I've been in possession of a stainless steel zippo for 3 years now and I've always had a dickens of a time getting it lit let alone in 1-2 attempts despite cleaning the striker wheel and trimming the wick. So I decided it's time to try something else. I wanted brass though and out of all the offerings from zippo the 1941 replica attracted my eyes the most.
This is a fine looking lighter and it lights on the first spin of the striker consistently. A closer look at the wheel and I can see that it's sharper hence more reliable.

I love the Replica lighters. They're just comfortable - like an old pair of jeans. Their beauty is their simplicity. I've got several different Zippos that I use, but I always come back to the 1941 Replica for every day use. The Black Ice finish is a nice contrast from the shiny chrome or brass (not that they are not beautiful lighters themselves). I have dealt with their customer service in the past and they go above and beyond. It's refreshing to know that companies like Zippo stand behind their work in this day and age of disposable products.

I love this zippo, but I'm not exactly sure how closely it resembles an actual 1935 model. I know they got the hollow pin right and the external latch, but I'm guessing the number of holes on the chimney is too many and I'm guessing the original was heavier? I'm only assuming. Also, because of the external latch (another assumption), this thing wants to open up in my pocket slightly. Not a big deal, but my 2000-model zippo doesn't do this and feels more solid/heavier. That being said, I love how I can just flick the body of this thing and the lid will open. Looks pretty gangsta. Not Snoop-Dogg gangsta but Italian mob gangsta, if you know what I mean. Anyway, this is the one and only zippo I ever use because it looks so dang sexy.

This particular Zippo is my absolute favorite. The "modern" variations are much lighter in construction and easily dented compared to this one. The outer case is in fact based upon the "Armor" series which is nothing more than how Zippos were constructed years ago. Then, things changed and the Zippo became less durable. Well, you can opt for the Armor Series or one of these. The Armor Series do not possess the classic deep CLANG! sound that is soooo....Zippo....which is why I like this one. The 1941 Replica also is more rounded and shaped a little differently giving a feel I prefer to the modern versions.

This lighter looks and feels absolutely perfect--even better in hand than in the pictures. In my opinion Zippo hit a home run with the 1941 Replica design. I have two other Zippos which both work perfectly so I didn't strictly need another, but I loved the vintage look and the black crackle finish. The contemporary Zippos feel great in hand--rounded and smooth; this replica has flatter edges and feels great in a different way. The flatter edges combined with the textured finish make for a sure grip and easy flick to open the lid. I like the way that the lid opens all the way until it is touching the body of the lighter; contemporary Zippos open most of the way but the hinge stops the lid from touching the body. I don't know why this is a satisfying distinction, but it is. The bottom of the lighter is flat instead of scooped in (the lighter still stands up on its base just fine), and the logo is in a different font. The bottom is bare of the black crackle finish in a perfect rectangle to leave room for the logo and other markings. One difference I had not read about--and I looked at a ton of reviews and videos before I ordered--is that the replica insert is smooth on all sides. The contemporary one has a bulge on both sides near the bottom to push out slightly on the case and keep it in while also making it easier to pull out and refill. I prefer the replica design because it may help to slow the evaporation of fluid by creating a tighter seal. Typically Zippos need to be refilled every few days to a week due to evaporation of the lighter fluid, which I'm expecting will be the case here, too. In spite of the tighter seal, this insert still tends to ride up slightly with use like the contemporary ones. Not a big deal, though. It only rides up a tiny bit and I just push it down again with my thumb. I received this yesterday so don't have long-term observations yet, but I'm confident it will hold up very well. Oh, and it lights easily and is very wind-resistant as advertised. I really enjoy objects that are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. This Zippo looks perfect and feels perfect in my palm, it works simply and reliably, and it has a neat historical connection. I could not recommend it more highly.