Not My Father's Zippo

[maduromojo-cl]

My Dad was a cigarette smoker and smoked an occassional cigar. I remember the "ping" of his Zippo and the smell of the lighter fluid. I own a bunch of Xikars, a Vector Perdomo table-top, and a few freebie and gift lighters. I wanted a Zippo for two reasons: sentimental and made-in-the-USA. I also wanted a butane Zippo aka Zippo Blu. They have a large number of designs and I decided on the "entwined" model for around $39 on ebay. It arrived today and here's what I learned:

- Upon opening the box, the packaging inside that holds the lighter is pretty flimsy. Xikar has a solid rubber-like form. The reason I mention this minor detail is it made my wheels start turning...

- Zippo has a lifetime warranty.

- The flame lights everytime with the flint/wheel combo unlike the butanes that don't use a flint or electronics.

- No flame adjustment.

- The lighter itself is not made anywhere near the same quality as my Father's. The metal case is extremely thin. The etched design is rough to the touch as well as the lighter's edges. The button that is used to release fuel is plastic. Overall, "cheap" is the word that comes to mind.

- The Zippo "ping" has been replaced with a frail click. (How depressing!)

US companies have managed to get inexpensive labor in conjunction with high quality from China. So it makes it even more difficult for US companies that want to manufacture something entirely "made in the USA" to compete. Especially a product with a lifetime warranty. However, I'd like to know how much more the price would be if it had the same quality as my Father's Zippo. Because, I'd pay it. :imconfused:

[El Lechero]

You might be able to find a "good" zippo if you travel to the factory in Bradford PA but that is probably the most expensive place to purchase a zippo as well.

[TempestPSO]

I actually enjoy my zippo blu, the lack of flame adjustment kinda sucks and sometimes it takes a few lights to get a good flame going but I've had so much problems with colibris and xikars its refreshing to have a no fus no mus lighter. I think they will eventually get the kinks worked out and release one that is completely up to zippo standards.

[robisjebus-cl]

have you tried "z-plus inserts"?

they work in any classic zippo case.

here's a Link

[Moro]

I've got a Blazer Z-Plus insert and love it. Lets me use me Zippo collection to light the sticks.

[King1of3-cl]

I got a free blu recently. Rep from company was offering some on another board. All gone. Not very excited. Flint driven butane? What? Every time I flick the wheel the whole assembly tries to leave the container. No flame adjustment. Flimsy, very flimsy metal. Lid feels like it is going to just fall off. Not impressed.

[ER Doc]

Originally Posted by robisjebus

have you tried "z-plus inserts"?

they work in any classic zippo case.

here's a Link

I would also recommend the Z-plus insert. My father, too, had a zippo when I was growing up and I have a sentimental feeling every time I hear that "ping".

When I got my first zippo (which I purchased with a z-plus insert), I immediately fell in love. It is my main go-to lighter and it works great every time.

Highly recommended...

[eggyellow]

i have to agree with Bill, i got the z-plus insert, and now its my main lighter.

[MaduroLvr-cl]

I've been to the Zippo factory in Bradford, PA..they have a neat little museum dedicated to all things Zippo. It was really interesting to see how Zippo evolved through the years and also how much it really stayed true to the original design.

[maduromojo-cl]

Originally Posted by ER Doc

I would also recommend the Z-plus insert. My father, too, had a zippo when I was growing up and I have a sentimental feeling every time I hear that "ping".

When I got my first zippo (which I purchased with a z-plus insert), I immediately fell in love. It is my main go-to lighter and it works great every time.

Highly recommended...

I revisited this thread after reading about the Zippo Blu giveaway. Thanks, Bill, for the link. I'd heard about the Z-plus insert and if I can find or have my Dad's old lighter I'd love to get one for it. After looking at the insert info, correct me if I'm wrong, but it's not made by Zippo. Figures.

[LittleG]

The blu has actually been growing on me now that I've learned to light it properly and have been having less problems with it. Only time will tell.