So. I bought the Imco 6700 from Japan Windmill that bought the patents. It was about 20 dollars and works really well. Now imagine my surprise and happiness when I found two weeks later 3 original Austrian Imcos at a market in a bundle for 6 dollars! And one more in a quite a good state for 4 dollars. So now I have original 6700 in a good state, 6700 new from Japan, 6700 original that has some issues but works a bit and can be good for spare parts, an original Junior 6600 in a good state and one more 6700 original coming soon. I reealy didnt plan on buying more than 1 or 2 new lighters. But when I get a deal for 4 genuine Austrian Imcos for 10 dollars, then I just had to buy! FYI: Comparing original to Japan made - very similar, both very well done, only minor cosmetic differences. If you dont need the old original just to have the true original then the Japan one is perfect.
I use it to pry open the tops on fuel bottles, but that’s about it. I don’t baby mine, but it’s thin brass, not a screwdriver. All you’re going to do is beat it up if you’re tightening it that much. It only needs to be tight enough to fit in the casing.
I cleaned up one of my IMCO 6600s and tested it with a new flint to see how many times it would light in a row. I had to stop after 50 strikes because it was getting too hot.
pressurized gas lighters also don't work over about 2000 meters of altitude Also you can use the zippo tilting cap (any side) to unscrew the flint chamber, it's just perfect for this.
I have a Chinese like IMCO. It works very well. I bought him 5 euros (about 6 US dollars). Very good construction. You need to fill enough liquid to the chamber and to change the stone. I put a zippo stone and works very well. Very nice presentation. Congratulations.
IMCO CLASSIC DESIGN Cigarette OIL Lighter SUPER 6700P from JAPAN IMCO is a Worldwide Cigarette Lighter Manufacture Company since 1918 (until 2012) in Austria IMCO does Not Exist Now. Windmill Co,, Ltd JAPAN is Manufacturing this SUPER 6700P from 2013 The Collaboration of the Traditional Craftmanship, the Excelling Industrial Design and the Latest Technology by Windmill AMAZING QUALITY (Precision 0.01mm + High Quality Material + Advanced Manufacturing Technology) CLASSIC DESIGN, BEAUTIFUL DESIGN and COOL DESIGN by IMCO (Since 1918) Sale : TSUGE Manufacture Co,. Ltd (Since 1936) JAPAN Manufacture : Windmill Co,, Ltd (Since 1920) JAPAN Type : Flint Type Oil Lighter. Brand : IMCO Size : W 3.0 cm , H 6.3 cm, T 1.8 cm Weight : 38 gram Material : Stainless Steel + Aluminum Alloy. Main Material is a Stainless Steel for the Making More Strongly + Protect a Rust Specification : Wind Proof Quality : This SUPER 6700P is High Quality and Stronger than the Original SUPER 6700P www.ebay.com/itm/IMCO-CLASSIC-DESIGN-Cigarette-OIL-Lighter-SUPER-6700P-/113607525223?_ul=ID I just read this
5:43 You need to open the zippo, extract the cotton and pull the wick all the way down, then put the cotton back inside and fill with the fuel, is gonna last longer before gets dry. 5:57 The little hole on the felt pad is the place for the extra flint. Hope this help. And nice video, very instructive
I forgot this. 6:24 You just need the screwdriver the first time, then tight the flint spring screw with your thumb, it will be easy to unscrew it with your thumb the next time
I recently did tests on an all-brass Zippo (supposedly the best for fuel retention) and an old Austrian IMCO 6600. Both with all new cotton bacon and properly routed wicks. The Zippo lasted 27 days, while the IMCO lasted 54 days - literally twice as long.
@@Beery1962 Thank you! I've been looking for any kind of fuel retention test on the IMCO and had a real hard time finding anything, you've been of great help with your test
@@wezerd Good timing! I just completed a second test on another bunch of lighters. The results were surprising, because one lighter waaaay outlasted the others: Long-term evaporation test of various lighters 2. All lighters except #1 stored upright. Light each lighter once per day for 1 second. Start date: Wednesday, 10 - 31 - 2022 1. JMCO Patent a IFA “MADE IN AUSTRIA”, new IMCO wick running the length of fuel tank, original rayon replaced with 1 strip cotton bacon. 2. IMCO Triplex, old style fuel tank, new IMCO wick running the length of fuel tank with a curl at the bottom end, original rayon replaced with 1 strip cotton bacon. 3. IMCO-Triplex Junior“MADE IN AUSTRIA”, new style fuel tank, new IMCO wick running the length of fuel tank with a curl at the bottom end, original rayon replaced with 1 strip cotton bacon. 4. IMCO Streamline, new IMCO wick running the length of fuel tank with a curl at the bottom end, original rayon replaced with 1 strip cotton bacon. 5. IMCO-Triplex Super, Chinese “Come of Vienna Austria”, new IMCO wick running the length of fuel tank with a curl at the bottom end, original rayon replaced with 1 strip cotton bacon. 6. Zippo Solid Brass, original wick with 1 strip of cotton bacon split into 4 pieces and layered with wick wound through the layers as per Zippo instructions. Test after 3 weeks: All lighters functioning. Day 27: lighter 6 out. Test after 4 weeks: All remaining lighters functioning. Day 31: lighters 6 and 5 out. Test after 5 weeks: Day 35: lighters 6, 5, and 4 out. Day 39: lighters 6, 5, 4, and 2 out. Test after 6 weeks: Day 42: lighters 6, 5, 4, 2, and 3 out. Test after 19 weeks (March 13) Remaining lighter still functioning 19 weeks, 4 days: day 137 (March 17) Lighter 1 out. All lighters out.
Comparing the IMCO 6700 with one of my Zippo lighters I own is that the advantage of my IMCO that it works longer on a single refill, perhaps less leakage or vaporization then a Zippo A disadvantage I noticed with my IMCO is that it eats trough flints rather quickly, way faster then my Zippo does, I'm using Zippo flints for my IMCO and perhaps 5he IMCO needs more harder type of flints? I believe the original Zippo flints tent to be softer then those you can find in throwaway lighters, might as well look into that finding a different type of flints.
I got a genuine 6800 on ebay for about £12. needed a good clean and the old flint had turned to mush so the mechanism needed unclogging but after about 30 minutes of work it was lighting every time.
