Good looking lighter. Let me start by saying that I have a few Zippos and have gone through quite a few. Zippo is known for it's reliability, and toughness. Also comes with a lifetime warranty. Just like any Zippo it works, works and then works some more, without exceptions. There are no if's or maybes when it comes to Zippo lighters. I like them for their durability, reliability and being able to light and retain a light in a surprisingly windy weather. Operation: To use first it must be fueled (Zippo lighter fluid recommended, others tend to be dirtier and burn with more fumes and lower temperature flame.) To fuel it, open the cap, and pull the insert lighter out of the shell. Lift up the tab (that says "lift up" on it, of course) then Pour Zippo lighter fluid in the lighter until reasonably moist (you will have to get used to the amount needed.) After fueling reinsert back into the shell, strike, and you have a lit lighter. (Just as a side note, lifting the tab is really not required. You can just pour Lighter fluid through the whole in it. It works just as fine, but the reason it is lifted is that it is easier to see when it's full before it starts dripping through the wick. This is he best looking Zippo IMHO. I have owned quite a few Zippos over the time and have looked at the rest either in person or at least pictures of. This picture does not do justice of how this lighter looks. It is much darker and it looks reflective. Again, this is a very good looking lighter. You must see it in person to appreciate it. To replace the flint is pretty easy. Remove the insert from the case and unscrew the screw on the very bottom. If there is a small amount of flint left, remove it and add a new one. Put back the screw tightly and reassemble. To make sure you never run out and aren't able to use you're lighter just carry one under the tab that is typically lifted for fueling. After a while you may need to pull your wick, and eventually even replace it, but I'm sure you can find out how to do that on youtube. Highly recommended Read more
Looks and feels great. Love the style Read more
Not even a scratch. Doesnt seem to scratch easily either! Read more
Not much to say about the insert. It is a Zippo. If you are not familiar with the well-deserved reputation of excellence for the mechanics and reliability of a Zippo as well as its basic operating features (including the fact that it does not come with fluid and that you will have to periodically replace fluid, flints, and maybe even a wick), you should read up on them before buying. The black ice is a cool dark chrome which looks like solid mercury. The exact color varies with lighting conditions, and it is hard to judge by a photo. There are some youtube videos out there which give a better idea of the color than most of the available pictures. You should not be disappointed in the appearance of the lighter unless you are expecting a solid black item. It is very shiny and can be used as a mirror in a pinch. While it is true that it is a fingerprint magnet, all you have to do is carry it in your pants for a few minutes and the sides of your pocket will rub it pure and bright again. The only downside I see is that even with the greatest of care and carrying it by itself in my pocket, it quickly developed a large number of very faint angel hair scratches. If you carry it with change or keys, I suspect that it would get marred up pretty easily. If you want to keep it absolutely pristine, you probably should leave it in its box as a desk queen and buy the street chrome variety for everyday use. For those of you who are concerned about whether or not the date of manufacture of the case is the same as the insert, they in fact were (January 2012). I personally do not feel that it makes any difference. I am very pleased with this lighter. PS on 12/17/2014--I recently found in my father's effects a couple of Zippos which were at least 60 years old and which were no longer functional due to corrosion over the decades and missing parts. I sent them to Zippo who promptly replaced the guts with new ones and sent the lighters back to me fully functional at no charge. The legends about Zippo's customer service are in fact true. Read more
There should be no question about Zippo's stellar reputation and lifetime guarantee so my review covers materials & color. The outer shell is brass with I suspect a very durable powder coat. I purchased several as gifts for members of our local fire dept. The metallic red, typical of fire equipment, is perfect. Once engraved, the engraving appears in gold (actually brass) which is also perfectly suited for firefighters. There seems to be this idea that in order to carry a lighter, one must also use tobacco products. That's simply not true. There are a plethora of other uses and in many cases, an absolute need for a quality, reliable lighter. Besides the obvious reasons to buy one (or several) Zippo lighters are made in the U.S.A. Here's your chance to support American manufacturing. Besides a lifetime investment, at a very reasonable price, consider giving these as gifts like I have. They are very much appreciated. They will surely become treasured family heirlooms. Don't forget, Zippo lighters have a forever, no matter what, guarantee. So even if your great grandfather wears it out, Zippo will repair it to work as new for generations to come. Obviously there are a variety of styles & colors but the red & gold is absolutely perfect for firefighters. Read more
