The modern lighters that you see today have come quite a long way from being just the primitive flint and steel that was then used to light fires. Today, there are different types of lighters being used. Its history is something that would be pretty interesting to look into. Here is a quick look at how modern lighters came to be.

A lighter, in its simplest definition, is a device used to create a flame. It may not look like the ones that you see today, especially the ones that existed during the early days. In the seventeenth century, people used tinderboxes containing flint, steel and some kindling.  The forerunner of what would later on become the modern lighter was the flint stock pistol that was based on the primitive way of lighting a fire, that of striking flint onto stone to create sparks. This type of lighter still required some fiber material for kindling in order to come up with fire.

From the flint stock pistol, the development of the lighter continued on its way as gasoline and other applicable flammable liquids began to take the place of ordinary kindling to light a fire. Such devices began to arrive sometime during the 1800’s and it started the pursuit of trying to make lighters not only more efficient but becoming smaller and more handy as well. During this time, smoking also became a more popular activity as it becomes an accepted norm in the society. This led for the demand for better and handier lighters among the fashionable set, who started making smoking a worthwhile social activity.

The earliest device that can be closely associated with the modern lighter is the Dobereiner’s lamp. It was invented sometime in 1823 by a Germen chemist named Johann Wolfgang Dobreiner who was able to create a lighter consisting of hydrogen that reacts with a platinum sponge in order to create a flame.  It suddenly became quite a sensation that finally gave birth to what would eventually become the modern lighter.

Then came the smaller and more convenient semi-automatic flint wheel lighters that became popular in the 1900’s. This type of lighter can still be seen even today and is made up of a flint that is strikes upon a metal wheel to create sparks by means of friction. The sparks then lights up a cotton wick that is doused with a flammable liquid in order to create a flame. The next in line was the Piezo lighter which first came out during the 1930’s and became popular among smokers. This type of lighter worked by compressing crystals in a particular direction in order to produce electric charges and sparks. The spark then lights up a tiny fuel outlet in the lighter in order to create a flame. The Piezo lighter became a popular alternative to the typical flint and steel lighter.

The next lighters that came were the butane gas lighter which first came out sometime in 1933. It eventually became one of the best-selling lighters in the world. Then came the gas lighters of the 1940’s and had a massive impact on the lighter industry in the 1950’s. It was during the 1980’s that the electronic lighters eventually arrived into the scene with their ability to light up even in windy conditions. Lighters become more common with the arrival of portable lighters which relegated this once valuable device as a common accessory today and lose some of its fashionable appeal.

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For as long as there have been cigars, man has always benefited from the existence of one of the most helpful instruments to his indulgence: the lighter. The lighter is one of the most essential things that a cigar smoking can carry. Without it, you will be unable to even start to enjoying your cigar. Without it, the convenience of whipping out your celebratory cigar at the spur of the moment will be a thing of the imagination. Just imagine yourself trying to look for a bonfire in the middle of your party or maybe think about how embarrassing and hazardous it would be if you would try to light your cigar using the gas kitchen stove. It definitely is not a good idea to begin with. And so cigar smokers have treasured the trusty lighter and how it has been able to help them light up at their convenience. Here are a few descriptions of the different types of lighters that are available out there in the market.

Torch Lighters
These types of lighters are thin and elegant in their design. They are encased by a shiny metal body and are specifically made for heavy-duty use. These are also lighters that can be refilled with butane gas instead of the normal liquid gas. Normally, you are able to flip the top of the lighter with your thumb in order to expose the nozzle where a thin, blue flame will come from. These types of lighters normally have a shiny and smooth surface which is reminiscent of a bullet.

Wind-proof Lighters
These are the types of lighters which you are able to hold out in the wind and they will not go out. Normally, it is also refillable by Butane gas. One of the unique characteristics of this lighter is you are able to practically light it even in conditions where you could not before. Barring exposed and wet weather, you can definitely light your cigar while in a windy environment. Once this unique lighter goes to work and doesn’t mind the strong wind as it emanates a blue flame that is resistant to wind.

Specialized Lighters
There are lighters which you might need during specific occasions such as wall-climbing or rock climbing. There are specialized lighters that are available to people such as lighters with a built-in carabiner. This is sort of a clip that you can attach to anything else much like a safety harness. The manufacturers use this to give people the ability to do their favorite types of exercise or leisure activities that require clipping while not having to worry about where they will get their next light. Although these types of lighters are merely designed to resemble carabiners, they are not designed to substitute any serious climbing devices that are being used by serious rock climbers. Thus, it is strongly recommended that these types of carabiner-type lighters be only strapped onto school bags or unimportant stuff that can carry it.

Posted in Lighters