I want to start EDCing a refillable lighter, but I'm not sure what to get. Initially I was looking at zippos, cause they fit in my price range, and have the features I'm looking for, namely: refillable, soft flame, and continuous flame(I don't want to have to hold down a button). I'm looking to spend under $30-40 if possible, and I'm open to all suggestions. Thanks for your help.
Xikars are cool. I don't know that they have a continuous flame, though. I don't think so... I personally have a Thunderbird insert and several Zippo "jackets" to interchange between for accessorizing. And a plethora of Bic lighters too. :3
Zippos are the obvious choice....depending on the size, you can also get / use Peanut or Split pea lighters!! Split pea is above.
Ditto to that ^^^^^^^ The Thunderbird inserts are great, no button to hold, soft flame, and since its butane, its always ready; no fuel evaporation like with a stock Zippo. I have the pipe lighter version with a side flame(which is great for reaching it into small places to heat parts up(loosen Locktited bolts), where the lighter has to be laying down, but flame is needed above it.. ) I've tweaked/tightened stock zippo inset to case fit, to last about a week max without evaporating dry, but its a to get right, and it still does dry out.. If your not brand conscious, you can get a TBird insert, and grab a china cheapy Zippo knock off to put it in. I grab a few at the county fair every year 'cause they have designs that Zippo doesn't make, and they're like $5 a pop.. G.
Yes, sorry, forgot to put in my OP that I'm only gonna use it a few times a week, so I don't want to have to worry about the fuel evaporating between uses...
Get a peanut lighter, the seals prevent evaporation and they fit the bill.. They are small, soft flame like a zippo, but hold their fuel longer.
If you're into lighters, you owe it to yourself to hunt down at least one IMCO Triplex. The 6700 is a classic, the 6800 Streamline is even nicer. And of course the peanuts, they're pretty dang amazing. Not a huge flame, but they hold their fuel forever, and are oh so handy for WTSHTF.
What's the going price for a triplex? The ones I'm seeing on amazon( remember I'm on my phone, so my results might be skewed) are like $50ish...
In that case, I think you will be disappointed in the Zippo. I am a pipe smoker, and for over 30 years, I slavishly carried a Zippo to light my pipe. I lost count of ll the times it either ran out on me, or not light because it was dry, or when I tried to keep it topped off, it owuld give me a good chemical burn on my leg when it leaked. I finally deceided to joint the 21st century and dumped my Zippo and never looked back. For the past 10 years I've been a Bic enthusiast, and one has never let me down. Yes, they can be a little difficult in the wind, but that's what they make hats for. Windblock. I always buy a white or light color one so I can see how much fuel is left, and when to buy another one. They have a very long shelf life in the factory plastic bag. I had one stashed in the emergency kit behind the seat of my truck, when my current Bic finally ran out of fuel far from home. I wanted to smoke my pipe, and I dug into the kit and took the Zippo that had been there for at least 5 years, and when I tore open the bag, it lit right off. Several years ago, our oldest son had to go to Costa Rica for 6months on business. He was living in San Jose, and arranged for us to visit him. When we go there, he had arranged for us to take a rain forest trip. We spent time hiking and camping in the rain forest on a nature watching trip, and every night, the guides had a camp set up for us, and dinner on the fire. By day, the guides took us along the trails to spot all kinds of animals and birds. I noticed that all the guides had a nylon pouch on their belt. In it was a SAK and a Bic lighter. They used the SAK for small jobs around camp, and the Bic to get the camp fire going. I asked one guide why Bic's, and his reply was classic. "Because they always work." was his reply.
Dude! They used to sell for $5 all day long a few years ago, I would not pay more than $10 myself, they're great lighters but made of stamped sheet metal that rusts internally after a while. Just found out they went out of business, very sad.
Yeah, I've been carrying them on and off since I was 12, I honestly feel sad hearing that they're gone. A review for those lucky enough to have one: http://www.good-kit.com/zippo-vs-imco-windproof-lighters-10-year-review/
I recently came across these "pack lighters" here. Not sure if they're what you're looking for but it says they're refillable.
I'd steer clear of those Chief. It's just a standard piezo ignition disposable lighter that are available at most 99cent stores and gas stations. But, because he's labeled them "Survival" now he wants $5 each ;-P
I appreciate the heads up but I'm a Zippo w/Z-plus butane insert man myself.Just trying to offer a fellow member a cheaper alternative . . . guess I should've kept my $.02 to myself lol