The reflector of the flashlight is built so light coming from a very small source (like the filament of an incandescent bulb) is directed forward in a focused beam.
I agree, but I also think that using a modern LED with a single source of forward-facing light is fine. However the emitter would need to be properly positioned in the light.
Here’s a very similar host (from one of the best low-cost flashlight makers) showing a properly aligned LED and reflector:
Product link: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801849471618.html
Thanks! I’ve seen some of your great posts and LED swap mods on BLF. These are well-photographed, something which is more difficult than I realized once I tried taking some photos of lights, with phones being so good now at taking pics of people and landscapes.
I do have a ts10 in the rotation (plus two extras from when Terry from Wurkkos said the anodized colors were being discontinued) and it is as good as everyone says, although I only like it in 5700k.