Wow! Thanks a lot for this video, guess what: Just when you showed those IMCOs I remembered playing with one of those years ago. Just went in the basement and dug it out, turns out it's an original! Back then I had no idea of the value. However, some small parts on the inside compartment like the spring for the flint are pretty rusty. It still strikes flames and I'm sure if I refuel it, it will work fine. But do you have any tips for me to restore this thing and maintain it from now on? Thanks in advance!
Good stuff i have watched several vids on lighters and people showing the liquid fuel ones always show how to fill them wrong.I have always filled my zippos and whatnots by turning them upside down and adding fuel till it drips out through the wick.Thumbs up and i sub have a great day.
Thanks for the rundown on how to spot the fakes. I was wondering if the 6600 I just bought was a fake or not, but it has the imco pat lettering, and no 5 star pattern either.
or put your bic in a small case to keep from leaking out in your backpack, you can unscrew the flint on zippo by using your fingernail or the edge of the canister lid, the rubber tube is good also to save the fuel longer from evaporation when not in use, i was not aware about imco 6600 holding spare flint does it go in that small compartment that opens up right above the secondary spring?
cousin gifted me an imco junior 6600 back in the mid 90's and i still have it working today, love that thing very dependable to light on the first strike if not the second(you need to press it properly is all) its light and small easy to carry and quite the conversation piece when flick lighting and easy flint replace mechanise with no taking apart or unscrewing much better than a zippo imo, my co worker noticed it one night on a smoke break because he heard it flick then saw the light and was like whaaat wait what is that? lol he knew it was no zippo from the way it functioned and everyone was impressed with it
In 2010, i bought 3 Imco 6700 liters for 10 Euro. They were a good cheap lighter. I got 2-3 years out of each one before the spark wheels quit turning.And that's with heavy use. A couple years ago I bought a Chinese fake and it worked for a few weeks. I still have a new in box Imco Streamline, but I don't want to use it up. The Zippo in my pocket was new in 1981 and, of course, still functions like new.
ive been using them for 2 decades, I get about 5 years out of a japaneese version. One lost the teeth on the strike wheel over time, another became loose in the hinge pins making the mechanism jam, a third one just started randomly jamming the strike wheel half turn... But 20$ for 5 years daily use as a smoker is good enough for me! :D
great video. i could tell right away this was a pretty good overview of different types of lighters, so i can choose which one is best for me. well done video, thanks.
You actually can adjust the flame on a zippo, by pulling the rope up or cut it down. Longer rope = higher flame. If you cut your rope make sure to slightly move it towards your flint so it lights more consistently :)
Imco 'are or were ,great lighters, however the rather intricate flint mechanism has a tendency to rust severely iwhen used regularly as a outdoor lighter.Thanks for the interesting post.
I recently did tests on an all-brass Zippo (supposedly the best for fuel retention) and an old Austrian IMCO 6600. Both with all new cotton bacon and properly routed wicks. The Zippo lasted 27 days, while the IMCO lasted 54 days - literally twice as long. The IMCO flint mechanism works fine, even on my 1920s and 1930s versions. The insides only rust if they get exposed to damp for long periods - and even a well rusted IMCO can be cleaned up with dishwashing soap and it will still work fine. The flint mechanism may be more intricate than a Zippo's, but you don't need any tools to replace the flint, and I've never seen an IMCO lighter whose flint mechanism had failed. More intricate doesn't necessarily mean weaker or less reliable.
I know this was back in 2014 but is there a reliable source to still get the esbit lighters? I ordered an original IMCO used off ebay and a couple chinese copies to see the difference but I am very interested in the esbit one you showed.
Very comprehensive info. Thanks! 12-2024- I just bought a couple of the 6700 copies on AliExpress for $4.35 each plus $6.00 shipping and $1.00 tax. $15.00 total. Hopefully they arrive before the tribulation starts (Matthew chapter 24)!
They are even faking the IMCO PAT. thanks to TH-cam. On the bottoms I've seen "VIENNA - AUSTRIA," "COME OF AUSTRIA," "FROM AUSTRIA," also bottoms where the country of origin is simply left blank, bottoms with "serial numbers" or other codes etc. I can't tell a fake one from a real one, other than if you buy used vintage on ebay, you are going to get a clone. Especially when there are numerous videos detailing how to spot a reproduction and the counterfeiters learn and make better counterfeits based on this information. Just because it says "VIENNA," or *"MADE IN"* instead of "COME OF" or "FROM" Austria, that doesn't mean the imitators haven't just changed the wording based on public info. It doesn't cost them any more money to do it and then they'll sell more fakes because people will think they're real because the ads have pictures of "IMCO PAT.," "VIENNA AUSTRIA" and the ads say NOS - New Old Stock. I purchased mine from ebay, knowing it would most likely be a copy. It arrived in IMCO packaging, cheap looking but branded. The leaflet insert and packaging is very up front about the lighter being made in China - by IMCO. I know the company went out of business in 2012, supposedly old stock is floating around but who knows, unless you carbon date them you have no idea what is and what isn't. Supposedly whatever company in China is claiming that they are continuing production under the IMCO name, making it seem very official if not believable. I have also heard that the company is being revived by makers in Japan, which I have not seen. I don't know what is genuine validated company merchandise and what isn't, if the continued production is legit or an elaborate fake. Mine feels cheap, had sharp edges that I had to file down, and works 1st time 90% of the time, so long as I have a fresh fill-- which I do every week and a half or so. I don't get 3 weeks fuel out of it. It is a cheap product anyway, so how expensive can a legit one feel? Mine is certainly a lower quality copy of the original but probably a legitimate product albeit to lower standards. It works well enough for me at the cost, around $20 give or take, and unless the genuine article is completely stellar, I can't see spending a ton of money for a vintage used model. I've only seen one ebay offer that looked very genuine because the seller took time to take pictures detailing how his was real compared to other fakes, and in the end he basically said he didn't give a shit if you didn't believe him lol.
