We used to see a lot of pure form exploration in ID student work. These days school projects are growing more research- and digital-based, with less of an emphasis on form. So when it comes to seeing strange, experimental new shapes, it is the EDC microeconomy that's leading the charge.

A case in point is this bizarre Tactitool, by an independent fabricator called Full Carbon Alchemist. It's essentially a knurled aluminum sleeve that chunkifies a AAA flashlight, and adds three weaponizing protrusions that I can only call carbon fiber knuckles.

To some extent, form does follow function here. The carbon fiber protrusions are umbrella-shaped, providing hooks on either side for, get this, carrying grocery bag handles.

There's also a pair of glassbreakers on the bottom, as being trapped inside something seems to be a common EDC market worry.

For all of the fabrication that went into this object, I'm surprised to see it retails for $42.