Buying a Zippo, Any Tips and Advice?

Richmond Tigers on 12/01/2023 - 17:34

I am looking at buying a zippo and am overwhelmed by the whole process with how many styles there are.

I am either looking for a cheapish but decent gift set style arrangement (say lighter and pen), or getting one of the designs I don't mind.

I do like the Copper one but not at over $200 https://www.zippo.ie/products/copper-lighter

Also like the spectrum https://zippo.com.au/spectrum/

But outside of that I cannot choose say between high polish, matte, antique metals, coloured etc etc. Also whether I get a pouch or not.

I don't smoke but I'd like to keep one in my bag or pocket when doing outdoorsy things. Could come in handy should I get stranded on an Island with smokers.

So are there decent gift sets worth looking out for?

Is there a better style of finish that is longer lasting?

Do decent sales happen very often, if so where?

Thanks.

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 12/01/2023 - 17:43

    Submit the Don't get burnt jokes below.

  • Hybroid on 12/01/2023 - 17:45
    +2

    A rechargeable plasma lighter is infinitely safer for throwing into a backpack for occasional use.

  • Gunnar on 12/01/2023 - 17:48
    +3

    I used to collect Zippos, didn’t smoke either

    The one I used the most was the brushed finished one because it could take knocks. The one I used least was my polished brass one (which oddly enough got stolen).

    Couple of pointers:
    1. They are gas lighters which you have to roll up manually not you Fill it up and don’t use it then it just evaporates
    2. The ones with a high polish finish scratch easily
    3. Find a smoke shop, they stock them but the thing is to know what you’re after if you’re after something special

    As a practical light they’re pretty useless because of point 1, the gas doesn’t last as long as you get in a disposable lighter.

    But dam they look cool and the zippo ‘click’ is an addictive sound. That being said they are now all lying in a box and haven’t been looked at or touched in 10-15 years

    • cashless on 12/01/2023 - 17:58

      They are gas lighters

      ?

      • Gunnar on 12/01/2023 - 18:41

        Sorry my bad, the Americana of zippos came out in that.

        Gas as in the US version ie they’re petrol lighters

        • afoveht on 12/01/2023 - 18:58

          Yeah that won't end well either.

          They take lighter fluid (in various possible forms), petrol ain't the right thing. If nothing else you'll get sooty fingers.

          • Draxxx on 13/01/2023 - 09:47

            @afoveht: He's probably referring to Naphtha, which is a petroleum extract most commonly used in Zippos..

    • Richmond Tigers on 12/01/2023 - 19:40

      In lieu of buying one I’d happily accept a donation of 10-15 of them.

  • mskeggs on 12/01/2023 - 17:50
    +5

    The brushed steel ones still look good after many years. I used to carry one when I was a smoker. They can sometimes leak fluid after you refill, so be careful.
    They also dry out if not used in some time. This isn’t a drawback for nicotine addicts using it all the time, but if it is weeks between uses you may well find it unreliable.

    If I wanted one in my bag for EDC reasons, I’d probably recommend a little butane BIC, which is lighter (ha!) and much more reliable.

    • Kangal on 13/01/2023 - 00:44
      +2

      Agreed.
      They're cool to use as a fidget toy, but they aren't very practical. If you want an EDC, maybe a decent Jet Flame lighter might be a good fit. There's some Electric Plasma lighters too, but I haven't really tried them. Your bog standard BiC Lighter is probably the most practical option though…. I should preface this as a non-smoker, I merely set hearts on fire.

  • baronorder on 12/01/2023 - 17:55
    +2

    Grab a couple of cheap piezo based butane lighters for a few bucks - fuel doesn't just evaporate like a zippo and still works if wet not to mention its lighter / smaller in the pocket and you can keep a spare in your bag / kit. You won't look as cool but then you definitely don't look cool when trying to use it and sit there sparking for ages pointlessly as all the shellite / lighter fluid in it is gone.
    For non regular use zippo style lighters really are a pain as they do need regular top ups and maintenance that you won't need with a different type of lighter.

  • dogboy on 12/01/2023 - 17:57
    +1

    At that price it is less believable in movies when the protagonists throw them into a fuel spill to cause a large explosion.

  • spackbace on 12/01/2023 - 18:01
    +1

    Ah that takes me back, was working in a bar area and someone left behind some cigs and their zippo on top of them. I don't smoke, but kept that zippo!

    • AustriaBargain on 12/01/2023 - 20:55

      I remember when you could smoke in bars. Then I remember when you could smoke 1.5 meter away from the actual bar. And then a dedicated smoking room the bar. And then a dedicated smoking garden. And now smokers need to go out on the street. Soon they will have to walk around the block.

      • Euphemistic on 13/01/2023 - 08:56

        I’d prefer it to be ‘I remember when the banned it’

  • Muzeeb on 12/01/2023 - 18:03
    +2

    I don't smoke but I'd like to keep one in my bag or pocket when doing outdoorsy things

    Then you don't want a Zippo. This is miles away from their intended design and purpose.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 12/01/2023 - 18:18
    +1

    Zippos are fun to play with, even if you don't smoke.

  • omguleh on 12/01/2023 - 18:29

    Get a USB Arc lighter with gas.

  • apsilon on 12/01/2023 - 19:15

    If you want a zippo for the style then get the butane insert for it as well as the lighter fluid will evaporate in about a week rendering it useless. If you want a lighter "just in case" buy a mini bic.

    • Richmond Tigers on 12/01/2023 - 19:45

      Yeh I was thinking that, can you increase the flame size easily as it looks small.

      • apsilon on 12/01/2023 - 20:03

        I've never bought one but I do have other butane lighters and they all have adjustable flame, They're generally smaller, more focused and therefore hotter flame so you won't have trouble igniting anything regardless. I do have several zippos but I never use them due to the fluid issue, I mostly just use disposable bics as I find the butane too hot as my main use for a lighter is sealing cut edges of material or cordage etc. Some day I will buy the zippo butane insert however.

      • TooSerious2 on 13/01/2023 - 09:03

        Look on Ali for inserts. They fit into the shell of the Zippo and work like a jet lighter. You can refill them with butane but I always find that a pain - thus I'm back on the Bic.

  • Cheaplikethebird on 13/01/2023 - 08:44

    Throw 'vietnam war zippo' into eBay. The American GIs would get them engraved with slogans and logos etc in the Vietnam war. The ones on ebay are almost definitely repros but still cool. I had one a while ago that said "Ours is not to do or die, ours is to smoke and get high"

  • Motek Benzona on 13/01/2023 - 09:30
    +3

    They do not work very well when lighting bongs. Use something else

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