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.
@cashews_best_nut @fujiwood If you do want a lighter like a zippo, make sure to get a butane insert, not the original zippo insert! The butane ones are easier to use and don't leak fuel.
Note that many of those new zippo inserts are made in China. Countycomm sells great "peanut lighters" which are small, circular (pill container style) and completely waterproof. They don't leak fuel either and are made in the USA.
Zippos are just such a great form factor for pocket carry
You have a recommendation on butane inserts? I've gone through a few, and they're great until they don't work, and that doesn't seem to take too long.
butane inserts are great for a lot of people, but there’s just no beating the nostalgia of that og flame. if you use your lighter regularly it’s easy enough to keep it topped off every two weeks or so.
zippo also sells a small fuel canister that is airtight, if you keep a bag on you that’s a great way to have a backup