Since I’m one of the last few hundred smokers left on earth, and I still use a Zippo lighter, as I have since 1964. As a matter of fact, it’s the reason I smoke, the sound and smell of a Zippo is beyond compare. I have a collection of Zippo’s, more than a hundred I’ve acquired over the years.
The first of the two things they require, are flints (or stones as they are called in the Philippines). The flint situation I remedied a few years ago on a trip to Guam. I stopped by the Navy Exchange there and purchased over a thousand of them. I found that the local stones were only good for a few days before they dissolved in to a mush when they came into contact with lighter fluid. Not a big selling point!
The saga of the flints began, when I arrived at the airport in Guam for my return to the Philippines, and during the baggage x-ray search they found them, I’m questioned as to why I had all the flints in my check in bag. I explained the reason as I stated above. The not smiling man from the Department of Homeland Security asked to speak to me back in their office. “Sir, do you know that flints are very dangerous?” he stated. I said, “Yes, if you strike them against steel in the presents of a combustible material such as lighter fluid they are.” But as I had no lighter fluid in my check in baggage I fail to see the harm. A phone call was placed to the U.S. for an official ruling on this matter, the flints continued with me home to the Philippines, after being officially deemed safe. When I landed in Manila I took it upon myself to declare the large amount of flints I had. The customs guy told me I was wise to bring them as they were hard to find locally. So much for flints being dangerous in the Philippines.
The second item required for a Zippo lighter is the fluid, which is naphtha based and fires up easily when the flint contacts the friction wheel. This design has been around since 1932 and has lasted through the test of time.
So what’s the problem? The problem is the Philippines, has been inundated with knock off Zippo lighter fluid, from some un-named country (can you guess), in a can that would fool the president of Zippo Corp. normally one would fill his/her lighter once a week, and enjoy trouble free operation. But the knock off fuel requires a daily filling.
I returned to the store and explained to them, that there was a problem with their stock. No argument from the store manager, he’d received many complaints from his other customers, and was well aware of the situation. Here came the shock, nothing was being done about it. And he planned to sell out what he had in the store before he reordered from a new distributor. I asked if it mattered that he was knowingly selling a bad product to his customers, and he seemed not to care. He had 3 cases left and didn’t want to lose money.
Using logic in an illogical situation, I pointed out that if he could have that attitude with one product, than he had that attitude with every product, and I asked why I would buy anything from his store. As all items in his store were now suspect.
I estimated the value of his remaining stock to be around P 4,284.00. Every two weeks I spend around P9, 000.00 in his store. Or approximately P 200,000.00 per year and his cashiers all verified this claim; this did not bother him a wit.
I explained that when I was done e-mailing and texting all my friends, his loss would be in the millions of Pesos per year.
As everything in his store, is available at five other stores on the Subic Freeport. Again he didn’t care, he felt he had won, and was sticking to his plan. He was just way too smart for me. He’s quite the brain trust. I said goodbye to the store workers as I left. Let’s hope the new owner will have better business sense. I don’t think for a second, that I or my friends will be the reason his store shuts down. He’s so smart, he’ll do that himself. The other stores on the Freeport have good Zippo fluid, it’s easy to tell, just smell it, and you’ll know. BTW: I never once asked for a refund, as pigs will fly sooner than that would ever happen, all I wanted was to buy some real Zippo Fluid.
Boy you hit the nail on the head there, Paul. That’s one of the biggest differences in business/commerce I have found here in the Philippines. This is, more than anywhere else I have lived, is the land of buy beware, with a vengeance.
A business will sell you virtually anything and virtually never return your money no matter how faulty the product or how unhappy the customer. Happy customer? What on earth would that be? Out of stock on that item, sir.
I should do some video clips and write a blog post abut the TV commercials as well. Vitamins that will make your child grow six feet tall, add 15 points to his IQ and “unlock the leader in him”.