I just got an imco from the supermarket store in my village for 3€ its the 6700 super and it says tm reg vienna austria, I opened the flint compartment and it says imco pat, I think I was lucky enough to find it on such a bargain, it was the last 6700 super in the store and they have the other 2 models as well for the same price, I'm not a very lucky guy but sometimes I do find good bargains
Just an FYI you can adjust the flame on a Zippo. - All you need to do is lower the wick below the chimney for a smaller flame or rais it higher for a bigger one - of courese it can only be done so much but it works. - I just keep it as is even with the chimney. I also like how you pick up a Zippo and call it a Bic......
You shouldn't need a screwdriver for a zippo flint replacement, all you need to do is use the case as a screwdriver and slot it into the groove and then unscrew, that's why the groove goes past the edge
Do the IMCO’s seal better than the Zippos? Zippos are cool, but the fuel evaporates so quickly that carrying mine everyday isn’t an option anymore. The inner tube idea is a good one, but would drive me crazy pulling it up and down to use it.
As I've said a couple of times in this thread, I recently did tests on an all-brass Zippo (supposedly the best for fuel retention) and an old Austrian IMCO 6600. Both with all new cotton bacon and properly routed wicks. The Zippo lasted 27 days, while the IMCO lasted 54 days - literally twice as long. Admittedly, that was my best result with an IMCO (I tested 9 different lighters), but all my IMCOs outlasted the Zippo. There is no substitute for an IMCO.
You only need a screwdriver to unscrew a Zippo's flint screw perhaps one time (i.e., when you first get it). After that, when you screw it back in you should only be screwing it in finger-tight, which will allow you to remove it with your fingers every time from that point on.
My Chinese one says "Imco pat" inside, but no number - and the flint fits. It also has no stars on the back but says "Design[sic] in Austria since 1918"
I'd like to add a few points for people who are interested in the IMCO 6700s. Well, given the time of this video, what he says was probably true. However, some info are outdated and need to be addressed. First of all, background info: A Chinese company(star) has registered the trademark "IMCO" after the Austrian company closed down. So now they are making "IMCO" lighters legally. Second, the newer Chinese made "IMCO" 6700 lighters do have the engravings "IMCO PAT" on them, so does the secret compartment that hold your extra flint. Third, now you have to look at the bottom of the lighter to tell where they are made. The Chinese ones say "come of Vienna Austria", while the Austrian made ones say "PATENT Made in Austria". More about the differences on the two versions of lighters: 1. the Austrian ones are made of heat-treated iron, while the Chinese ones are made of stainless steel. One major advantage of the Austrian ones is that they don't heat up as much as the Chinese ones when you light them up. 2.the fuel last much longer for the Austrian ones. Other than these two main differences, the two versions are almost 99% identical. Lastly a side story: last month when I was in Thailand spending my holiday I came across a store in a flea market in Bangkok. I accidentally saw two full unopened boxes of the original Austrian made 6700s. I got 14 of them. They were only about 5 bucks each. So I was lucky:-D
Btw, the imco lighters are far superior than the zippos design wise. No offense cause I like zippos too. It's just the imco triplex lighters are so well thought & designed. The way you open the lighter for flint change feels like you are reloading a gun. and the ingenious design of single hand operation, and the stand alone candle... They were the choice of German soldiers during the second world war. Such a shame for such a great lighter company to go out of business. Zippos got famous for its intense appearances in Hollywood movies. Their value is more of its iconic American culture than practicality.
I have been carrying the 6700 daily for the past two decades. Brilliant lighter! Just ordered a 6900 gunlite off ebay, those things are just cool, wanna make a shoulder harness for it to wear with my suit and suspenders! :D
You're mostly right. you don't need a screwdriver for a zippo you can just use your fingers or a small coin to unscrew it and its designed for that. Using the case itself will ruin the finish of most decent cases like polished ones or coated ones. Also for the prepper guy. All zippos DO have a flint holder. That bottom felt you talked about has a hole right in the middle of it specifically to hold an extra flint. Also if the current flint is getting low you can often fit another one in the flint tube.
i love imcos, thx god they are way cheaper in austria, some years ago they where 3,50 to 4,50€ now they 8 to 10€ but you can find them somtimes for 4 to 5€ or even much cheaper second hand lik 1 or 2 €.they are real good lighters and last very long. so before i pay 30 to 45 € in austria for a zippo i get a hand full of the imcos and i love the candle mode, not many ppl know about it
I'm sure somebody mentioned it. But use the lid as a screw driver. granted I use a knockoff case when I carry my zippo because of my collection... but if needed I'd use all my zippos as a screw driver to change the flint. but other than that you gave me info for keeping new flints with me. I did get an original or older version of an Imco triplex super 6700. it is a nice lighter I've had fluid in it for four weeks with out the fluid evaporating. but I don't really use it. it's an older model and was a very good family friends lighter from his collection. liked the video know I'm a good amount of years out for the video but I got my IMCO this last christmas
You must hold some "bic" ligthers and some fuel tablets for barbecues without the problem of liquid fuel cans. I was used IMCO and Zippo ligthers for years when I was in Navy and Merchant and both was a great choice. Imco was stopped production un Austria in 2012 and te trademark, patentes, etc was sold a japanesse company and offer a Imco's nowadays. This new Imco's probably produced in China have a slight differeces like the finishing and logo's, and don't have the space yo hold spare flint like old austrian models. 🖖😁
Hey Blackbear, i just wanted to ask you how you clean and maintain you IMCO's. I collect first and second world war lighters and have just bought a german ww2 streamline, but becuase everything is so contained and packed in I can't access the spoke tomake sure its clean. also the flick catch is really stiff, so i wanted to give it some WD40 but wondered whether it would effect performance? kind regards from the UK
I did not see the base of your original Imco6700 or the copy. If it says "Come of Vienna" then it is a Chinese copy. Some of the Chine copies now have the Imco Pat stamp inside. What is on the base of your original?
I have a imco 6700 and I'm trying to work out how old it is. It is an original and it came from a family member that's no longer with us. I'm pretty sure it's old. Just not sure how old.
