Zippo Lighter capsule review/roundup
Since I now own four Zippos (I don't smoke), I just like to have the ability to make fire, and lets admit it, a small metal box that makes fire is quite cool (well, technically it's hot, but.....), I figured I'd write a quick review of them, as they all have a slightly different feel and sound to them
My Zippo collection comprises of;
Satin chrome finish, my first Zippo
Brushed Brass
Granite (gray flecked paint)
Armor Brushed Brass (case is 1.5 times thicker than a standard Zippo)
Satin Chrome Zippo; the bog-standard $9 Zippo, a matte silver finish, mundane, boring, forgettable, they churn these out by the thousands
the satin finish sits right on the border between slippery and grippable but smooth, depending on your fingers, it can seem quite grippy one moment, and the next, feel like it;s been coated in butter, the classic Zippo opening "Klink" is unmistakeable and loud, as is the click of it snapping closed, this particular model is somewhat tempermental when it comes to lighting though, sometimes it lights on the first turn of the striker wheel, other times it can take multiple strikes
Overall rating; 6 out of 10, good, but not great
Brushed Brass Zippo; I *LOVE* this one, it's a little bit heavier than the SC, the opening "klink" is a little deeper, and the brushed brass finish is very grippable, the insert is brass-toned steel, and this Zippo lights reliably, first time, every time, it looks, sounds, and feels like a classy lighter
the only downside of this lighter (and any brass lighter) is the fact that it'll require cleaning to prevent tarnishing, if I want it to stay shiny and not get any character marks, I'll have to keep it in it's case
Overall rating; 9 out of 10, great lighter
Granite; This one I actually *dislike*, the Granite paint makes the opening stiff, and slightly mutes the distinctive Zippo Klink, the cap is also slightly misaligned, it does not close fully (99.999% closed, but there is a small visible gap between the base and cap, it's within Zippo spec, but it just feels mediocre
Overall rating; 4 out of 10, Meh, I've seen better
Armor Brushed Brass Zippo; the Armor line of Zippos have a case that's 1.5 times thicker than their standard lighters, these lighters have a nice, solid heft, and balance well in hand, the only downside I see with the Armor Brass is that the Zippo Klink is more muted** on this one, probably due to the thicker case material not resonating as well as the standard Brass or Satin lighters
the Armor series just feels like a solid chunk of metal, and give you a confidence the thinner walled lighters may not, the Armor Brass seems to beg "C'mon, drop me in your pocket with keys and change, I can take it, I'm TOUGH! Gimme some CHARACTER MARKS, dammit!", it just feels....rugged, and, of course, it lights on the first strike, every time
Overall rating; 10 out of 10, perfect!
**after playing with the Armor Brass for a few minutes, the Klink is indeed getting louder, I'm revising the score to a perfect 10