All from a bottle of alleged vitamins pills, justified with a 5 second or less disclaimer slide that says. “No approved therapeutic claims”. They even sell medications that directly claim to prevent heart attack and prevent strokes … with no proof of such claims at all … simply a ‘snake oil” type sales pictch designed to take in the poorly educated and the blindly trusting.
Really surprising i have seen a pill that cusres cancer or prevents traffic accidents yet … as long as you throw an almost invisble disclaimer on the end you apparently can make any claim you care to, based on no facts at all.
There’s a US name brand skin care product being advertised a dozen times a night with the same line they have sold it with in the US for years, “Works in 14 days or your money back”.
But when the commercial airs, the narrators voice says, “Works in 14 days ….” and then there is dead silence where the words “or you money back” are spoken in other countries.
It’s sad. Most Filipinos are honest, trustworthy and proud of a doing a good job … why do they allow for the “sharp practices’ which make the country look like a land of carnival crooks and con men?
David;
When the person who makes the products are in bed with the person who makes the laws, this is the way it will turn out. Would not the highly trained,honest and motivated customs agent have caught the fact that Bradford PA, is not a city in Asia? It’s the U.S.A.’s and Europe’s fault for shipping all manufacturing to Asia to begin with. Wong Ting’s company makes the real product, next door Wang Ting’s company makes the knock-off. Do you think the Ting brothers know each other?
Hi paul i can relate to your to your zippo i have only a few but i rekon they are the safest and greatest lighter ever ,using one at the moment black with a priates scull and crossed sabres on it ,used em when i was in the army brass of course the biggest problem i had is the spot weld breaking on the lid could have sent em back to the states but the postgae is a killer that unmistakable click as the lid comes open and shut many have tried to copy but none have acheived ,nothing like a zippo !
chris
Chris;
Welcome to the club of the last few hundred smokers.(lol)
Zippo’s are still made in Bradford Pennsylvania USA, I believe it’s the last thing manufactured there, if they leave it’s their job to turn the lights off. My father gave me his Zippo that he carried during WWII in the Navy. (I’ve still got it). There is a history behind each one. U.S. Navy people found out that if you gave your ship’s Zippo to a member of any member of another countries Military member, you now had a friend for life. I’ve traded military Zippo’s with Navies from all points of the globe, and still remember each guy I traded with. Chris, can I get a fill-up from ya? I’ll give ya a flint!
Paul
Your Zippo story reminded me when I was in the Marine Corps in the late 70’s-early 80’s. When we would go on a Mediterraean Sea Cruise and stop in Italy you could trade a zippo lighter for just about anything you wanted. They were very valuable in Italy at that time. You live in Bataan right? My girlfriend lives in Pixar, Bataan near Balanga City and will be joining her there when i retire. Thanks so much for the story and keep up the good work.
Randy;
In Naples just how many Zippo’s did you give to Humpty Dumpty the campfire girl who sat on the wall outside of the Air Base? But your right a Zippo could buy you anything they had to offer. There was one bar in Villa France that had the worlds largest Zippo collection. They had a lighter from every US Ship and many other Navies also that had ever been in the Med, from 1935 to now, if the bar is still there. Zippo Company tried to buy the collection many times.
Balanga is an hours drive from my house going down the peninsula. I don’t know Pixar, maybe I’ll get there after you retire. Hey I’m 63 so don’t wait too long!
…almost makes me want to take up smoking…..
Brian;
I’d not suggest you do that, but they are great for lighting your BBQ. The TV series Superstition, neither of the two guys smoke, but they always have a Zippo with them to burn up ghosts and such.
Hi Paul, your article reminds me of one aircraft carrier who has the nickname, “USS Zippo, lights first time, every time” due to a lot of fires on board. Forgot the name, I think it’s the one John McCain was on during the ‘Nam war. Been perusing and cleaning my Father-In Laws house and found several Zippo from ’50s, cleaned it up and it fired. Also found old flints that still usable.
