First Shots: Quick-Release AAA Key Chain Flashlight!

Hi everyone,

I've been sitting on this project for a while. It's been about six months in the making. I just applied for a patent, so now I can show you some photos of the world's first Quick-Release Key Chain Flashlight! The images below are "beta" prototypes and fully functional. More than likely, the production versions will be offered in Type III hard anodize (with knurling) and Electroless Nickel (with fine flutes or smooth head) to match my other offerings.

If you are interested in seeing this light make it to production, please post a comment below! 

The new light is just over 1/2" in diameter and 3" long, not including the QR portion. In keeping with the Prometheus focus on high-quality "usable" light, this model will feature the 92+ CRI Nichia 219 LED (4500K neutral white). This means it won't have the most output of "any" AAA light, but it will have superior color accuracy for when you really "need" to have some extra light. I'm not aware of any AAA light on the market that comes standard with the 219, but the light quality is nothing short of spectacular. 

Output is expected to be around 70 lumens with two modes, "moonlight" and full power. "Moonlight" is a flashaholic term for really-low and is excellent for use with night-adapted vision. On high, this little wonder is still as bright as the old incandescent "cop" MagLite that takes two D cell batteries. Did I mention it fits on your keychain?

NOW AVAILABLE: Titanium Preon Pocket Clips

Hi Folks,

I'm excited to announce my Preon pocket clips are finally for sale on my site! (LINK) .

This project came about after many customer requests. I used the crowdfunding platform CrowdTilt to launch the product. I ran about 100 clips and the last ones are now available! This clips replaces the stock clip on the Preon. It's made from 6Al/4V titanium alloy and is significantly thicker and stronger than the original clip. It's also more simple and understated, which I think compliments the clean lines of the light quite nicely.

HDS Pocket Clips Back in Stock!

Yep, more HDS clips are in stock. (link) 

Get 'em while they are hot. These new clips are the much stronger 6Al/4V titanium alloy. Previous clips were CP2 titanium.

That is all.

NEW: Primary Seal Ring DIY Kit

Hi Folks,

As most of you know, I've been installing the Primary Seal Ring in both Ready-Made and Blue-Label lights for the past few months.  Now those of you have have pre-PSR lights can order your own kit if you are feeling crafty. If not, you can return the light for an upgrade. Just to recap, the PSR is a 100% custom made part from Smalley Steel Ring Co., engineered specifically for sealing the Alpha window.

Primary Seal Ring (PSR) and nylon-jaw installation pliers

DIY Upgrade: Pricing is on the sales page of my website :)

I really (really) recommend getting the nylon-jaw pliers if you plan to DIY. See the "note" below. I do not warranty any damage you do to your own light :)

Mail-In Upgrade: The cost to send in a Ready-Made light for upgrade is $20  This covers the ring, the labor to install it, a thorough cleaning of the light, replacement of any o-rings that need it, and return shipping. Blue-Label owners pay only $5 for return shipping. The PSR and installation is provided (free) as part of the Blue-Label "Lifetime Upgrade" program. Membership has it's privileges as they say :)

If you want to send your light, please email me in advance to make arrangements: jason@darksucks.com

PLEASE NOTE: The nylon-jaw pliers are an option when you order a PSR kit. I spent months trying to find the best pliers for the job, in order to make DIY installations easy and reduce the chance you will damage the light during the install.

Doing an install with the bent-nose pliers I use in the video is tricky! The nylon pliers are dead simple.

Each installation deforms the jaws very slightly, because the jaws are nylon and the ring is stainless steel. However, you should get 6+ installations out of a set of jaws...so essentially a lifetime of use. I do sell extra sets of the nylon jaws if you are the kind of person that always likes to have a backup :)

Alpha pen on Kickstarter! ... only a few hours left!

Hey folks, it's down to the wire! I'm excited to say the project has broken 1000 backers! Act now and you can still sign up for a pen at a little over 50% of the future retail price. Also, my new machine arrived a couple days ago. Head on over to Kickstarter and check out my most recent update for more photos. Thanks for your support!

Jason

My first new machine tool! The next youngest in my stable was made in 1991. 

Help my project reach 1000 backers on Kickstarter!

Hey all,

Thanks so much for all of your support thus far! I just wanted to let you know my Kickstarter campaign has 7 days to go. Can you help me hit 1000 backers?! The current count is an amazing 931, but I'd love to break that 1K mark...it's just so close!

So, even if you have done it already, please share on Facebook, tweet, email, call (like on a telephone), blog, carrier pigeon or whatever you can think of to get the word out for the final push!

You rock...in advance!

Jason

Alpha Pen Scores (near) Perfect Review @ Everyday Commentary!

Check it out! The Alpha Pen reviewed @ Everyday Commentary

Score: Ti: 19 out of 20; Al: 20 out of 20

"Jason's aesthetic is cohesive, clean, and when electroplated, as gleaming an example of the new craftsman gear movement as I can imagine.  You want people to ask about your gear?  You want to introduce people to stuff made by talented, small batch craftsmen?  Carry the Alpha.  It is all you'll talk about...If you are the jobsite type, the tumbled Ti should be your weapon of choice. If you are the suit type, trust me on this one, the electroplated Al will be a showstopper. Truly an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. " --Everyday Commentary