ZIPPO, Wasn't he one of the Marx Brothers? (Zippo Lighters)

Member Name: firemanspam

Product:	Zippo Lighters
Date:	11/12/08 (257 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A brilliant lighter.

Disadvantages: None whatsoever.

These Zippo lighters are solid, heavy, and have a cult following, ranging from servicemen to Hells Angels, they are virtually bullet proof! Zippo was named after a famous invention, the Zip, or the Zipper! This lighter company was established in the United States in 1832. The rest, is history.

Every Zippo lighter, gets the same guarantee, and the quote by Zippo is simple "It works or we fix it free".

When I was in the Royal Navy, I used to smoke, it was almost part of the uniform to "pack" a Zippo ready to be deployed at any time. In the old days, we all had bog standard brushed chrome ones, and it was an honour indeed to see one with a ship's crest on it. Although nowadays, they produce a vast array of different styles, all based on the original lighter.

The start of WW2 brought these to the troops, in fact the company stopped making them for civillians, concentrating on the armed forces. They were made in many colours, including Olive Drab, some with special forces emblems, others with patriotic flags or death's heads. This style remained popular in the Vietnam War too. That range is still available. Some servicemen cut them down to half the height, making them smaller and a lot lighter (excuse the pun). There are also examples of "trench art" type alterations, brass buttons being soldered on, ornate designs scratched or punched on with a nail etc.

The recommended retail price for an ordinary Zippo is just £6.59, whilst the most expensive one, retails at a massive £2,535.00 and yes it is 18 Carat Solid Gold. I would recommend you shop around, until you see one that takes your fancy, owning a Zippo is like choosing a pet, you will own it for life!

Just if by chance anyone here has not seen a Zippo, the basic principle, is a simple metal case, which has a hinged lid that needs to be opened, there is a flint wheel that is spun with the thumb, creating sparks that ignites the wick soaked in lighter fluid.

Being a double acting lighter, these are allowed in a lot of places lighters are normally banned. The genuine Zippo wick is special, because it contains a wire, and is surrounded by a chimney. It will run on any grade of Petrol, Naptha, or in fact any other flammable liquid, and in an emergency, a shoelace will act as a wick. You now realise how simple and efficient these are. There is even room in the base for a spare flint.

Some interesting facts about Zippos:-
The complete lighter is made from just 22 pieces.
Apparently Pink Floyd used a Zippo lighter instead of a guitar slide.
Nowadays you can get leather Zippo cases that clip on your belt, rather like a mobile phone case.
There is even a members "Zippo click club".

The simple instruction sheet will give you all the info you will need, and spare wicks & flints are standard. If you want to see a cut away picture, and a lot more, see here:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spanishflea/68083959 /

Zippo do have a website:-
http://www.zippo-windproof.co.uk

I realise smoking memorabilia is out of fashion at the moment, but these do make brilliant Christmas presents for someone who does smoke. Very individual and personal. Think about it.

Summary: heap, sturdy, windproof, the best.