Explore the real-world pros and cons of today’s most popular quick-access gun safes. From high-tech electronic options like Vaultek to time-tested mechanical safes from V-Line Industries and Fort Knox, this discussion helps you understand what actually works. We also cover long gun quick-access storage, drawer-style safes, rising brands like StopBox, and why cheap pistol safes often fail. Most importantly, we explain how placement, build quality, and lock type matter more than hype when choosing a safe for responsible home defense.

EPISODE 39 TOPICS

1:12: Vaultek

4:20: Mechanical Quick Access Safes

5:38: Vaultek RS Series Offers Long Gun Quick Access

6:28: Leaning Back Into Mechanical Lock Quick Access Safes

8:40: Another Simplex Option - Fort Knox

9:38: Stop Boxes

10:07: Beware Cheap, Low Quality Quick Access Safes

12:09: Always Consider WHERE You’re Going to Put Your Quick Access Safe

13:18: Trying to Pry Into a Pistol Safe

Fort Knox has long been known for building some of the strongest, most customizable safes on the market. But this year, the brand has taken major steps forward — especially when it comes to fire protection and luxury features. If you’re looking for a safe that goes beyond basic storage and offers real protection for high-value items, these changes are worth understanding.

EPISODE 38 TOPICS
1:40: Fire Rating Updates
6:38: Home Safes
7:12: Custom Cabinetry
8:08: Watch Winders

Choosing the right safe can feel overwhelming, with so many brands, sizes, and security levels on the market. At Northwest Safe, we simplify the process by carrying only safes we trust and would use ourselves. In this guide, we break down the best safes by category—from entry level to high security—explaining what matters most and why each winner earned its spot, so you can choose with confidence.

Not all safes are built the same—and the differences aren’t always obvious at first glance. In this guide, we break down how to properly evaluate a safe using an “outside-in” approach, starting with steel thickness and construction quality. From why thinner safes became popular to how welding and body design impact both security and fire protection, this walkthrough gives you the tools to make a smart, informed decision. Whether you’re shopping entry-level or high-security, understanding what’s behind the paint matters.

Episode 36 Topics

4:43: The Outside-In Approach

8:44: 12 Gauge & 14 Gauge Safes Became Prevalent with Box Stores

10:00: Manufacturers that Traditionally Offered Heavy Safes Are Moving Away

11:04: We Always Recommend a 10 Gauge Body to Family & Friends

11:38: Welding Techniques

14:50: Poorly Welded Import-Safes

16:42: Start by Asking About the Thickness of Steel

20:40: Welding & Body Construction Impacts Fire Protection

24:00: Buying the Safe that’s Right for You

As the year winds down, we’re heading into one of the best times to shop for a safe. Between holiday deals, extra inventory we’re clearing out, and a steady flow of high-quality pre-owned models, there are more ways than ever to save. Whether you’re a homeowner, collector, or business owner looking for year-end write-offs, our warehouse is packed with opportunities to score a great safe at a great price.

EPISODE 35 TOPICS

0:56: Clearing Our Warehouse

1:40: When is the Best Time to Buy a Safe?

2:35: Pre-Owned Safes

3:40: Unique TL-15 & TL-30 Safes Right Now

4:13: Vault Doors Discounted

4:58: Great Ammo Solutions

5:50: A Great Option for Business Owners

Hiding a safe has always had a certain appeal—and today, homeowners are getting more creative than ever. From secret alcoves and disguised nightstands to fully concealed vault rooms, there’s no shortage of clever ways to keep valuables out of sight. At the same time, modern security needs are changing, and many families are exploring both hidden and in-plain-sight options. In this podcast, we break down the most popular hiding places, unique installs we’ve seen over the years, and smart tips for choosing and concealing safes and vault doors in your home.

EPISODE 34 TOPICS

1:34: Popular Places People Hide Safes (and some unique ones)

2:07: Vault Rooms with Facades

2:55: Buying the Right Vault Door

3:45: Hiding a Vault Door

5:53: Some Vault Doors Are In the Open

6:46: Armored Doors (product coming soon)

8:05: Protecting High Net-Worth Individuals Being Targeted

9:25: Unique Locations for Hiding Safes

13:40: Why NOT to Hide a Safe

Choosing where to put a safe seems like a simple decision, but once you dig into it, you realize there’s a lot more to consider. Every home is different, every family’s needs are unique, and every safe serves a slightly different purpose. Some people want fast access, others want maximum security, and many want a mix of both.

In this episode of Safe Space, we break down the most common questions, mistakes, and myths about safe placement—from garages and bedrooms to stair closets and wall safes—so you can pick the spot that works best for your daily life and what you’re protecting.

EPISODE 33 TOPICS

0:51 — Put a Safe Where You’re Going to Use It

2:44 — The Variables to Where to Install a Safe

4:06 — What Law Enforcement Says

4:49 — Consider Splitting Up Your Safes

5:53 — Floor Safes

6:35 — Wall Safes

9:20 — Strange Places People Have “Hidden” Safes vs Safes that are Deterrents

10:08 — Under the Stairs

10:55 — Outgrowing Safes is VERY Common

11:45 — Worst Place to Install a Safe as a Delivery Guy

14:55 — Put the Safe Where You Want It & Buy the Right Safe

Choosing the right safe can feel overwhelming, especially with so many brands and models on the market. That’s why, for more than 40 years, NW Safe has built our business around one core promise: only offer products we truly believe in.

Over the decades, we’ve tested countless safes, learned which manufacturers stand behind their work, and curated a lineup of brands we trust with our own valuables. From entry-level gun safes to high-security commercial vaults, our goal has always been the same—give customers dependable protection, honest guidance, and real value at every price point.