I own this lighter (not from Massdrop) and love it. I don't typically use it to light a cigar but I'll use it to relight if it goes out. I don't like to use a torch for relights, as it seems to get bitter more easily that way. A soft flame will light the tobacco without re-burning the ash and making it smell and taste bad. I also get compliments on this lighter all the time. I'm in my local upscale cigar lounge very often and every time I use this lighter, without fail, someone tells me how much they love it.
I got a Black/Red one of these in a previous drop and I love the function. The powder coating is not what I would call “durable”, though. Carried it in my pocket a few times and the coating started to chip off, I assume due to contact with the small key ring I carry.
Also, this thing burns through the butane really fast. I find that if I’m smoking a larger ring gauge than 46, to properly toast and light takes almost 20% of the fuel reserve. This is with the flame set just high enough that it blends into one instead of two distinct flames.
That said, I love it and I’m committing to buy another one. 😂
InnosintI've had mine for 9 months now and the finish has not worn at all (except for one scratch from when I stupidly threw it in my pocket with my keys). I do recommend spending the $10 extra and buying the leather carrying pouch for it. Worth mentioning is that I treat all my accessories like a baby and make sure nothing happens to them. If you are really rough with it, results will be as expected. I treat mine as a luxury item, not so much like a tool.
I did a review on this lighter earlier this year that you guys can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jddfzrJnDJ8. It was one of my newer videos so my speaking to the camera skills were still a tad on the boring side. Anyways, I love this thing but beware that is INDOOR ONLY. If you try to use this lighter in anything other than still air you will have a bad time. Aside from that it is a steal at this price. The construction is solid, the flame is perfect, and it looks gorgeous. If you want a lighter to impress your friends, this is a great choice!
FWIW ... A nice description from Cigar Aficionado:
But what if, instead of one soft flame, your lighter had two? That's the concept behind Colibri's smartly designed Julius dual-flame soft lighter, which is named in honor of Colibri founder Julius Lowenthal and new for 2015. When the Julius is lit, two soft flames shoot out—one at a 90-degree angle and the other at 45 degrees—and merge to create a flame fat enough to quickly toast a thick cigar.
So I got mine and love this thing, but I'm on day 2 of having it and now the flint won't connect with the striker. I have the flint engaged and all, but am I missing something or is there a simple fix?