The Clipper lighter is a refillable flint lighter that has been the quiet workhorse of rolling tables since 1972. This Buddies edition wraps the classic Clipper lighter body in a playful design — same reliable mechanism, same removable flint housing for packing tips, just with artwork that makes it harder to lose in a shared ashtray. Buy one on its own or order a handful to keep spares in every jacket pocket.
Why the Clipper still wins the rolling table
The Clipper wins because it does three things cheap disposables don't: it refills with standard butane, the flint is user-replaceable, and the removable flint housing doubles as a tamper for packing joint tips and bowls. Pop the metal housing out, swap the flint, drop it back in — 30 seconds, no tools. It's the only disposable-style lighter designed around actually rolling something.
The Buddies range keeps all of that and just changes the wrapper. You still get the round-top body that sits comfortably in the hand, the pressure-regulated flame that doesn't scorch paper on the first flick, and the child-resistant flint wheel that survives being chucked in a bag with keys and coins. The artwork is randomised from the Buddies set — our warehouse picks a varied mix when you order more than one, but we can't guarantee a specific design.
Clipper vs Bic: what actually differs
Bic burns hotter and lights faster; Clipper lasts longer and is rebuildable. If you only ever light cigarettes, Bic is fine. If you roll, pack bowls, or care about waste, Clipper earns its spot. Here's the side-by-side.
| Feature | Clipper | Standard disposable (e.g. Bic) |
|---|---|---|
| Refillable | Yes — butane valve on base | No — binned when empty |
| Flint replaceable | Yes — pull out the housing | No |
| Doubles as a poker/tamper | Yes — flint housing is the tool | No |
| Flame temperature | Cooler, softer flame (around 1,300°C) | Hotter, harsher flame (around 1,900°C) |
| Body material | Nylon — flexible, doesn't crack | Hard plastic — cracks if dropped |
| Made since | 1972 | 1973 |
| Typical lifespan | 5+ years with refills | 2–4 weeks |
Specifications at a glance
A Clipper Buddies is a pocket-sized refillable flint lighter with a nylon body and a butane flame, weighing around 11 grams empty, measuring 57 mm tall, and rated for roughly 3,000 lights per full tank. Here are the specs worth knowing before you order.
| Brand | Clipper |
| Range | Buddies (randomised designs) |
| Type | Refillable flint lighter |
| Fuel | Standard butane (sold separately) |
| Ignition | Flint wheel |
| Body | Nylon, approx. 11 g empty |
| Height | Approx. 57 mm (Classic Large) |
| Flint housing | Removable — doubles as poker/tamper |
| Size | Classic Large (fits standard pocket) |
| Sold as | Individual unit, design chosen at random |
| SKU | HS1456 |
Pairs well with a pack of RAW or OCB rolling papers and a tin of filter tips — the Clipper's removable flint housing is the tool you'll use to pack the tip once it's rolled. If you get through a lighter a month, order a can of butane refill too and keep this one going for years instead of binning it.
Why a refillable lighter is worth the shelf space
A single refillable Clipper replaces roughly 15 disposable lighters per year for the average smoker. That's 15 plastic bodies and the metal guts inside heading to landfill from one person, every year, forever. A single Clipper, refilled with butane and given a new flint when the old one wears down, can cover that same year — and the next, and the one after. From our counter: we've had customers come in with Clippers they bought from us over 10 years ago still working fine on the original body, and one regular swears his has survived more than 200 refills.
Beyond the waste angle, the practical win is the flint housing. Pull it out, and you've got a small metal rod that's the right shape for packing a joint tip, clearing a blocked bowl, or nudging tobacco down in a pipe. People who switch to Clipper almost never switch back — not because Bic is bad, but because once you've used a lighter that doubles as a tool, going back feels like losing a function.
Honest limitation: the flame is softer than a Bic or a jet lighter, so in wind you'll need to cup your hand around it. It's not a windproof torch. If you light up outdoors in Amsterdam weather often, keep that in mind — or get a jet lighter for those situations and keep the Clipper for everything else.
How to refill and maintain your Clipper
Refilling takes under a minute and extends the lighter's life by months per can. Follow these five steps.
- Let the lighter cool fully before refilling — never refill a warm lighter.
- Hold it upside down and press the butane can's nozzle into the valve on the base. Short 2–3 second bursts are better than one long press.
- Wait 2–3 minutes after filling before sparking — this lets the butane settle and prevents a flare-up.
- When sparks get weak, pull the metal flint housing straight up and out. Unscrew the small base, drop in a new flint, reassemble, and slide it back in.
- If the flame gets low even with fuel, the flint is fine but the wick may be dirty. Usually this means it's near end of life — but you'll have had years out of it by then.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Clipper lighters better than Bic?
Different tools for different jobs. Clipper is refillable, has a replaceable flint, and the flint housing doubles as a poker for packing tips — so it's the go-to for rollers. Bic burns hotter (around 1,900°C vs 1,300°C) and is more wind-resistant, which makes it better for outdoor cigarette lighting. Most rollers keep a Clipper on the table and a Bic in the coat pocket.
Why do rollers prefer Clipper lighters?
The removable flint housing is the main reason — it's the right shape and size to pack a rolling tip or clear a bowl, so you don't need a separate poker. The softer flame also doesn't scorch rolling paper on the first flick. Add the refillable body and replaceable flint, and one Clipper can last 5+ years instead of 2–4 weeks.
Are Clipper lighters windproof?
No — Clippers use a standard soft flame, not a jet flame, so strong wind will blow them out. Cupping your hand around the flame works for light breezes up to about 15 km/h. If you mostly light up outdoors in windy conditions, a jet lighter or torch is a better fit; keep the Clipper for indoor use and bowl packing.
How do I refill a Clipper?
Use standard butane, let the lighter cool first, then press the butane can nozzle into the valve on the base for 2–3 second bursts while holding the lighter upside down. Wait a couple of minutes before sparking so the gas settles. A single refill typically lasts one to two weeks of regular use, or roughly 500–700 lights.
Can I choose the Buddies design?
No — designs are selected at random from the Buddies range of over 20 artworks. If you order multiple, our warehouse tries to pick a varied mix so you don't end up with five of the same artwork. Single-lighter orders are a lucky dip, which is part of the fun.
How long does a Clipper last?
A well-maintained Clipper can easily last 5 years or more. The flint is the first thing to wear out (replaceable in 30 seconds), the butane runs out regularly (refillable in under a minute), and the nylon body is flexible enough to survive drops that would crack a hard-plastic lighter. We've had customers still using ones they bought from us ten years ago.
Where can I buy Clipper lighters in Amsterdam?
You can buy Clipper lighters from Azarius online, or in person at our Amsterdam shop on the Kerkstraat (check Google Maps for directions). Order a single Buddies design for the random-artwork lucky dip, or get several at once if you want a varied collection — our warehouse picks a mix when you order multiples.
What's the difference between Clipper sizes?
Classic Large is the standard 57 mm Clipper you'll see most often — the one in this listing. Mini is about 47 mm for smaller pockets, and Metal is a heavier brass-bodied version. All three share the same refillable valve and removable flint housing, so maintenance is identical across the range.
Last updated: April 2026
