S.T. Dupont "replicas"

shopkins82 · 05-10-2012, 01:42 PM

If you're not looking for an extremely close replica, do a quick search for "TNIG Lighter" (misspelled as you see it) you'll find several from China ranging from $7 to $18. I have one of the $7 models with the "D" logo and I'm pretty happy with it. It's my only soft-flame lighter.

The "screw covers" on the bottom are cosmetic only while the butane refill valve and adjustment are standard and exposed. The "Ting" sound is made by a small tuning-fork style sheet of metal in the flip-up lid and, while not 100% accurate, is at least pleasing a decent attempt.

The lighter itself seems fairly reliable, rarely taking more than one roll to light. The flame height can be adjusted much higher than you would ever need for daily use. The tank hold a moderate amount of fuel, but with an average height flame it will last many cigars before needing to be refilled. Wind-resistance is the major drawback and nearly non-existent.

I've read of these, over time, developing an inconsistent flame height. So far, after a month of use, I've not seen this. They also apparently use standard Zippo-size flints. I've run mine on both plain Ronson and FasFil 5x Refined butane and can't tell much difference.

If you're at all interested in having both a torch and soft-flame in a Dupont-style package, check out the Ever Torch, but you're looking at $50-$70 depending on which style/finish you chose.

05-10-2012, 01:42 PM	#3
shopkins82 Still Watching My Back Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 222 Trading: (1)	Re: S.T. Dupont "replicas" If you're not looking for an extremely close replica, do a quick search for "TNIG Lighter" (misspelled as you see it) you'll find several from China ranging from $7 to $18. I have one of the $7 models with the "D" logo and I'm pretty happy with it. It's my only soft-flame lighter. The "screw covers" on the bottom are cosmetic only while the butane refill valve and adjustment are standard and exposed. The "Ting" sound is made by a small tuning-fork style sheet of metal in the flip-up lid and, while not 100% accurate, is at least pleasing a decent attempt. The lighter itself seems fairly reliable, rarely taking more than one roll to light. The flame height can be adjusted much higher than you would ever need for daily use. The tank hold a moderate amount of fuel, but with an average height flame it will last many cigars before needing to be refilled. Wind-resistance is the major drawback and nearly non-existent. I've read of these, over time, developing an inconsistent flame height. So far, after a month of use, I've not seen this. They also apparently use standard Zippo-size flints. I've run mine on both plain Ronson and FasFil 5x Refined butane and can't tell much difference. If you're at all interested in having both a torch and soft-flame in a Dupont-style package, check out the Ever Torch, but you're looking at $50-$70 depending on which style/finish you chose.