Zippo Pipe Lighter - Black Crackle

Though originally inspired by an early 19th-century Austrian lighter that used brass shell-casings for the main body, with an external flint and striker, the simpler and more self-contained Zippo design has become an American icon known throughout the world (along with its distinctive, opening "clink!" and smart, closing "clunk!"), and especially so by outdoorsmen and military personnel.

In recent years, Zippo has seen to adapt their unchanged-for-generations lighter design to make something a good deal more efficient for lighting up a pipe. Initially released as an insert, then as complete lighters, this newer model features a few simple, but very useful changes. Namely, both sides of the fire-spout have been opened up, and a removable plate with a much smaller hole has been added up top. Held vertical, the flame rises through the latter, while the former provide oxygen, operating much the same as a traditional Zippo. Held sideways, however, and their roles reverse - and it's by holding the lighter above your bowl in this manner, that giving the pipe a few puffs will draw the flame down to gently light your tobacco.