ZippoReplica Lighters

The virtues of the Zippo Lighter have really been sung since 1932, so 90+ years later there isn't anything to say that hasn't been said already. But that won't stop me...I have several of these. Relevant to this review are three of them - the brushed chrome 1935 and 1941 replicas, and the sterling silver 1941.My use case - I smoke cigars. Probably more than I should, but whatever. The cigar culture tends to default to those butane torch lighters, which to me tend to lack in the performance department. I like soft flame lighters, and don't judge me. Using a Bic lighter is, honestly, a non starter for me because, well, it lacks style AND I really don't like throwing empty lighters away to sit in a landfill for a thousand years or whatever. Yes, one of the reasons I like Zippos is the environmental factor. Sue me.The Zippo price point is really appropriate given that you're buying a lighter that will, honestly, outlive you. The mechanism is dead simple (and therefore reliable) with a flame that doesn't go out at all easily. And while the Cigar Crowd gives me some grief for the whole "but but but lighter fluid has a smell that ruins the cigar!!1!!2111" I just say "you do you." Because honestly...it is a non factor.But here's where we get interesting, and I'm referencing the Precious Metals collection. While el-cheapo torch lighters can be had at a low cost, they also are horrible. To get a GOOD torch lighter you're going to go to a brand like S.T. DuPont, and yes those cost in the $150-$200 range for the entry level. And they are still torch lighters, meaning a mechanism that doesn't really lend itself well to repair. So, put me down for the sterling silver Zippo. It's still a bit on the ostentatious side, maybe, but so what. Given the choice between the S.T Dupont and this especially at the same price point...I'll go for this every time.Really, Zippo has become an American culture touchstone, and it's something I look at fondly. There's really nothing in the world like it, and for that I'm happy. Dead simple, iconic, and reliable: that's more than enough elan for me....

These are really cool and people always like borrowing it. Good feel and sound.

This lighter looks and feels absolutely perfect--even better in hand than in the pictures. In my opinion Zippo hit a home run with the 1941 Replica design. I have two other Zippos which both work perfectly so I didn't strictly need another, but I loved the vintage look and the black crackle finish. The contemporary Zippos feel great in hand--rounded and smooth; this replica has flatter edges and feels great in a different way. The flatter edges combined with the textured finish make for a sure grip and easy flick to open the lid. I like the way that the lid opens all the way until it is touching the body of the lighter; contemporary Zippos open most of the way but the hinge stops the lid from touching the body. I don't know why this is a satisfying distinction, but it is. The bottom of the lighter is flat instead of scooped in (the lighter still stands up on its base just fine), and the logo is in a different font. The bottom is bare of the black crackle finish in a perfect rectangle to leave room for the logo and other markings. One difference I had not read about--and I looked at a ton of reviews and videos before I ordered--is that the replica insert is smooth on all sides. The contemporary one has a bulge on both sides near the bottom to push out slightly on the case and keep it in while also making it easier to pull out and refill. I prefer the replica design because it may help to slow the evaporation of fluid by creating a tighter seal. Typically Zippos need to be refilled every few days to a week due to evaporation of the lighter fluid, which I'm expecting will be the case here, too. In spite of the tighter seal, this insert still tends to ride up slightly with use like the contemporary ones. Not a big deal, though. It only rides up a tiny bit and I just push it down again with my thumb. I received this yesterday so don't have long-term observations yet, but I'm confident it will hold up very well. Oh, and it lights easily and is very wind-resistant as advertised. I really enjoy objects that are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. This Zippo looks perfect and feels perfect in my palm, it works simply and reliably, and it has a neat historical connection. I could not recommend it more highly.

I tried a bunch of lighter brands before finally settling on Zippo, and let me tell you, it was like finding the Holy Grail of pocket fire starters! Other lighters were like, “Oh, you want to refill me? Good luck with that!” But Zippo? It’s like, “Top me off weekly with a 5 second squirt, and I’ll be your trusty sidekick!” Plus, it’s an American icon, which means it’s basically the Jesus of lighters.I first got the brass one, and then I was like, “I need more black crackle in my life!” As a US Army Combat Veteran, I appreciate its roots, and I imagine it would have been a great morale booster during those long, cold nights. “Hey, battle, need a light? Just wait until you see my Zippo!”YouTube is your best friend when it comes to Zippo prep. I highly recommend repacking your Zippo before its first use. It’s like giving it a spa day before it goes out into the world. And to save fuel, cut a small piece of plastic and place it over the bottom before placing the insert back. It’s a lighter hack that even MacGyver would approve of!Even though I’m not a smoker, a lighter is an essential everyday carry item for me. It’s like having a tiny, portable sun in your pocket. The other day, someone asked me for a light, and I felt like a BOSS using my Zippo. It’s the kind of power that makes you want to start a campfire just to show off!Overall, I’m incredibly satisfied with my Zippos. I’ll never consider any other lighter. If they ever break, I’m confident it will be repaired at no cost (Zippo warranty). It’s like having a lifetime supply of sunshine in my pocket and I couldn’t be happier!