Unfortunately I've never researched if try to find out how old they are I'm sure there's something online but from what I've understood is that they're very hard to tell because they were made very similar all the way through the time but thank you for your comment I really appreciate hopefully somebody on here can help you
Hey Black Bear I just got one of the 6700s from Amazon delivered. It says IMCO "COME OF VIENNA AUSTRIA" on the bottom and when you open the compartment it DOES say 'IMCO PAT." on the Flint slider, and a spare Flint DOES fit in the compartment. It comes in a box with a big sticker that says Made in China and the instructions are written entirely in Chinese characters. The instructions do say "DESIGN IN AUSTRIA." Seems to work fine but does not stand up on a table without wobbling and the steel feels very sharp at the corners and kind of cheap. The lighter is also very light, but I am used to a Zippo Armor model. So these are basically officially made in China now, not a Chinese knock-off masquerading as a real IMCO, it's a Chinese made IMCO. What gives? Is this a BLATANT knockoff using the company's name or is it original made this year BY IMCO but in China??? Thanks.
ShelterMe dude I bought a 6800 and a 6700 off AliExpress.. and I am completely blown away with the quality. They are two of the best lighters in my collection and I have many Zippos and a few that are $50-$100 and these Imcos are my favorite. Strike on first use every time. Mine say “from Austria” and both have imco pat, but instructions in Chinese. Anyways totally happy and highly recommend.
my zippos don't work in high mountain altitudes (1600m/5400ft), which is why I have a bic in the top of my pack. The zippo runs out of fluid even if I refilled it that morning, but my bic seems to work even at over 1900m/6400 ft.
@@dabomb5505 I would hit a local auto parts store and see if they have some metal polish usually that works pretty well but don't get anything too aggressive as it will probably take off to finish completely
@@tateabdon1 Yes I ordered a tube of polish and it removes little rust at the same time and protects. Well atleast thats what it says :D thanks for the help man.
hm, in my experience, zippos dont work as well in the cold as bics do. Back in my stoner days, it was impossible to smoke on a winter day with a zippo.
I have owned a handful of IMCO'S that I bought off of ebay. You can tell that the quality of the old ones are superior to the new stuff. All were good lighters. I'm now interested in acquiring a Japanese IMCO. I'm pretty sure that the quality will be very good.
I definitely do not think the quality is there as much as the ones made in Austria but out of the Chinese versus Japanese ones the Japanese ones are definitely better
there is this info that a japanese company took over IMCO and reproducing "new IMCO", which kind of looks like the original one, and I dont' know if it's simply fake or genuinely taking over the technology. Its factory is in China. I think there sure enough is a reason for "why Japan"; we smoke A LOT. If it works fine like the genuine, I don't mind if it has the antiquey looking or just-made-last-week shine. Any info about it?
www.tsugepipe.co.jp/ec/products/list/126 It says it bought the right to produce after importing the original IMCO for 40 years and IMCO stopping the production.
Can you please recommend a site where I am able to purchase authentic IMCO lighters. Thanks for the youtube video on IMCO lighters it's very informative and makes me want to get one even more. Cheers
Great video, thanks! I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I'm already googling to find out where in my city I can buy today one of those great Imco 6700 lighters!
the cheap chinese ones are greatly improved by putting a second flint in behind the normal one this will improve the pressure and ensure that it lights first time. I think the spring is too weak
Thank you for a very helpful review of lighters. I especially appreciated that info about the phony Imcos. Well done. I hardly ever "subscribe" but will make an exception in your case. (:
I think I got a fake! It says Imco pat but it backwards. Darn I payed $30 :( I can fit an extra flint but I saw the same one from China, same color pattern.
The newer chinese imco copies are much better quality and have the flint compartment right I think the original machinery was sold from Austria to China.
So. I bought the Imco 6700 from Japan Windmill that bought the patents. It was about 20 dollars and works really well. Now imagine my surprise and happiness when I found two weeks later 3 original Austrian Imcos at a market in a bundle for 6 dollars! And one more in a quite a good state for 4 dollars. So now I have original 6700 in a good state, 6700 new from Japan, 6700 original that has some issues but works a bit and can be good for spare parts, an original Junior 6600 in a good state and one more 6700 original coming soon. I reealy didnt plan on buying more than 1 or 2 new lighters. But when I get a deal for 4 genuine Austrian Imcos for 10 dollars, then I just had to buy! FYI: Comparing original to Japan made - very similar, both very well done, only minor cosmetic differences. If you dont need the old original just to have the true original then the Japan one is perfect.
you can use the edge of the lid on the zippo case as a makeshift flathead for swappin out the flint
No shit Sherlock.
Pro tip: Don't tighten the screw excessively (no need to) just tighten and loosen it with your thumb nail.
I use it to pry open the tops on fuel bottles, but that’s about it. I don’t baby mine, but it’s thin brass, not a screwdriver. All you’re going to do is beat it up if you’re tightening it that much. It only needs to be tight enough to fit in the casing.
60% of the time, it works everytime.
I cleaned up one of my IMCO 6600s and tested it with a new flint to see how many times it would light in a row. I had to stop after 50 strikes because it was getting too hot.
pressurized gas lighters also don't work over about 2000 meters of altitude
Also you can use the zippo tilting cap (any side) to unscrew the flint chamber, it's just perfect for this.
Come on man, how many of us will find ourselves that high in the mountains needing a source of fire? People who will, already got that.
I think he was in the movie hangover
I have a Chinese like IMCO. It works very well. I bought him 5 euros (about 6 US dollars). Very good construction. You need to fill enough liquid to the chamber and to change the stone. I put a zippo stone and works very well. Very nice presentation. Congratulations.
IMCO CLASSIC DESIGN Cigarette OIL Lighter SUPER 6700P from JAPAN
IMCO is a Worldwide Cigarette Lighter Manufacture Company since 1918 (until 2012) in Austria
IMCO does Not Exist Now. Windmill Co,, Ltd JAPAN is Manufacturing this SUPER 6700P from 2013
The Collaboration of the Traditional Craftmanship, the Excelling Industrial Design and the Latest Technology by Windmill
AMAZING QUALITY (Precision 0.01mm + High Quality Material + Advanced Manufacturing Technology)
CLASSIC DESIGN, BEAUTIFUL DESIGN and COOL DESIGN by IMCO (Since 1918)
Sale : TSUGE Manufacture Co,. Ltd (Since 1936) JAPAN
Manufacture : Windmill Co,, Ltd (Since 1920) JAPAN
Type : Flint Type Oil Lighter.
