I’ve had this Zippo since early 2011. According to the markings it was made in August of 2010.

I don’t always carry it but when I know I’m going to need a lighter it’s what I use. I have other lighters around the house, for candles/starting the grill, but when I go out this one is in my pocket.

It was originally the matte black model but after more than a decade I decided to use acetone to remove the coating. It’s now raw brass which I do like.

The only downside of this lighter is that the original insert will lose fluid over a few days. I did add a small piece of this plastic over the bottom of the insert to act as a gasket. It does improve the time it takes for the fluid to evaporate by about double.

I know there are flame and torch inserts but I prefer the simple mechanism of this. I’ve had other torch lighters in the past and they always seem to break. If something on this Zippo ever breaks I know I can repair it with a repair kit. I don’t mind disposable lighters since they work well and serve a purpose but I enjoy the permanence of a Zippo.