I bought this as it seems like a great little set. However I'm quite nervous about having this as an EDC item. Should I for some reason invoke the ire of the cops and they search me, I'm afraid this little tool could send me to jail. Maybe I'm just paranoid. I'll probably just leave it in the glove-box of the car should I need it in a lockout.
BombenhagelJust keep it with your various other EDC items. Quote the boyscout motto, "Always be prepared" if they ask you about your EDC items.
Also, maybe don't do stuff that would invoke the ire of cops? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
BombenhagelDefinitely something to be aware of, no matter what you call it there will always be the potential for getting into trouble for having this, so there is a level of 'carry at your own risk' associated with it, no matter how small and that's definitely a responsibility you are accepting with it
Pyro_hedgehogCalling it a research tool makes it sound like you are using it to break into places because you are curious about what is inside. If it is legal in your area, just call it what it is, and be clear that you are only carrying it for your own locks and not using it commercially.
In Canada, lockpicks are legal for anyone to own and carry. You cannot use them on anyone elses locks though, even family members, or it becomes commercial use and you need a locksmiths permit.
Also, as Quarnozian said, keep it on a keychain with other common EDC items (folder, flashlight, firesteel, whistle, etc), it will make it much more believable that you are not carrying it for illegal purposes. "Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it"
KadosIn Canada owning lockpicks without a locksmith license is legal under the act legalizing research tools(of corse, I could be wrong, but id want to see the legal document) so calling them lockpicks is not what you should do.
Pyro_hedgehoghttp://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/page-79.html#docCont
It's near the bottom of that page.
Possession of break-in instrument
351 (1) Every one who, without lawful excuse, the proof of which lies on them, has in their possession any instrument suitable for the purpose of breaking into any place, motor vehicle, vault or safe under circumstances that give rise to a reasonable inference that the instrument has been used or is or was intended to be used for such a purpose,
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or
(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
So as long as you're not in circumstances that would lead the police to believe you were illegally breaking into any of those places, then it's fine to call them whatever you want. You can even break into those places so long as you had a lawful excuse. The "lawful excuse" part is probably because the entire locksmith industry would be illegal otherwise.