Brand : IMCO
Size : W 3.0 cm , H 6.3 cm, T 1.8 cm
Weight : 38 gram
Material : Stainless Steel + Aluminum Alloy. Main Material is a Stainless Steel for the Making More Strongly + Protect a Rust
Specification : Wind Proof
Quality : This SUPER 6700P is High Quality and Stronger than the Original SUPER 6700P
www.ebay.com/itm/IMCO-CLASSIC-DESIGN-Cigarette-OIL-Lighter-SUPER-6700P-/113607525223?_ul=ID
I just read this
5:43 You need to open the zippo, extract the cotton and pull the wick all the way down, then put the cotton back inside and fill with the fuel, is gonna last longer before gets dry. 5:57 The little hole on the felt pad is the place for the extra flint. Hope this help. And nice video, very instructive
I forgot this. 6:24 You just need the screwdriver the first time, then tight the flint spring screw with your thumb, it will be easy to unscrew it with your thumb the next time
I recently did tests on an all-brass Zippo (supposedly the best for fuel retention) and an old Austrian IMCO 6600. Both with all new cotton bacon and properly routed wicks. The Zippo lasted 27 days, while the IMCO lasted 54 days - literally twice as long.
@@Beery1962 Thank you! I've been looking for any kind of fuel retention test on the IMCO and had a real hard time finding anything, you've been of great help with your test
@@wezerd Good timing! I just completed a second test on another bunch of lighters. The results were surprising, because one lighter waaaay outlasted the others:
Long-term evaporation test of various lighters 2.
All lighters except #1 stored upright. Light each lighter once per day for 1 second.
Start date: Wednesday, 10 - 31 - 2022
1. JMCO Patent a IFA “MADE IN AUSTRIA”, new IMCO wick running the length of fuel tank, original rayon replaced with 1 strip cotton bacon.
2. IMCO Triplex, old style fuel tank, new IMCO wick running the length of fuel tank with a curl at the bottom end, original rayon replaced with 1 strip cotton bacon.
3. IMCO-Triplex Junior“MADE IN AUSTRIA”, new style fuel tank, new IMCO wick running the length of fuel tank with a curl at the bottom end, original rayon replaced with 1 strip cotton bacon.
4. IMCO Streamline, new IMCO wick running the length of fuel tank with a curl at the bottom end, original rayon replaced with 1 strip cotton bacon.
5. IMCO-Triplex Super, Chinese “Come of Vienna Austria”, new IMCO wick running the length of fuel tank with a curl at the bottom end, original rayon replaced with 1 strip cotton bacon.
6. Zippo Solid Brass, original wick with 1 strip of cotton bacon split into 4 pieces and layered with wick wound through the layers as per Zippo instructions.
Test after 3 weeks:
All lighters functioning.
Day 27: lighter 6 out.
Test after 4 weeks:
All remaining lighters functioning.
Day 31: lighters 6 and 5 out.
Test after 5 weeks:
Day 35: lighters 6, 5, and 4 out.
Day 39: lighters 6, 5, 4, and 2 out.
Test after 6 weeks:
Day 42: lighters 6, 5, 4, 2, and 3 out.
Test after 19 weeks (March 13)
Remaining lighter still functioning
19 weeks, 4 days: day 137 (March 17)
Lighter 1 out.
All lighters out.
@@Beery1962 amazing! Maybe consider making a video about it and sharing it, I think think this information would be appreciated by many.
Comparing the IMCO 6700 with one of my Zippo lighters I own is that the advantage of my IMCO that it works longer on a single refill, perhaps less leakage or vaporization then a Zippo
A disadvantage I noticed with my IMCO is that it eats trough flints rather quickly, way faster then my Zippo does, I'm using Zippo flints for my IMCO and perhaps 5he IMCO needs more harder type of flints? I believe the original Zippo flints tent to be softer then those you can find in throwaway lighters, might as well look into that finding a different type of flints.
I got a genuine 6800 on ebay for about £12. needed a good clean and the old flint had turned to mush so the mechanism needed unclogging but after about 30 minutes of work it was lighting every time.
Wow! Thanks a lot for this video, guess what:
Just when you showed those IMCOs I remembered playing with one of those years ago. Just went in the basement and dug it out, turns out it's an original! Back then I had no idea of the value.
However, some small parts on the inside compartment like the spring for the flint are pretty rusty. It still strikes flames and I'm sure if I refuel it, it will work fine. But do you have any tips for me to restore this thing and maintain it from now on?
Thanks in advance!
For a zippo you can use the actual zippo to unscrew the flint. The metal casing unscrews it just fine.
I just have mine hand tight.
Because of your video, I managed to make my IMCO 6800 (Chesterfield) to work again :)))
Thanks a lot and big Thumbs UP!!
So glad to hear it was helpful thank you for the comment
Good stuff i have watched several vids on lighters and people showing the liquid fuel ones always show how to fill them wrong.I have always filled my zippos and whatnots by turning them upside down and adding fuel till it drips out through the wick.Thumbs up and i sub have a great day.
Jesus... I'm glad I have the "IMCO PAT." in my 6600.
FYI you can use the zippos lid to open the flint compartment. Generally speaking, u can use a zippo for anything related to a zippo
Zippo.... Use the front edge of the lid for your screwdriver to change a flint, its there, you always have it, and it always works!
This is the second video of years that I've watched and I pretty much love your channel.
Thanks for the rundown on how to spot the fakes. I was wondering if the 6600 I just bought was a fake or not, but it has the imco pat lettering, and no 5 star pattern either.
Mine has both, lol, IMCO pat lettering AND the 5 star pattern.
