Zippo Slim Black Matte Lighter with Red Border & Zippo Logo (1618ZB)

The Zippo Slim Black Matte Lighter with Red Border (1618ZB) is the slimline take on the windproof lighter that made Zippo a household name. The brass Slim case sits about 30% narrower than a regular Zippo, wrapped in a low-key black matte finish, with the Zippo logo set inside a narrow red border (design code Z-BRDR). It is refillable, windproof, and covered by Zippo’s lifetime guarantee. Our Hosts stock and handle this lighter across our El Paso stores, so the notes below come from real first-hand familiarity with the product, not a spec sheet alone.

The Slim Case: A Trimmer Profile Since 1956

Zippo introduced the Slim case in 1956 as a narrower companion to the original 1932 design. At roughly 1.13 inches wide versus the standard 1.5 inches, the Slim sits flatter in a front pocket, a shirt pocket, or a small bag. The trade-off is honest: a smaller fuel chamber holds less premium lighter fluid than a regular Zippo, so a Slim is refilled a little more often. What does not change is the all-metal brass build and the unmistakable Zippo flip-top click. This is the same rugged platform, just trimmed down.

Black Matte Finish and the Red-Border Logo Design

The 1618ZB finish is a flat black matte, a stealthy, fingerprint-friendly surface that reads as understated rather than flashy. The decoration is the point of difference: the Zippo logo printed in the center and framed by a single narrow red border (Zippo’s Z-BRDR design). Against the matte black, the red line gives the case a clean, badge-like look that collectors recognize at a glance. There is no chrome glare here, which is exactly why some Guests prefer the matte Slim for everyday carry.

Windproof by Design

Like every Zippo windproof lighter, the 1618ZB lights in wind because of the chimney that surrounds the wick. The chimney shields the flame and keeps fuel vapor from being whisked away by a breeze, so the flame holds where a basic lighter would blow out. The Slim uses the same windproof chimney as the full-size models. It is a flame source, not a vape and not a concealment device, and it should be used responsibly.

Refilling and Routine Care

The 1618ZB arrives empty, the way every Zippo windproof lighter ships, so you fuel it before first use. Lift the insert out of the case, raise the felt pad, saturate the packing with Zippo premium lighter fluid, and stop when the fluid reaches the top of the packing without overfilling. Because a Zippo is not airtight, fuel slowly evaporates over a week or two even when the lighter sits unused, so top it off before you head out. Over time the flint wears down and the wick darkens. Both are simple to service: drop in fresh replacement flints when the wheel stops sparking, and trim or fit a replacement wick when the flame gets weak. Fuel, flints, and wicks are sold separately.

The Zippo Lifetime Guarantee

Every genuine Zippo windproof lighter is backed by Zippo’s famous lifetime guarantee: it works or Zippo fixes it free. The mechanical guarantee is Zippo’s, and Zippo performs the repair at its Bradford, Pennsylvania factory. If the lighter ever fails mechanically, you send it to the Zippo Repair Clinic and they restore it to working order at no charge regardless of age or condition (you cover shipping to them, and you remove fuel and flint before mailing). We sell the lighter; Zippo honors the guarantee.

If you want the Zippo windproof reputation in a slimmer, lower-profile case, the 1618ZB Slim Black Matte with the red-border logo is a clean everyday choice. It is stocked at select El Paso Smoke Shops locations rather than every store, so check the live availability on this page to see which El Paso store has it, then come by. Sold to Guests 21+ with valid ID.