Will be driving in a few minutes to Savannah from VA. Later after 8 hours of drive.
Mars
Mars;
USS Foreststal , nicknamed USS Forest Fire. The Zippo web site has a chart that you can use to convert the ticks on the bottom of the lighter to a date. Example //// is 1974 the new ones are easy J-06 is Dec.2006. Enjoy the drive shipmate.
Hi Shipmate, got here in one piece. Covered a lot of hectares doing 110-120 KM/hr. Left 1000 and arrv 1830. Anyway, is Ronson or Ronsonol lighter fluid made by Zippo? There’s a few cans lying around here in the house and in the workshop.
Paul, thanks for the tip about the code in the bottom of the lighter. When I get back up to VA, I will check some of those. I also have a few from my ship and other units.
Watching MNF right now. Thanks.
Mars
Mars;
I was stopped on I-95 near Florance SC heading to Norfolk, for driving 116 MPH, in a new 1968 Dodge Super-bee (duel 4bbl, 440 CI) The state trooper gave me a ticket for 80 mph in a 70 mph zone. He just wanted to look under the hood and see the engine. No, Ronson was the company that made those see thru lighters, I’m not even sure if they are still around anymore. Zippo’s dating system is a mess, but the web site makes it easy.
Ha Ha. Almost the same place for me. @ Orangeburg 1-26/95, station in Charleston but had Va tags driving from Atlanta. Had a 1973 Mach 1 Mustang with 350 Cubic Inch Cleveland Engine, told the Trooper might not be able to court, he had me paid cash -$20.00, ticket did not even show up on my record. They had that old trip wire strung along the road to measure your speed and a chase cars about half mile ahead, usually at night. lol.
correction: Paul, that’s 351 Cleveland Engine, not 350.
Mars
Mars;
All my friends were ticked in South Carolina, albeit we deserved every one we got. I’ve also paid those along the roadside tickets that don’t seem to raise your insurance rates. My 68 Super Bee, had Dodge Coronet 500 markings, as at my age at the time, the insurance would have cost more that the car. Then I went back to the dealer and had the “Bee” emblems installed. The dealer understood and worked with me.
Mars;
When I was stationed at NavWepSta Goose Creek S.C., I had a 850 Norton Commando Cycle. I was stopped on I-26 doing 120 mph on two wheels, I got the ticket, and the judge told me if I got one more he’d have me committed to a Mental Health Center.
Yes, this man was only concerned about the here and now. I just don’t understand how a business with this type of attitude stays in business, but somehow many of them do. I guess some customers forgive and forget. I forgive but don’t forget and do my trading at other establishments. If a business does not want my money, I make sure they don’t get it, sure don’t want to disappoint them.
Great article and nice collection of Zippos you have there.
Jakeb;
Short sightedness is a problem here, and people like the owner of that store, will not stay in business long, people like you and me, who vote with our wallet will close them down. Nine of my friends whom I’ve contacted have stopped shopping there. Here’s the funny side, yesterday I stopped by this store in Olongapo, it’s been owned by a Pinoy named Ike, and he’s catered to the Americans for 30 years, stocking products that were, hard to find. His son Ike Jr. called out as I came in, “Kuya, we’ve got real Zippo fluid in stock!” So the word is already out.
Hi Paul,
Too bad, I gave up smoking more than 20 years ago, but still remember the Zippo click. I say too bad as I had a couple of nice Canadian Coast Guard emblazoned Zippos that I could have donated to your collection, but they are back in Canada somewheres. And yes, the lackadaisical attitude of some Philippine businesses will make any man’s hair turn grey!
Hi John;
I would have proudly displayed them with the others. I have one from the HMRCS Huron, got that in Palma Spain one night. Lackadaisical, does that also mean stupid?
Back in the 90’s I was able to bring a can or two of Zippo Lighter fluid to my friends in the UK. The no name brand stuff commonly sold there was just about useless and authentic Zippo fluid cost a small fortune there. Well, that was in the days before Homeland Security and all of the other safe guards we have had to go along with in recent years. I am glad at least the real thing is available there Paul, if you can distinguish it at the point of purchase from the bootleg variety.
