I'm one of those OCD (technically, OCPD) freaks who uses a pen until it runs dry. And even then, I replace the ink cartridge and keep using it. That aside, the only flashlights (or pens) that I've "lost" have been the ones that I've loaned or given to people. (I keep a singularly cheap spare pen in my pocket these days for such people, and they can use their cell phone for a flashlight.) If you loan a pen to someone, the longer they keep it the more "theirs" it becomes. It's not the same with flashlights, and I've gotten back all that I've loaned, but one must be careful to whom one extends his generosity. There is a somewhat (but not entirely) comprehendible mindset that states, "If he gave it to me, it must be cheap and expendable so why should I care?" (Also, *spoiler alert*, some people are just idiots.) For example, a few years ago I "built" a work light for a much younger and less financially sound maintenance coworker from a SolarForce host and a Customlites/Nailbender drop-in. Most of you know that both brands have been defunct for a couple of years (I hope that Dave Lemert - Nailbender - has simply retired for he was a really good guy). But, to the point, my coworker - we'll call him "Beavis" for emphasis - lost the flashlight shortly after I gave it to him. So, to answer your question, I have never lost a flashlight so far as I can recall, but I have had them lost for me! I'm glad that your searching paid off, Buff.
when I was into HDS lights back when they were HDS I dropped one of mine in the back yard. Couldn’t find in anywhere. I knew I had the locator beacon on so I waited till dark climbed up on my roof and spotted in in under a minute
