Austrian Windproof Lighter

This is a pipe lighter--it has a removable "fuel tank" with which you can light a pipe (or campfire--anything that requires "distance" from your hand and the ability to tip the flame like a candle). It is windproof, as long as you have the "chimney slide" type thing choked up and the wick trimmed. It is remarkably fuel-efficient, due to its unique fuel tank cap and built-in snuffer that seals around the top of the tank when closed. It is lightweight. I think it's either made of steel or tin, but whatever it is, it's light. It is easily maintained--all you ever have to do is replace the flints (and wicks, periodically. It accepts Zippo brand wicks in a pinch). Replacing the flints is much easier than it is on a Zippo; all you have to do is press on the release catch on the bottom and swing out the innards, which remain in one piece (no stupid tiny little screws to lose). Using it always seems to impress friends and coworkers--it just has a neat, swing-out ignition method that always catches people's attention. So if you want to look cool, buy these lighters. CONS: It rusts easily if exposed to water and not dried thoroughly. It has "poky" corners that can be uncomfortable and can tear holes in thin pockets. If it gets soaked in a stream, it won't work till you let it dry out completely, and then it will probably only work for a little while due to the fluid being washed out/diluted by the water. Read more

This lighter is great. I've had it now for about a month and i can tell that i should have it for the rest of my life. One has to fill the lighter fluid and change the flints periodically, but the lighter lights every time and burns really nicely. Here are the important things to know about the lighter. It is aesthetically appealing. It looks great and people dont usually know what it is until you light it and they react with wows. The material is strong and sturdy, i can tell that its not going to wear and tear easy. It is hard to operate! You have to push down with a lot of force to light the lighter and then to close it you have to push the top towards the flame with a lot of force as well. At first it is hard because it doesnt feel right to push your finger hard towards a flame, but once you get the hang of it, its no big deal. But if you want friends to be able to use it, especially the lady friends, they might not enjoy the experience. Its more of a personal lighter that you have to master yourself. The lighter has a cool function in its design so you can easily pull out the flame from the bulk of the lighter while it is lit. If you look at the picture, at the bottom theres a circular textured part. That part pulls out and it is a bullet shaped metal canister. This is how you fill up the lighter. Also, if you light the lighter, you can pull this part out and use like a candle in a dark area or to light a fire easier. The design doesnt however work well for smoking from pipes. When you tilt it, the flame barely reaches the pipe. It works, but its not the most convenient especially for people not accustomed to the lighter. Other than that, i love this lighter. Its really fun and entertaining to just light it and then close it. Its a satisfying experience that happens every time you light it. Its cool looking, and its built to last. If you want a lighter for life, this is it. plus its not pricey at all! Read more

Right out of the box, the product does not work. I took a chance on this lighter and I am sorry I did. Its nice that sparks come out when I hit the ignition but no fire. It means either this product was shipped broken or came with no fuel to begin with. Either way, this is not how a lighter should be shipped to a customer. I did not bother to ship it back as my time is worth money and for me to pay for shipping for a $12 lighter is not worth it. Besides how it looks, this lighter does deliver what it promises. At least the lighter should come filled with fuel or not broken. Don't fall for the slick looks. I am bit suspicious that maybe all the past rave reviews are posted by the employees of the seller. Read more