My name is Paul. I’m a beginner level light nerd, prop & gadget builder and a gaming community owner.
20 years ago I was a light tech at a community theater, and with my new round of prop builds I’ve been yakkin’ around with el wire.
But, my buddy, who’s got a pretty serious EDC kit has talked me into taking my EDC seriously. Which is hilarious, since I’ve been in the house since March (thanks, C19). So I spent some time lurking and ended up getting a FW3A to start with. I figure it’s a good starter platform to build from.
Yeh, pretty much always around the house I’ll have one small light (currently a Wuben E05 or Xeno E03) in my pocket, whether it be shorts or sweats. Got one pair of sweats without pockets, so then it’s problematic.
My ‘around the house’ EDC is an Ian Sinclair card sharp knife (pro tip: don’t buy it), and the FW3A. The light gets use when I take my dog out. He’s small and black, and there’s no much in the way of municipally-supplied light.
I’m hoping that in the spring or summer we’ll be able to get back out into the world, and I’m going to be replacing the Sinclair with a proper folding knife. I’m seeing a couple Spydercos on BladeHQ for a good price. But I believe in modifying everything. So I’m looking for a folder that I can customize a little bit with new scales and a backspacer, stuff like that.
For a Spyderco that can be customized, perhaps consider the PM2 or PM3. Tons of options and practically everything but the blade, liners, and lock can be swapped out. I wouldn’t get titanium pivots though. I bought a second hand 20CV BM Mini Griptilian where the previous owner had all of its hardware swapped to titanium and that pivot really ruined the action because titanium galls against steel. When I swapped back to the stock steel pivot, it was once again buttery smooth drop shut.
Ninja, thanks for the knife tips (get it? I’ll see myself out). For my usecase, the pm’s are north of the price range. I was looking more at the Insistent or Delica. But I really like that Ontario with the white scales you have in your WTS thread. What was your experience with that piece?
I had bought about 40 lights before that, at least 10 of them were intended to be EDC last-forever lights.
But they either broke, or I got tired of their limitations.
Had the FW3A for at least 2 years now, since whenever it came out.
I have dropped it many times, it works great.
The UI is my favorite one ever.
I even like the light pattern {”semi flood with spill”}, and the NW light color.
It isn’t even expensive, really.
Win Win!
The only thing you might want to look for now is something tiny to carry when you do not expect to need over 100 lumens.
Or not, I have those but now 99% of the time I do not bother to switch from FW3A, even when I could.
You might be attracted to ‘throwy’ but I use my throwy lights maybe 10 times a year, the FW3A probably 15,000
Yeah, I think I’m going to be pretty happy with the FW. So far, for walking the puppers, it’s perfect. I can dial down the brightness so I’m not freaking out the neighbors, and it actually fits perfectly in hand. Had a verbal altercation with someone who didn’t want to follow the 6ft rule while I was picking up dinner, and for a red hot second I thought I may have to use it for self defense.
I am looking at some other lights, but I’m building a cyberpunk costume (another excuse to clown around with some gadgets and project builds). So I’ve got some illumination plans for those. I already lined a backpack with el wire, and I’m making a custom paintball mask with el wire and LEDs.
The Ontario Rat 2 has amazing action for the price. That “panda” version is a Cabela’s exclusive (I think). Out of the package, it might need disassembly and higher quality lube; I actually polish the washers to really dial in that smoothness. Really can’t go wrong with that knife; only customization might be limited (though there are 3D printer models to make your own scales if you have a 3D printer).
Look at the Ruike P801 as another budget alternative with awesome action.
And Welcome to BLF 
