I was sick of the problems with butane lighters for a pipe - unreliable build quality and always burning my thumbs. I've been through more than a few gas lighters at various price ranges, and haven't found anything as reliable as this - and for a very reasonable price. In my mind, the basic requirements for a good pipe lighter are reliability, a large soft flame, and most important, no requirement to hold down a lever or button to burn your thumb whilst lighting the pipe. I had three alternatives, a very expensive 'Old Boy' type lighter, matches or a Zippo. Having bought this Zippo, I have no regrets. It lights reliably every time, and provides a good soft flame that doesn't scorch my pipes. If you are concerned about petrol taste, don't worry, it's not an issue. If you are experiencing the same frustration I had with butane lighters, then buy a Zippo pipe lighter and be done with it. They are cheap enough, as is the fuel, and probably cheaper than matches in the long run.

I was sick of butane lighters which fell to pieces after just a few weeks of use. I was dubious about ( old fashioned ? ) petrol lighters, but thought that I would take a chance, as the prices are so reasonable. My Zippo is now my constant companion, being guaranteed to light when others fail. Clean, taste-free, lights first time every time, doesn't burn fingers ... where butane might. I have been so pleased that I bought my son one for his birthday. He is a forester, so his comments are awaited with interest. There's only one design for the pipe-lighter, but the others ?? what a choice !!

I bought this to replace my old bronze Zippo pipe lighter, which had been stolen. I've had a zippo pipe lighter for the best part of 20 years now, and they are excellent. My only regret is that the black casing seems now to be the only design option. I would have liked to replace like wih like. But it's still the best pipe lighter around, in my opinion.

This Zippo is gorgeous! The delivery was also very quick. x