Zippo Lighters

[velvetgoldmine]

I've recently started to appreciate the beautiful simplicity of the Zippo, and wonder if anyone knows if there is a site, similar to this one, for collectors? Any information gratefully received!

[Angus Young]

I've recently started to appreciate the beautiful simplicity of the Zippo, and wonder if anyone knows if there is a site, similar to this one, for collectors? Any information gratefully received!

Sorry don't know a site but I agree with you. It's just a simply perfect design, there's not many things you can say that about.

[texbilly]

Here's one:
http://www.icollectzippo.com/Default.aspx
And another, seemingly associated with the company:
http://www.zippoclick.com/collecting/index.aspx

[velvetgoldmine]

Yes. Sure, you have to mess about with them - refilling, replacing flints, etc. But I rather enjoy that. In much the same way that I enjoy changing the blade in my DE, over a disposable.

[velvetgoldmine]

texbilly - thanks for that. I'm going to explore 'zippoclick'. Cheers!

[Biffo]

You have probably already looked at www.zippo.com?

I wrote to them and asked nicely and got a load of freebies / catalogues etc (no free lighter ) with lots of info on date codes etc., I agree about the wonderful simplicity, I've carried a Zippo for almost 40 years (not the same one, they are losable) and still have in pride of place (bought when I was flush) solid titanium one that just gets better and better looking over the years.

OK they make your cigarette taste of petrol and are a no-no for cigar connesewers but, they work, and yes I have sent a couple back to Zippo and had them repaired free of charge, once after dropping one overboard and being recovered from 30 metres of seawater some hours later, and one honestly, that was run over by a Chieftan tank

[GFlanagan3]

I've recently started to appreciate the beautiful simplicity of the Zippo, and wonder if anyone knows if there is a site, similar to this one, for collectors? Any information gratefully received!

without a doubt the best lighter and still US made

[velvetgoldmine]

recovered from 30 metres of seawater some hours later, and one honestly, that was run over by a Chieftan tank

Amazing! And totally believable! The titanium model sounds great. I've seen a solid silver model for sale at £160, and a gold(!) one for about £2500! But as you say, very easy to lose. I understand there are models with string type attachments (much like the elastic attached to our gloves as children), to prevent loss.
I have noted the British version of Zippo.com - the official site here in the UK.

[_JP_]

There's an app for that.

Zippo has put out an iPhone app that features their lighters.

[Legion]

You have probably already looked at www.zippo.com?

I wrote to them and asked nicely and got a load of freebies / catalogues etc (no free lighter ) with lots of info on date codes etc., I agree about the wonderful simplicity, I've carried a Zippo for almost 40 years (not the same one, they are losable) and still have in pride of place (bought when I was flush) solid titanium one that just gets better and better looking over the years.

I also own the titanium one. It's pretty cool but doesn't make the same "clink" when you open it

I carry a zippo everyday even though I have quit smoking quite a while ago. I think that speaks volumes about how useful and well designed these lighters are.

And I totally agree with the comparison between zippos and DE razors. They remind me of vintage Gillettes. Made in the same way, like things were before everything was meant to be thrown away.

[iron maiden]

I enjoy them for pipes and the occasional cigar. I've heard others say not to use them for cigars because of the taste, but if you light the lighter for a couple of seconds before applying the flame to the cigar, I haven't noticed a problem with tasting the fluid. An old guy who owned a cigar shop told me that...and he smoked cigars. Says all he ever uses is a Zippo.

[porman]

Yes. Sure, you have to mess about with them - refilling, replacing flints, etc. But I rather enjoy that. In much the same way that I enjoy changing the blade in my DE, over a disposable.

Yeah, but they don't break down on you like regular gas lighters do.
Although, mine has a tendency to run out at the most inappropriate times.

And if they manage to break down, just send it to their repair shop and they'll fix it for you or send you a replacement.

Mine wouldn't light even though I had changed everything, flint, wick, refilled it etc. It would light up if I lit it with another lighter, but I think that the flint wheel was worn out. So they just replaced the whole interior and sent it back to me.

Of course I bought a new one while I waited.

[porman]

You have probably already looked at www.zippo.com?

OK they make your cigarette taste of petrol

That's the nice part!

[Anton von Tripp]

I enjoy them for pipes and the occasional cigar. I've heard others say not to use them for cigars because of the taste, but if you light the lighter for a couple of seconds before applying the flame to the cigar, I haven't noticed a problem with tasting the fluid. An old guy who owned a cigar shop told me that...and he smoked cigars. Says all he ever uses is a Zippo.

Echo that.
Just hold for a couple of seconds to burn off the odour and then apply.

Cordially, AvT.

[skiddyrow]

Huge fan of the Zippos - I have about 14 of them, though I am sure that serious collectors will have a case of AD much like our friends on this forum :-)

[Unknownsoldier]

I also own the titanium one. It's pretty cool but doesn't make the same "clink" when you open it

I carry a zippo everyday even though I have quit smoking quite a while ago. I think that speaks volumes about how useful and well designed these lighters are.

And I totally agree with the comparison between zippos and DE razors. They remind me of vintage Gillettes. Made in the same way, like things were before everything was meant to be thrown away.

Same here always carry my black satin Zippo, bought from near the WTC in 2001.... it's my good luck charm... it's worn and battered, and I don't smoke, but boy they're handy... :D :D

BTW guys you realise there is a book on collectable zippo's especially Vietnam ones... :D

Tom

[velvetgoldmine]

OK they make your cigarette taste of petrol

Actually, I've found that it's only the 'Swan' brand of lighter fluid that tastes/smells bad. The Zippo brand fluid has virtually no odour at all, and burns much more cleanly. It costs a little more, but it's worth it, I think.

[-Devil-]

i will agree if you use the right fluid you get none of the taste ... i own about 25 zippos... some are still in the package ... most of mine are pipe lighters .. but i have a few regular ones as well ...

[Pumpkin]

totally agree with the comparison between zippos and DE razors. They remind me of vintage Gillettes. Made in the same way, like things were before everything was meant to be thrown away.

+1 to that.

They're a great bit of kit....better than most "modern" lighters on a wet and windy day (and we get plenty of them in Scotland).

Versatile regarding fuel as well...I've even used methylated spirits and 4* petrol, although the latter leaves sooty rings on the ceiling

[SiBurning]

Hmm... I wonder how Atkinsons English lavender would work.