I guess store proprietors there just don’t rely on ” Repeat Business ” . I found some good stores when I was in Iligan City, and on each visit I have gone back to those stores and spent more money. If I happen to be in a store that makes me feel the least bit uncomfortable I don’t spend any money at them and make sure I don’t go back to them again. Maybe I am lucky but I have not had that kind of experience yet.
Nice Zippo Collection Paul. I think in the near future just about All Zippo Lighters will be considered a collector item.
Bob;
You made me laugh thinking about cans of lighter fluid in your luggage, it was a kinder gentler time when you could do that. Now you must remove the cotton and flint from the lighter to fly. Damn that shoe bomber!
Hence forth I will only buy it if I can smell it, Zippo fluid has a smell of it’s own, which I didn’t check when I bought the knock off fluid. “Fool me once…”
Some of my lighters are already collectors items, one that is highly prized is the Replica of the original 1932 first issue, only ten thousand were made, and they are selling now for $900.00, it was given to me my the Zippo Rep. in 1972.
Paul..I remember years ago having a few zippo lighters and if remember correct the flints seemed to last for some time, I even remember using rubbing alcohol or isopropyl, but..that was kind of a no..no..because it is very hard to see the flame when you light up alcohol!,so 1000 of them flints. if they are good ones and you said they were, should last you for ever….Now you need 5 gallons of the real fluid and your set to go for ever…that should light up more than 1000 +cartons of smokes..
Coleman camping fuel makes a good substitute for lighter fuel. (naptha)
Rob..seems like I may have tried that at one time in my life…..
Dan;
I’ll bet that’s a knock-off here also! (lol)
Dan;
Hundreds of flints went to friends, but at age 63 I think I’ve enought to last. I’ve also burned Torpedo Juice in days gone by, but you’re right about the danger. And a thousand plus reams of smokes? Glad I don’t pay stateside prices for them.
Interesting story about “Zippo” lighters. I have a couple in storage some where and when I find them I will send them to you. One is a commerative from Pearl Harbor commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII. The other is one that was supposedly Marine Corps issued during the Korean War. I can’t verify if that is true but it looks the part. I think they will both make fine addtions to your collection. Now I just need to go digging for them. From what I read on these blogs and web magazines business acumen is not a strong Filipino characteristic. Thanks for the read-enjoyed it. Ron
Hi Ron;
If you want to check out those lighters to insure they are the real deal, go tho Zippo web site and check the date on the bottom of the lighter, as I explained to Mars in the comment above. The few who have lasted like my friend Ike, and as he taught his son, are Pinoys who have been successful for over 30 years and will continue to be. It seems a few got that memo!
Hi Paul,
As one of the few, brave ones left around, I stick to the disposable ones. But, yes, I have come across students here from Japan and Eastern Europe who would look for a real genuine Zippo in stores. To some it’s not only a reliable lighter but also status symbol. Sort of like faded real Levi Strauss jeans.
Alex
Ya Alex…I can remember if you had the zippo lighter mark on your jean pocket…the impring it would leave after awhile…you thought it was cool…..maybe now days you see the round rind in the hind pocket of those that carry the round can of chew in the hind pocket on their jeans…funny how some things are status symbols….
Dan;
We used to joke about the guy in the club, with his wedding ring in the right front pocket of his jeans, as if the ladies never noticed. It was called a bad case of “Ring Worm”.
Alex;
An old friend told me many times, “Anyone can quit smoking, it take guts to keep doing it!” And you know I’m going to get hell from the anti-smoking crowd for saying that. But you’re right it was a status symbol, and jeans were made with a special pocket just to carry a Zippo. Non smokers thought it was for their thumb. (Just joking don’t hoist me by my petard!)