Maybe I got some Frankenstein Hybrid? 🤪
or put your bic in a small case to keep from leaking out in your backpack, you can unscrew the flint on zippo by using your fingernail or the edge of the canister lid, the rubber tube is good also to save the fuel longer from evaporation when not in use, i was not aware about imco 6600 holding spare flint does it go in that small compartment that opens up right above the secondary spring?
cousin gifted me an imco junior 6600 back in the mid 90's and i still have it working today, love that thing very dependable to light on the first strike if not the second(you need to press it properly is all) its light and small easy to carry and quite the conversation piece when flick lighting and easy flint replace mechanise with no taking apart or unscrewing much better than a zippo imo, my co worker noticed it one night on a smoke break because he heard it flick then saw the light and was like whaaat wait what is that? lol he knew it was no zippo from the way it functioned and everyone was impressed with it
HI blackbear and thanks for this great info. Do you have some links to sources for old stock austrian made IMCO 6700s? thanks
In 2010, i bought 3 Imco 6700 liters for 10 Euro. They were a good cheap lighter. I got 2-3 years out of each one before the spark wheels quit turning.And that's with heavy use. A couple years ago I bought a Chinese fake and it worked for a few weeks. I still have a new in box Imco Streamline, but I don't want to use it up. The Zippo in my pocket was new in 1981 and, of course, still functions like new.
ive been using them for 2 decades, I get about 5 years out of a japaneese version. One lost the teeth on the strike wheel over time, another became loose in the hinge pins making the mechanism jam, a third one just started randomly jamming the strike wheel half turn... But 20$ for 5 years daily use as a smoker is good enough for me! :D
great video. i could tell right away this was a pretty good overview of different types of lighters, so i can choose which one is best for me. well done video, thanks.
Can you light a cigar in it? Good survival tools, similar with steam punk lighter easy to reprpduce
You actually can adjust the flame on a zippo, by pulling the rope up or cut it down. Longer rope = higher flame. If you cut your rope make sure to slightly move it towards your flint so it lights more consistently :)
Imco 'are or were ,great lighters, however the rather intricate flint mechanism has a tendency to rust severely iwhen used regularly as a outdoor lighter.Thanks for the interesting post.
I recently did tests on an all-brass Zippo (supposedly the best for fuel retention) and an old Austrian IMCO 6600. Both with all new cotton bacon and properly routed wicks. The Zippo lasted 27 days, while the IMCO lasted 54 days - literally twice as long. The IMCO flint mechanism works fine, even on my 1920s and 1930s versions. The insides only rust if they get exposed to damp for long periods - and even a well rusted IMCO can be cleaned up with dishwashing soap and it will still work fine. The flint mechanism may be more intricate than a Zippo's, but you don't need any tools to replace the flint, and I've never seen an IMCO lighter whose flint mechanism had failed. More intricate doesn't necessarily mean weaker or less reliable.
you can use the case of your zippo as a screwdriver to change the flint
I know this was back in 2014 but is there a reliable source to still get the esbit lighters? I ordered an original IMCO used off ebay and a couple chinese copies to see the difference but I am very interested in the esbit one you showed.
Very comprehensive info. Thanks!
12-2024- I just bought a couple of the 6700 copies on AliExpress for $4.35 each plus $6.00 shipping and $1.00 tax. $15.00 total.
Hopefully they arrive before the tribulation starts (Matthew chapter 24)!
great info - just got one ordered - thanks for the imco pat tip off on the inside.
are the korean - esbit ones genuine?
Most
They are even faking the IMCO PAT. thanks to TH-cam. On the bottoms I've seen "VIENNA - AUSTRIA," "COME OF AUSTRIA," "FROM AUSTRIA," also bottoms where the country of origin is simply left blank, bottoms with "serial numbers" or other codes etc. I can't tell a fake one from a real one, other than if you buy used vintage on ebay, you are going to get a clone. Especially when there are numerous videos detailing how to spot a reproduction and the counterfeiters learn and make better counterfeits based on this information. Just because it says "VIENNA," or *"MADE IN"* instead of "COME OF" or "FROM" Austria, that doesn't mean the imitators haven't just changed the wording based on public info. It doesn't cost them any more money to do it and then they'll sell more fakes because people will think they're real because the ads have pictures of "IMCO PAT.," "VIENNA AUSTRIA" and the ads say NOS - New Old Stock. I purchased mine from ebay, knowing it would most likely be a copy. It arrived in IMCO packaging, cheap looking but branded. The leaflet insert and packaging is very up front about the lighter being made in China - by IMCO. I know the company went out of business in 2012, supposedly old stock is floating around but who knows, unless you carbon date them you have no idea what is and what isn't. Supposedly whatever company in China is claiming that they are continuing production under the IMCO name, making it seem very official if not believable. I have also heard that the company is being revived by makers in Japan, which I have not seen. I don't know what is genuine validated company merchandise and what isn't, if the continued production is legit or an elaborate fake. Mine feels cheap, had sharp edges that I had to file down, and works 1st time 90% of the time, so long as I have a fresh fill-- which I do every week and a half or so. I don't get 3 weeks fuel out of it. It is a cheap product anyway, so how expensive can a legit one feel? Mine is certainly a lower quality copy of the original but probably a legitimate product albeit to lower standards. It works well enough for me at the cost, around $20 give or take, and unless the genuine article is completely stellar, I can't see spending a ton of money for a vintage used model. I've only seen one ebay offer that looked very genuine because the seller took time to take pictures detailing how his was real compared to other fakes, and in the end he basically said he didn't give a shit if you didn't believe him lol.
Can you please demonstrate how to make and apply the rubber seals for the Zippos?
does the g11 come with refilable tubes or just the throw way ones
I just got an imco from the supermarket store in my village for 3€ its the 6700 super and it says tm reg vienna austria, I opened the flint compartment and it says imco pat, I think I was lucky enough to find it on such a bargain, it was the last 6700 super in the store and they have the other 2 models as well for the same price, I'm not a very lucky guy but sometimes I do find good bargains
The Zippo lids can be used to unscrew the flint spring. Just an fyi for those who didn't think of it.
Love that imco lighter/ candle lighter. I’m getting that!!
I have an Imco junior 6600 with Chesterfield on the 3 sides. How common are they?
not so sure about using lamp oil kerosene on zippo it was not working but i think i did try it once on the imco and if i recall it may have worked
Seen plenty of ali express 10 euro imcos with the "imco pat" marking on the flint mechanism.
Just an FYI you can adjust the flame on a Zippo. - All you need to do is lower the wick below the chimney for a smaller flame or rais it higher for a bigger one - of courese it can only be done so much but it works. - I just keep it as is even with the chimney. I also like how you pick up a Zippo and call it a Bic......
Got genuine imco6700. I'm admiring mechanism
I've found a penny works great on flint spring screws and Ronson fuel screws.
