Prince Pocket Torch Lighter

When it comes down to it, any lighter is only a lighter. But when you pay more than the average two dollars, or whatever it costs for a Bic these days, you likely find that you become a lot less careless about your lighter than before. Becoming less careless is a good thing, and that’s a built-in perk of the Prince Pocket Torch.

It’s windproof and rainproof (this should set bells a-ringing for outdoorsy types) and, with its totally clear body, really wicked looking — all high-tech-like. Not to mention the sound it makes. Accompanying the cool blue flame is a hissing sound that incites in the igniter automatic respect for its sheer force. This lighter is dependable, consistent and gentle. Yes, gentle. There is no grinding wheel to leave its vicious track upon my thumb. No pesky childproof business at all. Instead a simple black button provides a most gratifying click when pressed.

So much more than a lighter — it earns the more powerful “torch” moniker — it’s also one hell of a conversation piece. People can’t simply observe the lighter and be satisfied with an acknowledgement of its existence. Instead they absolutely must pick it up and fondle it with their own hands, followed by a myriad of Oooh’s, Aaah’s, and That thing is crazy’s. Reactions couldn’t have been that different in caveman days to the discovery of fire.

I’ve grown to have true emotions for the lighter, scarily enough, and I fawn over it like a pet, or child, or lover (it would be wrong to read too much into that). The reason for this perhaps misplaced affection stems in part from the price. The full asking price was $20, but a wise Boxing Day shopper (me) made off with it for just nine — count ‘em, nine — dollars. I never looked back.

After some research I found that other torch lighters are priced anywhere from $40 into the $100 dollar range and more, so the Prince model is really a steal.

Still not ready to shell out more than $2? Though at least one third of my butane consumption has been as a result of people caught in the Pocket Torch trance, my new favorite toy is refillable. As long as it doesn’t get lost, I think it will serve well for eternity. Though it may cost more up front, in the end it would probably save money for the once careless lighter population. It already has for me.

There are two irritating aspects of the Pocket Torch design. There is a small horizontally sliding plate marked with two arrows that serves zero purpose, as far as I can tell. Assuming it controlled flame height was a mistake: after sliding it, flame height and intensity remain the same. And another thing. If you’re gonna make a lighter with a cap attached, make it so that the cap clicks on instead of it just kind of balancing there, thankyouverymuch.

Having said that I will say this: neither of these two flaws would prevent me from purchasing another In Case of Emergency (loss!). What might seem at first to be a mere novelty item, the Torch is the gift that keeps on giving. All that is mentioned above, and still more: Opportunities to answer questions like, “Does it light underwater?” begin to be thrown your way from inquiring (and carried away) minds. The fun of responding, “I’ll let you know the next time a nic fit strikes when I’m swimming to the bottom of the pool to pick up a quarter” would surprise you.

Bye-bye, Bic.

Prince Pocket Torch Lighter. Cost: 13.95 $US