Massdrop Community-Designed Zippo (Paper Cranes)

The results for our Community Zippo Design Contest are in! After a close battle between five clever designs—and nearly 2,000 total votes—Paper Cranes came out on top. Designed by community member Julia Behm (AKA jbehm), the lighter features a swoop of stationary cranes in a zig-zagging formation. Each one is crafted through Zippo’s signature Lustre Etch process, in which a raw brass case is laser engraved, then gold flashed and polished. The result is a deep and prominent impression that won’t rub off over time. Part of a serialized limited-edition run of just 1,000 pieces, this Zippo gives you a chance to carry a piece of history. Be on the lookout for future contests to try your hand at designing your own.

Over the past 5 years, the Massdrop community has purchased more than 32,000 Zippo lighters—so we jumped at the opportunity to let our members play a role in designing one. Not only are Zippos known for their sleek finishes and creative designs, but also their durability and windproof construction. Of course, they’re not just for smokers: Zippos make excellent firestarters, hand warmers, and survival-kit essentials as they can be used at any altitude and in any kind of weather. After all, they were standard-issue carry for American soldiers in World War II and remain today an American-made classic produced in the company’s Bradford, Pennsylvania factory. What’s more, Zippo stands by the famous lifetime “It works or we fix it free” guarantee.