Prometheus Retro Lighter

Andrew Nagy
Posted: August 23, 2012

It may sound a bit odd to describe the Retro butane lighter by Prometheus as “wallet-friendly,” but at a mere .25 inches thick, or about six stacked credit cards high, the description seems apt.

Cigar enthusiasts looking for a svelte lighter should take note of the Retro, as it’s not only the thinnest butane torch we’ve seen, but reliable and solidly constructed.

According to Prometheus owner Keith Park, the secret to the lighter’s slim physique lies in its flint-ignition system. Most butane torches on the market use a piezo-ignition system, which is bulkier than the flint version.

When the user pushes the ignition button on the side of the Retro, a spark wheel turns against the flint, generating a brilliant spark that lights up the butane gas coming up from the gas tank. A traditional Zippo functions in a similar way, except with the Retro one doesn’t have to touch the flint wheel. In addition, Park claims a flint ignition is also more reliable than the piezo version.

The flint used by the Retro will, of course, eventually need to replaced. This process is pretty painless, though, as there is a small screw on the bottom of the lighter next to the flame-adjustment valve that releases the flint bar when unscrewed.

The lighter comes in four classic, art-deco finishes. Also available are two different types of anniversary finishes celebrating Prometheus’ 20 years in business. And for fans of Park’s God of Fire, Angelenos and Sencillo cigar lines, there are finishes for each. While the art-deco styles retail for $75, the specially-finished versions cost $85.

For more information on the Retro, check out www.prometheuskkp.com

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Comments 3 comment(s)

Jeffrey Grossman — Redmond, WA, USA, — September 4, 2012 8:14pm ET

Except, of course, that with a Zippo, the spark ignites a fuel-soaked wick (You did say "traditional" Zippo, didn't you?)

Keith Tramer — Stoughton, Saskatchewan, Canada, — September 5, 2012 12:06pm ET

Sweet. Order me one up Thomas Hinds.

Fred Nutter — Fairfax, VA, USA, — January 16, 2013 7:05pm ET

I own the God of Fire version of this lighter and it is my favorite lighter. It is about the thickness of a cigar cutter and fits nicely is my pants or suit jacket pocket. I own several Prometheus lighters but this one stands apart from all the rest. You won't go wrong by adding this to your toy box.

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