Introduction: the ThorFire TK05 is a brand new AA / 14500 flashlight with a side e-switch and a Cree XP-G3 LED. The styling is rugged, featuring a few crenelations on the bezel and very large, grippy, knurling. The large, checkered knurling is a welcome break from what youād typically find on a flashlight. It seems solid and is a decent size - it fits comfortably in the watch pocket of my jeans with just a little bit protruding from the top.
LED Tint: the LED tint is stated as being 5350-5700K. Iād say my sample seems a bit cooler than that. The hotspot is noticeably blue and even a few non flash-a-holics have commented on the color of the beam. What I havenāt noticed, however, is the tint shift that is all too common with the XP-G3. I would guess that the orange peel reflector is helping to blend the colors a bit.
Beam Pattern: as youād expect from a small EDC flashlight with a narrow and shallow reflector, the beam is quite floody with useable spill. The TK05 is good for close range work - excursions around the house/office/garage, working on the car, general household work, etc.
Modes: the TK05 has three modes plus a hidden strobe mode. According to the manual, they are 13 lumens - 100 lumens - 600 lumens on a 14500; or 5 lumens - 70 lumens - 240 lumens on a AA battery. I donāt have equipment set up yet to take measurements, but in comparison to other flashlights, those numbers seems about right. One note on 14500 compatibility - youāll need a button top. There is physical reverse protection that prevents flat-tops from making contact with the brass button on the driver.
UI: the operation is pretty standard. Press and release the side switch to turn on the flashlight, press and hold the switch to turn off the light. While on, press the button to advance modes. Double click from any mode to activate strobe. There is no electronic lockout, but physical lockout is easily achieved but a slight twist of the tailcap.
Other Features: when running on a 14500, there is a 3 minute turbo timer at which point the flashlight will step down to medium. A tap of the switch will take it back to high. While the flashlight was warm at this point, it was nowhere near hot and could still be held comfortably. There is mode memory where the current mode with be remembered if used for 3 seconds. Also, there is low voltage protection at 2.8 volts.
Build Quality: the TK05 feels very nice and solid in hand. The anodizing is good and similar to what youād find on other recent ThorFire flashlights. The side button protrudes from the tube a bit. This makes it easier to find, but also easier to accidentally activate. I havenāt had a problem with that yet, but Iāve also been physically locking it out most of the time just to be safe.
Conclusion: I feel like the TK05 is a keeper, Iād give it four and a half stars (out of five). I think with this light, Iāve found my new EDC. My only problem is that bluish XP-G3. I realize the average consumer probably sees the bluish light, recognizes it as characteristic LED, and goes āohhh ahhhā. But really, Iād love to see this with a 4000K-5000K (neutral) LED - then Iād give this flashlight a full five stars. I think Iām going to replace the LED and then carry the TK05 daily.
Purchasing & Discount: the TK05 is currently available on Amazon (non-affiliate link). Miranda at ThorFire has kindly provided a 20% off code for BLF members: L4SPZS6H
Disclaimer: I was kindly provided this light for review by ThorFire. That said, all remarks are my own and Iāve done my best to try and be unbiased.
Click images to see them full size
General shot of the new ThorFire TK05
Disassembled next to a protected 14500 cell
Line up for size comparison, left to right: TK15S, TK15, TK05, Klarus Mi7, unprotected 30Q
Beamshots, left to right: ThorFire TK05 (XP-G3), Klarus Mi7 (XP-L HI), Convoy M1 (XP-L 5000K)