Ok Paul here goes – I also have a Zippo from HMS Rothsay given to me by a friend many years ago. I hope I never have to use it again in my lifetime to light a Tab. Just over eight years ago I packed in smoking after 40 years of puffing away and it was the best thing I ever did as in the morning when I smoked I was barking like a dog and spitting like a Beetle Nut chewer.
The fix was not easy, I had patches all over to ward of the craving but somehow I managed.
Keep your Zippo’s and memories in your display cabinet and tell everyone how you used to use them but throw your Cigs away, as an alternative you could always sniff the fuel if you feel inclined to smoke.
Regards.
Jim.
Jim;
Sniff the fuel, now haven’t we all done that. My wife quit smoking last year and I found out 3 weeks later when I noticed she no longer asked me to fill her Zippo. So now I don’t smoke in the car. I never would if there was a no-smoker with me. Quit? If I ever start the hacking I more than likely will. During my physical exam two months ago the Doctor looked at my X-ray and told me I was smart to have never smoked. I told him I did and he refused to believe me. My Grandfather stopped when he was 87, on the day he passed away. With no smoking problems, I guess each person is affected in different ways. But I’m happy that you quit and feel better, good on you!
Hey paul,
I just wanna know if the fake lighter fluid burns your skin as well as the original stuff. I don’t know how many time I’ve filled up my zippo and then put it in my pocket..ooops
Hudson;
Burn your leg? It won’t even remove water based paint from your hand. You could take a bath in it and smoke at the same time. I’ve seen kerosene cook off faster.
Now the trick of filling a Zippo, shake it off and burn off the extra, and never put it in your pocket top side down. On one ship I had a boss who left his Zippo on his desk, and I’d overfill it everyday just to watch him scratch. You’d think he would have caught on, when his lighter never ran out of fuel, unless I was on leave.
Hi Paul
Many, many years ago I was in Germany and my Zippo needed a new flint so I went into this small shop to buy some. The man greeted me in German so I asked if he spoke English and he quickly called his wife, who came running over to us. I began to explain my lighter doesn’t work any more, no spark. They both said, ah you need a flint. So, lesson learnt, flint in German is flint 🙂
ps
It’s easy to give up smoking. I’ve given up hundreds of times:-)
Barry;
Flint is flint in Germany! I knew I like those people. The now I know, the trick is to say FLINT in a deep guttural voice, and hope the fluid is within sight on the shelf.
If I were to stop smoking, I’d have to give up my morning coffee also. This I might be able to do, but stop drinking beer? The Anti-Smoking Nazi’s are just asking too much.
Senior;
You have a zippo lighter like my wife has a shot glass collection. Did you buy them all are were some of them MIA”S at your bar in Puerto Rico. :0 I still have my original zippo that
I used to light the boiler fires onboard the ships. Some zippos just have to many memories do you have a favorite? When I get there I’ll recommision it to the light BBQ Fires.
How many times did you have the pleasure of watching the USS Forest Fire Fire? Me being a snipe at least 1000 times.
Thats Zippo Lighter Collection {EDIT}
Hi Bruce;
Funny thing, when I was in Puerto Rico my lighters were in a box at my folks house on Cape Cod. I bought some but most were either given to me or traded the one in my pocket for theirs. But I would only trade the lighter from the ship I was on and replace it the next day. Do you remember on the ship they cost $3.20. Then a ream of smokes was only $1.10. Even as a Merchant Marine I had to go to two weeks fire fighting training every year, and they still showed the Forrestal movie every time. That’s right fellow readers, Sailors are trained firefighters, we just never had the calendar.
The shot glass collection, is it for show, or go?
Senior;
Those shot glasses are for both Show and Go. I told Ali the only true shot glass is the one thats officially broke in. I don’t think she believed that. That’s why she bought me a shot glass with my name one it and said use this one. Oh yea the Navy promoted cancer causing habits and alcoholism. Remember when citizen watches were $25.00 I mean the good ones.
