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

Hi, New here, please put me in for 2 if it’s not too late. Thanks

Depends on the vendor, most manufacturing resumes at least in light shifts by 2/14. I hope we hear about production dates soon!

Not that it makes one bit of difference what any of us think or hope…… but, I am hoping a few key people get True Production Samples to check out before all out production starts.

That would be great for everyone, less potential problems/returns/fixes after the fact. It would really save a lot of headaches, especially given the driver fitment issue.

I really hope so too.

can we get back on topic with the signature lines!

oK I've had it .... having to listen to you talk about your many Fw3A's has made me a bit crazy ..

I'm going to start talking about my imaginary Fw3a and how much I like it ...I think the one Fritz sent me in raw form is the nicest. I like it better than the Titanium one he just sent ..

You’ve got something pretty special there. I think only you, Fritz, and CRX have anything like it… and CRX had to build it from scratch. I agree though, that it’s better than the titanium FW3T. Titanium is heavier and doesn’t handle heat well, and the threads are gritty. So even though it looks good, it’s not as nice to carry.

I’m still waiting for a FW3M, in copper/silver mokune gane.

would a copper fw3a be out of the question ? since it handles heat superior.

That would be the FW3C. It might happen if FW3A goes well.

FW3A = Aluminum
FW3B = Brass
FW3C = Copper
FW3T = Titanium

I assume in that case we are just talking about a the outer shell made from another material.
Other materials than aluminum may be difficult to anodise, and have a different coefficient of expansion.

For the time being I would be glad if a proper functioning FW3A was launched.

Flashlights are not known for having outer shells. These would be machined from a solid block of brass, copper or titanium. I doubt they would have any anodization.

Sure, but this one would need having a double tube. Electrically separated by anodising.

There’s no point in worrying about a production detail on a light that doesn’t exist.

yes true, it shouldnt be long now until the light will get in production i think. then we can talk about other models if enough interest maybe.

FW3T = Titanium = :heart_eyes:

+1 for me please

I have some anodized titanium knives. Both factory ZT’S in bronze ano and others with custom design anodization by Whitty @ USAMadeBlades and the ano holds up very well. I’m definitely harder on knives than I am lights and have yet to see any signs of ano waring off after over a year of literally every single day carry.

Don’t knock it till you try it. Worst case, flame color it to bring the design back (albeit a different color) or send it back to Whitty for custom laser anodization (he’ll do whatever, not just knives)

Ive decided that one of the lights Im ordering is going to go on the bench first thing. I want to convert one to a single emitter (Maybe XM-L2 U3-3D) with a TIR optic. I wonder if anyone makes an optic shallow enough to work…or even an orange peal reflector… Dont get me wrong, I like multi-emitter lights, but for daily tasks I DO prefer a single emitter (nevermind my D4 has been living in my pocket more than my 18350 S2+ with moonlight driver)

Anyone else have any thoughts on a single emitter version of this project?

I would have liked a round of FW3CA = CuAl but Aluminum Bronze has a bad thermal conductivity. :person_facepalming:
Yellow (gold-like coloration) like brass but has also a good corrosion resistance.
I don’t know how it smells in a sweaty palm, but i will prefere aluminum bronze over brass, despite a worst thermal conductivity, if it doesn’t smell funny.
Depending of the alloy, can be heat treated to be hardened.

(Not my picture)

I would like a single emitter version, far ahead in the future. For now i am just waiting for one of these. I do think it will be a great size and weight for one emitter though.