I used a slide rule for some of my high school physics tests in the 2010s, just for fun. I lost a few points from messing up order of magnitude calculations, but it was totally worth it. I've since collected a few more slide rules from estate sales in my neighborhood. I wish more people knew about them—they're such a neat and elegant part of engineering history, which is why I keep them around.
I have no use for them on a day-to-day basis, though. An abacus is more useful for things like counting board game points and adding up taxes.
I have no use for them on a day-to-day basis, though. An abacus is more useful for things like counting board game points and adding up taxes.