You need to understand how to use it.
These things have been around forever (I had one in 1973 that I used for years until I lost it moving). This is the first one I've seen in this form-factor, usually they're shaped more like a box of matches (hence the original name, permanent match). I don't know why it says "kerosene" unless that's a bad translation. They typically take lighter fluid (the type used in Zippo style lighters). I've also noticed that there are a lot of this type of lighter listed here, and there are a lot of one star reviews saying variations of "It won't light, it's junk." I think the problem is that they don't know how to use them. First, it needs fuel. This one has a plastic or nylon screw on the bottom that you can remove for filling, but I filled mine the old fashioned way, by removing the "match" part (that has a striker and the wick attached) and squirting fluid in the opening. It's easy to overfill, so fill it over something to catch any spilled fluid. When the body is full, insert the "match" part and screw it in. Some fluid will run out, but this is normal. If you use it enough, you'll get a feel for when to stop filling so it doesn't always run over. Give it about 5 minutes for the fluid to soak into the wick. Take the match out and strike it on the flint piece on the side of the device. The flint has a film or coating on it so you'll have to strike a few times just to wear through that. You also need to align the steel striker in the match head so that it's perpendicular to the flint so you get maximum surface area striking on the flint. It takes a few tries, but it will work. So far I'm happy with mine. I wish the fuel section was a little larger, so I don't know how long it will go between refills, but I'll find out eventually. Read more
