Zippo
A Zippo Lighter is a refillable, metal lighter manufactured by the Zippo Manufacturing Company. They are highly collectible and hundreds of different styles and design have been made in the last 70 years.
Zippos are typically rectangular in design with a hinged flip-top lid. Unlike plastic lighters (such as those made by the BIC Corporation) that are used and thrown away, Zippos are refilled with liquid lighter fluid. By sliding the inner component out of the outer shell you are able to pour lighter fluid into a cotton packing that holds a wick. The flint that produces the spark to ignite the wick is also replaceable.
Zippos gained popularity as “windproof” lighters—able to stay lit in harsh weather. They became popular in the United States military, especially during World War II when nearly all Zippo lighters produced went to the Allied war effort. Additionally, Zippos are known for the lifetime guarantee they carry. If a Zippo breaks, no matter how old, the company will replace or fix the lighter for free.
George G. Blaisdell founded the Zippo Manufacturing Company (located in Bradford, Pennsylvania) in 1932 and produced the first Zippo in early 1933. It got its name as a play on the word zipper that was invented in nearby Meadville, Pennsylvania.
By 1936 the first patent was granted for the Zippo lighter.
Since 1933, over 400,000,000 Zippos have been produced.
The Zippo Manufacturing Company has expanded its product line recently to include a "Multi-Purpose Lighter".
Zippo Boats
During the Vietnam War, modified LCM-8s were equipped with flamethrowers and nicknamed "Zippo boats".
Zippo Tricks
Zippos have been held in people's hands for decades. Since they are such a well known, and common lighter, they have been used for tricks. Many people have mastered the art of flipping open a Zippo lighter, and making it look cool. The most popular is holding the lighter in the right hand with the pointing finger and middle finger on top, and the thumb on bottom (hinge facing towards the pinky). Pressure is applied to the Zippo from the top fingers, the top fingers slide to the back, throwing the Zippo open. Another common trick is to (while the lid is open) snap one's fingers, glancing the wheel with the middle finger and igniting the wick. Easily as common is the trick of running the wheel quickly over one's pant leg in order to ignite the wick. Many practice these tricks until one can 'pop' the lid and ignite the wick in one seamless motion. It is not nearly as difficult as it looks, and can be an impressively display of dexterity and nonchalance.
The website zippotricks.com details 555 tricks that can be done with a lighter. The US
