FW3A, a TLF/BLF EDC flashlight - SST-20 available, coupon codes public

I know I have no place to comment here. The design is finished, tested, and decided on. Buyers will buy and everyone else will not, and that’s okay. But, I have to offer just one piece of unsolicited opinion, because it’s sometimes just who I am. :smiling_imp:

The valley between the head and tail could use a little softening. If those square-cut shoulders were cut to a double-radius (an S shape) instead of hard 90 degree plunges, it would look a bit more friendly. I imagine it would also feel more friendly, holding it in hand. Since these are being turned on a lathe, I’m guessing it wouldn’t be a huge change for the work-flow.

Anyway, like I said, don’t listen to me. This is not my project. I have no say. Carry on! :innocent:

Yes good point David
The is aimed to have the look like it came from a lathe but surely manufacturer will use a machine capable of smooth chamfered edges.
Fritz, comments?

No worries, we are always happy to receive some input! When designing the light I thought about different ways to shape the body and there are a few reasons why I went for the way it is now. Similar to your suggestions I actually considered to make the body round like for example the Lux-RC FL33. But since there are no other round shapes on the light I dismissed this idea. I could have added some more round shapes (at the tailcap or the bezel) but then it would have been a quite different design and that just wasn’t what I was going for. I also considered to make a chamfered transition but firstly I didn’t want it to look too much like an HDS light and secondly I really wanted the design to be as simple and basic as possible without adding too much weight. And so I ended up with those straight lugs.

I don’t think the straight lugs look too aggressive or change how the light feels in the hand. With those close ups I always forget how small the light actually is. So here have another close up :person_facepalming: but with my hand included…

But if more people feel that way we can of course talk about changing it.

Thanks Fritz! Yeah, the light looks a lot less aggressive from that angle! It must have been the lighting in the other picture makes the lines look harder than they actually are. :+1:

Wow nice pic
Gonna add it in the OP!

I’m interested in one.

I want one :smiley:

Wow, it sure gives us some perspective… this light is really compact !
And I like that sanded finish, I hope the final model will be exactly the same as in this pic !

That does look like a great design. Lots of function in such a small package. The clip will make it even more functional and easy to stash on your person.

It looks close to the size of my Zebralights. I initially thought it was going to be more along the lines of an Astrolux S1, but the shorter length will be great.

Yeah its almost a 18650 light in 16340 size!

I second the idea of engraving. It was done for the $7 BLF 348, so I’m sure cost is not an issue. There can be the choice of engraved and non-engraved versions like the BLF 348.

Light looks great, put me down for one! Thanks.

In for one!

Laser engraving
Does that conduct electricity?
Like the idea of printing the below text on the inner tube:
FW3A
Design Fritz
TLF BLF cooperation
Goog.le short link TLF topic
Goog.le short link BLF topic
Goog.le short link to Narsil manual
Goog.le short link to BLF li ion safety 101 topic

.
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But it cannot conduct or be higher then the rest of the tube (or maybe it would prevent the inner tube from falling out in which case it has a function as well.

No, all the laser etching does is delete the dye used for anodizing, to make a contrasting color of the aluminum underneath. I think even the anodizing itself is left intact.

I would want mine in German, even though it would be unintelligible to me :wink:

I’m with David on this one, it would look better if those shoulders (and perhaps the end of the tailcap) were chamfered so it’s smoother for cigar grip and aesthetics. I originally thought that was the design based on the first photo. It doesn’t have to be a long slope like the HDS. I’d also like to see more aggressive knurling so it’s less likely to slip from the hands.

laser engraving doesn't add any material. It won't conduct either if the anodizing is done after the engraving. If you laser-engrave something after anodizing it, the oxid layer is destroyed. This means, that the engraved area will conduct again. Since we don't use any dye for the anodizing the engraving will be hardly visible.

The inner tube can't fall out since there is a mechanical stop on the tail side:

http://imgur.com/a/nJyr6

(seems as if I'm not able to add pictures..)

I agree completely!

Is my one ready yet?… :smiley: