What's the first thing that comes
to mind when you hear the word Zippo? Most of us will immediately think
of the world famous lighters from Bradford PA. But did you know there's
a whole range of other products with the same brandname?
Of course there are products
like lighter displays, lighter pouches, lighter fluid, wicks and flints
but zippo also has a range of products that have nothing to do with lighters!
Zippo began making other products
years ago and still does. Just take a look at their website to see the
products that are on there but aren't lighters. Lanyards, tape measurers,
golf tools, knives and money clips. New for 2003 are the fluid dispenser
(which at first was a limited edition item on the Japanese market), and
the fuel canister (also from the Japanese market).
Zippo's catalog used to include
pens and pencils, golf balls, magnifiers, pill boxes and even watches also
but these were discontinued.
When you think about it it's
not as strange as it seems for zippo to produce these products. Zippo's
are often used as business presents or portable advertising signs. Most
of the products listed above can be used for the same purpose! So when
you shop with zippo you are likely to find just the right business gifts
for your company. Even when your company doesn't want to be associated
with smoking like Disney in the 70's.
Zippo Japan offers many different
products which usually are given with a limited edition lighter. They were
the first to have the zippo fluid canister; a simple aluminium canister
which holds just enough fluid to refill one zippo and also has room for
a spare flint and a tool to unscrew the flint screw. Today this product
can also be bought outside Japan which is a very good thing.
Also found in Japan are the
limited edition zippo watches, pocket clocks in lighter shape, ashtrays
and key rings. I wonder how long it will take before we can also buy these
things without going to Japan or visiting auction sites like Ebay.