I bought a KO(it has IMCO-PAT inside though) that had a rainbow patina, never lights. I only use it as a refuelable candle/match.
You shouldn't need a screwdriver for a zippo flint replacement, all you need to do is use the case as a screwdriver and slot it into the groove and then unscrew, that's why the groove goes past the edge
Hey blackbear. Can you provide a current link to a quality 6700 that is genuine? I'm really don't want to order a fake one.
Do the IMCO’s seal better than the Zippos? Zippos are cool, but the fuel evaporates so quickly that carrying mine everyday isn’t an option anymore. The inner tube idea is a good one, but would drive me crazy pulling it up and down to use it.
As I've said a couple of times in this thread, I recently did tests on an all-brass Zippo (supposedly the best for fuel retention) and an old Austrian IMCO 6600. Both with all new cotton bacon and properly routed wicks. The Zippo lasted 27 days, while the IMCO lasted 54 days - literally twice as long. Admittedly, that was my best result with an IMCO (I tested 9 different lighters), but all my IMCOs outlasted the Zippo. There is no substitute for an IMCO.
You only need a screwdriver to unscrew a Zippo's flint screw perhaps one time (i.e., when you first get it). After that, when you screw it back in you should only be screwing it in finger-tight, which will allow you to remove it with your fingers every time from that point on.
My Chinese one says "Imco pat" inside, but no number - and the flint fits. It also has no stars on the back but says "Design[sic] in Austria since 1918"
I'd like to add a few points for people who are interested in the IMCO 6700s. Well, given the time of this video, what he says was probably true. However, some info are outdated and need to be addressed. First of all, background info: A Chinese company(star) has registered the trademark "IMCO" after the Austrian company closed down. So now they are making "IMCO" lighters legally. Second, the newer Chinese made "IMCO" 6700 lighters do have the engravings "IMCO PAT" on them, so does the secret compartment that hold your extra flint. Third, now you have to look at the bottom of the lighter to tell where they are made. The Chinese ones say "come of Vienna Austria", while the Austrian made ones say "PATENT Made in Austria". More about the differences on the two versions of lighters: 1. the Austrian ones are made of heat-treated iron, while the Chinese ones are made of stainless steel. One major advantage of the Austrian ones is that they don't heat up as much as the Chinese ones when you light them up. 2.the fuel last much longer for the Austrian ones. Other than these two main differences, the two versions are almost 99% identical. Lastly a side story: last month when I was in Thailand spending my holiday I came across a store in a flea market in Bangkok. I accidentally saw two full unopened boxes of the original Austrian made 6700s. I got 14 of them. They were only about 5 bucks each. So I was lucky:-D
Btw, the imco lighters are far superior than the zippos design wise. No offense cause I like zippos too. It's just the imco triplex lighters are so well thought & designed. The way you open the lighter for flint change feels like you are reloading a gun. and the ingenious design of single hand operation, and the stand alone candle... They were the choice of German soldiers during the second world war. Such a shame for such a great lighter company to go out of business. Zippos got famous for its intense appearances in Hollywood movies. Their value is more of its iconic American culture than practicality.
Tq for the info...
I have been carrying the 6700 daily for the past two decades. Brilliant lighter! Just ordered a 6900 gunlite off ebay, those things are just cool, wanna make a shoulder harness for it to wear with my suit and suspenders! :D
Zippos don't need a screwdriver, use the casing instead
You're mostly right. you don't need a screwdriver for a zippo you can just use your fingers or a small coin to unscrew it and its designed for that. Using the case itself will ruin the finish of most decent cases like polished ones or coated ones.
Also for the prepper guy. All zippos DO have a flint holder. That bottom felt you talked about has a hole right in the middle of it specifically to hold an extra flint. Also if the current flint is getting low you can often fit another one in the flint tube.
I've got an Imco-Junior 6600 and is exelent . I'm totaly agree with yuo
i love imcos, thx god they are way cheaper in austria, some years ago they where 3,50 to 4,50€ now they 8 to 10€ but you can find them somtimes for 4 to 5€ or even much cheaper second hand lik 1 or 2 €.they are real good lighters and last very long. so before i pay 30 to 45 € in austria for a zippo i get a hand full of the imcos and i love the candle mode, not many ppl know about it
Where can i find a original imco 6700 these days ?
@@SP-tp7pw I live in Australia (not Austria!) and all I see on eBay is fake, fake, fake, fake.
Bonjour So which one is the best ?
I'm sure somebody mentioned it. But use the lid as a screw driver. granted I use a knockoff case when I carry my zippo because of my collection... but if needed I'd use all my zippos as a screw driver to change the flint. but other than that you gave me info for keeping new flints with me.
I did get an original or older version of an Imco triplex super 6700. it is a nice lighter I've had fluid in it for four weeks with out the fluid evaporating. but I don't really use it. it's an older model and was a very good family friends lighter from his collection.
liked the video know I'm a good amount of years out for the video but I got my IMCO this last christmas
You must hold some "bic" ligthers and some fuel tablets for barbecues without the problem of liquid fuel cans.
I was used IMCO and Zippo ligthers for years when I was in Navy and Merchant and both was a great choice.
Imco was stopped production un Austria in 2012 and te trademark, patentes, etc was sold a japanesse company and offer a Imco's nowadays.
This new Imco's probably produced in China have a slight differeces like the finishing and logo's, and don't have the space yo hold spare flint like old austrian models.
🖖😁
Hey Blackbear, i just wanted to ask you how you clean and maintain you IMCO's. I collect first and second world war lighters and have just bought a german ww2 streamline, but becuase everything is so contained and packed in I can't access the spoke tomake sure its clean. also the flick catch is really stiff, so i wanted to give it some WD40 but wondered whether it would effect performance? kind regards from the UK
I can't imagine that WD-40 would hurt the letter but it is a flammable product so use as little as humanly possible make sure you wipe it down
I have a 6800.. & I like that ..
i have mint con. 6700 original and I dont know how old it is...! i think its older then me and im 32. is it possible its older them me?
you can technically adjust a zippo by changing the length of the exposed wick
I did not see the base of your original Imco6700 or the copy. If it says "Come of Vienna" then it is a Chinese copy. Some of the Chine copies now have the Imco Pat stamp inside. What is on the base of your original?
