Gear of the Week: Two Standout Flashlights and Two Premium Kizer Knives

Introduction

This week’s gear roundup leans heavily into two categories: flashlights and Kizer knives. Two lights stand out because they fix real problems that more expensive lights often leave unsolved, and two premium Kizer folders show just how far the brand’s design work has come. Here is what makes each one worth a closer look.

FC2 Flashlight: A True Tactical Light Under $30

The FC2 has been around before, but the latest revision earns a second look. The coating has moved from glossy to a nicer matte finish, the USB Type-C charging port remains, and you still get the side switch with a color indicator, a tail switch, tail-standing capability, and a reversible pocket clip.

The big change is a second mode set. Alongside the original everyday mode, there is now a Tac mode, and that turns this into a genuinely tactical light: every press of the tail switch delivers 2,000-lumen turbo immediately, no matter what mode you were in before. Very few lights combine a mechanical tail switch with instant turbo at this price, and alternatives like the Thrunite TN12 Pro have since risen in price and rely on an easier-to-press side switch.

Operation is simple. The tail switch gives you turbo, and you can cycle between turbo and medium with your pinky while holding the light. In a dark room, a press-and-hold combination on the side switch plus the tail switch starts the light in a one-lumen moonlight mode, from which you can step up through 300 lumens to the full 2,000. The SFT40 emitter is designed for high candela with strong beam concentration, throwing over 300 meters. With the economy mode still available if you prefer it, this may be one of the best sub-$30 flashlights currently available.

Nextorch TA15: Fuel Versatility Done Right

The Nextorch TA15 is not a budget light, but its flexibility is hard to overstate. It runs on a standard AA, a 14500, a CR123A, a 16340, and technically even a AAA or 10440 cells with an adapter. That is exceptional fuel versatility, and because it accepts 14500 and 16340 lithium-ion cells it can reach higher output without being damaged by an accidentally inserted wrong battery. If it fits, it generally works.

The rotary collar interface is about as good as user interfaces get. Half-press for momentary turbo, full press for strobe, and turn the collar to select low, medium, high, or strobe directly. No mode memory needed, and because momentary and strobe sit on the switch, the light will never stay on accidentally in your pocket. With the included battery you get 700 lumens.

The clever part is the internal collar that moves to accommodate different battery lengths, pressing in for a long AA and sitting on top of a CR123A. The head also features a ceramic strike bezel, positioning it partly as an emergency light. Pricing runs roughly $60 to $80 depending on the retailer, with one store listing it around $65, so it is worth watching for a sale.

The only complaint: a missing finger ring. A plastic finger ring accessory would let you rotate the light on the outside of your pocket for hands-free illumination without needing a reversible clip, and the narrower barrel means existing rings do not fit. Hopefully Nextorch introduces one, because otherwise this light is close to flawless for anyone who wants a simple interface, strong build quality, and the widest battery compatibility around.

Kizer Mercury: Razor-Inspired Elegance

Designed by Alex Burkowitz, the Mercury is a slim, elegant folder that pays real homage to a classic razor. The hollow grind is nicely executed, the steel is S35VN, and the action is excellent. The milled pocket clip stands tall enough for easy pocketing while staying very firm.

The milling on both sides of the handle is the highlight. Where a frame lock would lock you into one show side, the liner lock design preserves both sides as display surfaces, and liner locks also stay out of the way of your fingers during deployment. This is one of the strongest designs Kizer has produced.

Kizer Phoenix: Charcoal and Fire

The Phoenix earns its name with a look that calls charcoal and fire to mind. The specification list is premium throughout: milled titanium pocket clip, titanium backspacer, and titanium bolsters around a liner lock. You get flipper tab or thumb stud deployment, a clip point or trailing point blade at 3.57 inches, and plenty of belly that makes it well suited to skinning and hunting tasks on paper. Note that the fuller-style cutout is a design element rather than a functional feature, and it does not leave enough room for a proper flicking finger.

Where it excels is the action. The detent is excellent, reverse flicking from the thumb stud works cleanly, and thumb stud deployment is effortless. If the aesthetic speaks to you, this is a very good execution of it, even if few buyers will use a knife this premium for actual field dressing.

Choosing Between Them

If you want maximum practical value, the FC2 is the easy flashlight pick at under $30. If you want the most versatile light regardless of price, the Nextorch TA15 is the standout, with a user interface that is difficult to fault. Among the knives, the Mercury is the strongest all-rounder for everyday carry, while the Phoenix rewards buyers who fall for its look and its superb action. All four are confident picks as long as the price and style match what you actually need.

Conclusion

Between the two flashlights and two Kizer folders, this lineup covers a lot of ground: budget tactical performance, unmatched fuel flexibility, razor-inspired refinement, and premium titanium flair. Match the tool to your priorities and any of these four is a satisfying addition to a rotation.