Mike;
You’re right, the shot glass must be used at least once, but hopefully more.
While riding my motorbike through a rural area in southern Taiwan, I stopped for a puff & realized I’d left my lighter back at the apartment. I rode up to a roadside kiosk and all the woman had were these strange lighters from The PRC. they were about the size of a box of matches, with a small metal knob on top. I couldn’t see anyway to light it, not even a hole for the flame to come out of, just a strike area like a matchbox has. I pulled on the knob, nothing. I then twisted the knob & attached to the knob was a long, hollow metal rod with packing inside & a flint on the end. I struck the wick on the box &, sure enough, I had fire! Very cool. My wife collects lighters of all shapes & sizes. I had a few zippos until I went to Davao. It turned out that the in-laws liked zippos and wristwatches. I’ll have to stock up before I return.
Mike;
I’d love to see that lighter you discribed, funny it never caught on in the west! But sound cool it does. Over the years as a Merchant Seaman, I insurred that each family member had their own ship’s Zippo. I did that so my collection would remain intact. Hell I gave Zippo’s to those that didn’t smoke and it was like I handed them a chunk of gold.
Count me in to the ‘few hundred smoker’s club’. Guess I’ll have to get me a Zippo to blend in huh?
Goran;
Count yourself as a counted one! I feel that a Zippo will improve ones image, as a Bic Lighter does look kinda’ dorkey sticking up from the Zippo pocket on your Jeans. I advise non-smokers to carry a Zppo, incase ours ran out of fuel.
Paul,
You have a fine collection there. I must have always gotten the knock off brand of Zippo or turned it the wrong way in my pocket. I never could stand the burning sensation on my leg! I just stick to the old disposable lighters. But now I think I might just go look around to see what Zippo’s I can find here. Never to old to start a new collection.
Steve;
I’ve seen many knock off Zippo lighters here and around Asia. I found that if you know that yours is the real deal, take out the guts and see if it fits into the knock-off, it won’t! Then smile and walk away. Kinda’ like those battery operated Rolex watches in the next stall.
Wipe off the lighter then burn off the excess prior to your pants pocket, the burn is good when you exercise, never with your Zippo. Another trick is to have it engraved and when someone steals it, his friends will know he’s a thief.(lol)
you have a nice collection of zippo lighters, and I agree with what you mention about the safest lighter. i also love to use the wind proof series of the zippo lighter line
Hey Paul, Where did you buy your lighters? does Zippo have a variety of fancy/funny lighters? I’m a fancy/funny lighter collector for over five years, collecting different kinds of lighters is my passion. I bought a grenade replica lighter at goods.ph a year ago, and I’m still using it until now.
Hi Mr. Paul! I’ve read your post and I feel so embarrassed by that store owner’s attitude. I apologize on that person’s behalf. Anyway, I would like to get your opinion regarding the Zippo fluids. I’ve got my first Zippo 2 months ago as a gift from a friend residing in the U.S.. I haven’t been able to use it since I couldn’t find Zippo fluids and when I do find one (after several days), I don’t think that it’s the real stuff. I really can’t find one and I’m afraid that I won’t be able to tell the difference since it’s gonna be my first time to buy the fluid. I’m not rich yet, so a few hundred pesos is quite a big deal to me, especially if I used it to buy a fake product. Do you have any idea where in Manila I could get an original Zippo fluid? Or, whom can I order it to?
I really want my Zippo to have Zippo fluid as its FIRST fill. This lighter is my first Zippo and one that I plan to keep for many years. A friend gave it so it has a sentimental value to me. Any help would do good. Thanks!
Nik-Othman Abdullah;
On the can of real Zippo fluid run your hand down the front and you will feel a triangle protruding on the can. It’s real, the fake always seem to forget that or assume the customer doesn’t know about it. I checked with Bradford PA at the Zippo Company when I got stuck years ago with a bad can. (Ronson fluid and flints (Stones) are just as good.)