Zippo lighters are iconic and a staple for many cigar aficionados, but how much do you really know about Zippo lighters and where they came from?
We’re going to take you on a journey through almost one hundred years of history and while we all love a trusty Zippo lighter, we will also introduce you to some alternatives that are designed with cigar smokers in mind.
When did Zippo lighters first appear on the market?
Zippo lighters were invented in the early 1930s by George G. Blaisdell. The story goes that Blaisdell was inspired to design his own cigarette lighter after watching a friend struggle to spark up with a lighter from an Austrian brand.
Blaisdell recognised the potential in the lighter his friend had – its chimney design meant it still worked even in windy outdoor conditions – but there were aspects of its design that made it less appealing.
One of the main challenges with this lighter was that it required two hands to use it, which made it more difficult than it needed to be to light a smoke.
So, Blaisdell took the parts of the design he liked, such as the chimney design, and added his own features including the now-iconic hinged lid and, of course, its rectangular case.
The result was the Zippo lighters we know today – a functional lighter that can be used with one hand, but that also looks stylish.
Approximately one year after designing the Zippo lighter, Blaisdell applied for a patent for the design and, in 1936, that patent was granted.
Why are they called Zippo?
Many people wonder where the name “Zippo” came from and the reality is perhaps a bit less exciting than you might have thought. Blaisdell liked the sound of the word “zipper” and he played around with variations of it until he landed on “Zippo”.
It really is as simple as that!
What made Zippo lighters so popular?
During World War II, Zippo dedicated all of its production facilities to producing lighters for the US military. This meant millions of troops went into combat carrying one of these lighters and this was the beginning of building Zippo’s iconic status.
Another factor in their popularity was Blaisdell’s unconditional lifetime guarantee. He famously said, “It works or we fix it free” – and that’s a promise that stands to this day.
Zippo lighters and their military connection
Over the years, people began getting engravings on their Zippo lighters. This was particularly common among servicemen heading to Vietnam during the conflict in the 1960s. But this is where Zippos also have a slightly darker story.
Due to their dependability, they were used to set fire to the huts where Vietcong were suspected of hiding, as well as to villages that were believed to support the Vietcong. These raids came to be known as “Zippo Raids”.
It is also reported that Zippo lighters were used to set fire to napalm should the electronic ignition on the flame-throwing armoured personnel carriers fail.
What are the best alternatives to Zippo lighters?
Despite their iconic status, you may want a different kind of lighter for your cigar smoking sessions and we offer various alternatives that are just as reliable and stylish as a Zippo. Here are a few of our favourite cigar lighters.
Vector Bishop Flat Flame Lighter – Turquoise Marble
All the Vector Bishop models provide a strong, consistent light via three powerful jet torch flames. The lighter’s design is slimline and light. We love the turquoise marble finish, which shimmers in the light, but there are many other designs and colours available.
Like the Zippo, the Vector Bishop produces a wind-resistant flame and it looks stylish. It’s a refillable, compact and portable lighter to add to your collection .
Palio Pro Polaris Triple Torch Cigar Lighter – Black
The Palio torch lighters are just as sleek and desirable as a Zippo, while their textured pull-down ignition makes them incredibly easy to use.
You can adjust the flame height to suit your needs and each lighter has a spacious fuel tank. One of the best features of these lighters is the tinted window into that fuel tank, ensuring you can always see when you need to top up your butane.
Xikar 5 x 64 Turrim Double Jet Flame Cigar Lighter – Daytona Red
For something a little different, the Xikar 5 x 64 Turrim Double Jet Flame Cigar Lighter is an excellent choice. Its cylindrical design not only means it’s portable, but also that it stands out alongside the rectangular design of Zippos and many other lighters.
In fact, the cylindrical shape means it fits perfectly into a travel humidor, ensuring you can carry your light and your cigars side by side when you’re away from home.
