparently impossible situations, usually with help from his master locksmith skills. For example, Houdini survived Jumping off Boston’s Harvard Bridge in 1908 despite having his hands locked behind him in chains.
Houdini died in 1926 aged 52 and the cause of death was not related to the dangerous nature of his stunts.

