What Is a Clipper? Features, Benefits & Clipper vs. Bic

What Is a Clipper?

The term "Clipper" is actually a brand name. However, it is now often used to refer to an entire type of lighter. The first Clipper was launched in 1972, designed by Enric Sardà for Flamagas. To this day, most Clippers are still produced in Barcelona. After BIC, Clipper is considered one of the largest lighter manufacturers in the world.

Three features define a Clipper:

• Round, cylindrical shape: It fits comfortably in the hand and rolls smoothly across the table.
• Refillable butane tank: It's not meant for the bin, but for long-term use.
• Pull-out flint system: The flint wheel, flint, and spring are housed in a cartridge that you can pull out from the top.

How Many Clipper Sizes Are There?

Clippers come in several sizes. The best-known formats are:

In addition, there are countless designs, special editions, and collaborations, including with rolling paper brands like PURIZE. This is why many people collect Clippers.

Clipper Features at a Glance

Four features are useful for everyday use. None of them is a marketing gimmick; you'll notice all of them when rolling and on the go.

1) The Flint System as a Tamper

This is the best-known Clipper feature. You can pull the entire ignition cartridge out from the top. Its flat end is ideal as a small tamper, for example to lightly press down material while rolling or to neatly shape the end of a joint. Then simply push the cartridge back in.

2) Replace the Flint Instead of Throwing Away the Lighter

When the flint is worn out, you only need to replace it. The lighter itself remains. To do this, pull out the cartridge, insert a new flint, and push everything back in. This is exactly where the Clipper fundamentally differs from disposable models.

3) Refill the Gas

Clippers are refilled with commercially available butane gas through the valve on the bottom. An empty tank is therefore no reason to get a new lighter. When refilling, follow the instructions on the gas canister and the lighter.

4) Larger Flame When Held at an Angle

If you hold a Clipper slightly tilted downwards, the flame becomes larger. This makes lighting more controlled, especially for joints and papers with filters.

"Secret Features": What's True and What's Myth?

Lists of alleged secret Clipper features circulate online. Here's a fact check:

• True: Tamper. This is not a secret, but the Clipper's actual additional feature.
• True: Replaceable flint. Many people don't know that you only need to replace the flint.
• True: Larger flame when tilted. A design feature, not a trick.
• Myth: Clipper as a bottle opener. Some people use the Clipper as a lever for bottle caps. It is not designed for this, and the lighter can be damaged in the process.
• Mistake: Reinserting the cartridge upside down. The cartridge only fits in one direction. If you insert it incorrectly, you'll wonder why the lighter won't light.
• Mistake: Leaving the Clipper in the heat. No lighter should be left permanently on the dashboard or in direct sunlight, not even a Clipper.

Clipper vs. Bic: A Direct Comparison

For occasional users, any lighter is often sufficient. For regular rollers, a Clipper offers clear advantages.

In short: A Bic is a disposable lighter, while a Clipper is both a tool and a lighter.

Which Clipper Is Right for You?

At Skunaby, you'll find three Clipper lines, all refillable:

Clippers in Your Rolling Setup and as a Small Gift

A Clipper is rarely alone. It's usually the final piece of a well-thought-out setup:

• Rolling papers that suit your rolling style. Find out which ones are right for you in our Papers Comparison.
• Activated carbon filters for a smoother draw. Find sizes and brands in the Activated Carbon Filter Guide.
• Grinders and Rolling trays for a tidy rolling area.

Read about how your basic setup should look in Smoking Accessories: What Do You Really Need?.

Because Clippers are affordable, long-lasting, and have cult status, they make great small gifts. You can pair them with rolling papers and filters or give them as a Secret Santa gift. We've gathered more ideas for every budget in our Gifts for Smokers.

Clippers are also an environmentally friendly choice: a lighter you refill and repair replaces many disposable lighters over time.

Conclusion: What Is a Clipper and Is It Worth It?

A Clipper is a refillable gas lighter with a replaceable flint and a pull-out tamper. These three features set it apart from disposable lighters. This makes it the obvious choice for regular roll-your-own users: It lasts a long time, is practical, and is practically an essential piece of equipment.

Discover all lighters at Skunaby →