I have a imco 6700 and I'm trying to work out how old it is. It is an original and it came from a family member that's no longer with us. I'm pretty sure it's old. Just not sure how old.
Unfortunately I've never researched if try to find out how old they are I'm sure there's something online but from what I've understood is that they're very hard to tell because they were made very similar all the way through the time but thank you for your comment I really appreciate hopefully somebody on here can help you
if you absolutely have to, the lip of the zippo case can be used to unscrew the flint
Nice review. Thank you
Hey Black Bear I just got one of the 6700s from Amazon delivered. It says IMCO "COME OF VIENNA AUSTRIA" on the bottom and when you open the compartment it DOES say 'IMCO PAT." on the Flint slider, and a spare Flint DOES fit in the compartment. It comes in a box with a big sticker that says Made in China and the instructions are written entirely in Chinese characters. The instructions do say "DESIGN IN AUSTRIA." Seems to work fine but does not stand up on a table without wobbling and the steel feels very sharp at the corners and kind of cheap. The lighter is also very light, but I am used to a Zippo Armor model. So these are basically officially made in China now, not a Chinese knock-off masquerading as a real IMCO, it's a Chinese made IMCO. What gives? Is this a BLATANT knockoff using the company's name or is it original made this year BY IMCO but in China??? Thanks.
ShelterMe dude I bought a 6800 and a 6700 off AliExpress.. and I am completely blown away with the quality. They are two of the best lighters in my collection and I have many Zippos and a few that are $50-$100 and these Imcos are my favorite. Strike on first use every time. Mine say “from Austria” and both have imco pat, but instructions in Chinese. Anyways totally happy and highly recommend.
You can you the head of your case to screw the screw to get access to the flint
my zippos don't work in high mountain altitudes (1600m/5400ft), which is why I have a bic in the top of my pack. The zippo runs out of fluid even if I refilled it that morning, but my bic seems to work even at over 1900m/6400 ft.
I have a g11 and I customised it to used petrol with parts from a imco.
Where i can get the original imco product? Anyone knows?
What material are the imco 6700 made of? Steel?
Steel
@@tateabdon1 So lets say i remove some rust with vinegar or something else. What do I use after to protect and make the steel look good?
@@dabomb5505 I would hit a local auto parts store and see if they have some metal polish usually that works pretty well but don't get anything too aggressive as it will probably take off to finish completely
@@tateabdon1 Yes I ordered a tube of polish and it removes little rust at the same time and protects. Well atleast thats what it says :D thanks for the help man.
you can use the case to turn the screw
What do u mean by wick and flint?
Also confused so wat do i fill imco with like the refill and how
I have a China 6700 that has the spare flint compartment and the Imco pat......
Good vid, thanks man. Tried looking on ebay canada for a 6700 from south korea and couldn't find any, probably just gonna get a chinese one lol.
For Zippo lighters they make butane inserts for them.
hm, in my experience, zippos dont work as well in the cold as bics do. Back in my stoner days, it was impossible to smoke on a winter day with a zippo.
I have owned a handful of IMCO'S that I bought off of ebay. You can tell that the quality of the old ones are superior to the new stuff. All were good lighters. I'm now interested in acquiring a Japanese IMCO. I'm pretty sure that the quality will be very good.
I definitely do not think the quality is there as much as the ones made in Austria but out of the Chinese versus Japanese ones the Japanese ones are definitely better
Whear are you finding 15 bic lighters for $10.
Black bear i find the design of this lighter is so good even if you get one from china its still going to light everytime you strike it .
huh imco are no longer made? damn i better hold on to mine and keep it in good shape
what about SUN FLOWER NO 7701 BRO?
What is that black rubber-like band wrap on the zippos?
If you never learnt; its basically a push bikes inner tire tube cut into a section.
there is this info that a japanese company took over IMCO and reproducing "new IMCO", which kind of looks like the original one, and I dont' know if it's simply fake or genuinely taking over the technology. Its factory is in China. I think there sure enough is a reason for "why Japan"; we smoke A LOT. If it works fine like the genuine, I don't mind if it has the antiquey looking or just-made-last-week shine. Any info about it?
www.tsugepipe.co.jp/ec/products/list/126
It says it bought the right to produce after importing the original IMCO for 40 years and IMCO stopping the production.
Converted Imco g11 from gas canister to petrol on eBay now
Is the Esbit identical to an IMCO just renamed? Why do they come out of South Korea
yes it is and that is where they renamed them and send them back out
Can you please recommend a site where I am able to purchase authentic IMCO lighters. Thanks for the youtube video on IMCO lighters it's very informative and makes me want to get one even more.
Cheers
Hey check eBay there’s a guy selling originals for 17 bucks
IMCO lighters are amazing
How do you order one from South Korea ?
ebay.com
you overfilled that zippo man!
dude, u did a nice introduction👍👍
I can change my zippo with out a screwdriver. In a pinch a dime will work. My latest zippos had a hole in the felt for a extra flint.
153021370599
Great video, thanks! I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I'm already googling to find out where in my city I can buy today one of those great Imco 6700 lighters!
Hooray! I already have my authentic Austrian Imco! Thank you for the advice!
Great video! I'm currently awaiting a 6600 and a streamline in the mail. They seem like the perfect lighter for the average lighter user in my opinion
the cheap chinese ones are greatly improved by putting a second flint in behind the normal one this will improve the pressure and ensure that it lights first time. I think the spring is too weak
you can adjust the flame on a zippo!
Thank you for a very helpful review of lighters. I especially appreciated that info about the phony Imcos. Well done. I hardly ever "subscribe" but will make an exception in your case. (:
Where's the brand new wind resistant, $10 ZIPPOS with the lifetime warranty?
I think I got a fake! It says Imco pat but it backwards. Darn I payed $30 :(
I can fit an extra flint but I saw the same one from China, same color pattern.
كانت الولاعة الشهيرة في العراق وقديمة جدا ً ودائما تجدها عند كبار السن والان أصبحت منقرضة تقريبا ً وأنا اقصد IMCO
you must have never used a Canadian Bic.
The newer chinese imco copies are much better quality and have the flint compartment right I think the original machinery was sold from Austria to China.