Making the Most Exclusive Lighters in the World: S.T. Dupont France Factory Tour with Kirby Allison

[@nickb193]

talked when you're suppose to talk, and was quiet when we needed to let the craftmanship speak for itself. great video.

[@jesusmgw]

Once again, my compliments to the editor for curating and timing those music tracks so impeccably.

[@HarleyGuru1977]

The woman applying the lacquer was masterful and so precise that she was mesmerizing. S. T. DuPont is fortunate to have her. I own the original Memento Mori colorful Ligne 2. When not in use I keep it displayed on my desk. It’s a piece of art. Thank you Kirby for allowing your followers to see this magnificent factory and company.

[@misterfred0528]

your attention to detail not only in your interview but how the images were captured and the pacing of the editing captured the craftsmanship of the product and the video storytelling reflected the bespokeness in the craft itself and S. T. Dupont…bravo!

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks! It was a privilege to be invited into the factory for this video. And the editing team that worked on this one is the best. Superbly talented.

[@erics7712]

@@kirbyallison I love how you stepped back and let the work be the music for the video. Brilliant. I have always been a dunhill guy but now I would like to pull the trigger on a ST DuPont. As the war on tobacco had decimated most of the industry I hope they can survive a sadly declining market. With STG buying up and shutting down all the competition 80% of the world’s pipe tobacco is now controlled by one company. Not good.

[@Coldheart1903]

Calm down

[@tonton_8243]

This tour blown me away. I'm French and I really appreciated the video from A to Z.How to build, how long it takes.Jesus, even the guy boxing up the lighter at the very end takes so long to slide the lighter into the box. Now we have a better idea about the price tag reason. Awesome you came from US to record this footage.Thanks for that and keep up your excellent work🎉

[@ivoroconnor2132]

A wonderful insight into the world of St.Dupont, the level of craftsmanship (& craftswomanship in the lacquering department) is second to none. The production of the film you’ve made is really excellent and thanks for giving us the opportunity to see these artisans at work. I still use a ligne 1 which is over 50 years old and it works perfectly, quality lasts forever. Your limited edition looks great.

[@ChadWilson]

The attention to detail, the pacing, this is what certain luxury goods are all about.

[@TheGeezzer]

A Zippo lighter is a workhorse, a real everyday tool that will give years of service. An S.T. Dupont lighter is an exquisite art form, built to be admired for years- and this is often reflected in the price!

[@Joedirt3349]

Now this IS a treat! Thank you, Kirby, sir.

[@milosstepanovic336]

Dear Kirby, I’m not the one to comment constantly on your videos, but after watching this mesmerizing jewel in your portfolio, for a couple of times, I have to tell… I had an S.T. Dupont ligne 2 vintage one, I actually inherited it from my grandfather, it was sadly stolen from me at house party, I remember actually that lighter very fondly, and I’m still sad that I lost it, it was also a memory on my grandfather.

[@londoncallingwithsimon6817]

Fantastic video, really allowed the whole process to speak for itself through the camera, enhanced by congruous music and commentary. Thank you

[@MeOhMyOfficial]

The editing and pacing with the music is exceptional. How on earth does a KZbin channel produce beyond broadcast level edits like these? Serious skills on display. Well done!

[@kirbyallison]

It is a labor of love...

[@Adrianmichael04]

I agree ☝️ but I hope Kirby you are in good health. Both my partner and I felt you have gone through some physical change. Thank you for all the great content. Exceptional channel, Take care 🙏❤

[@oskarek57]

One of the best videos from Kirby, since I find making Dupont lighters the most interesting. The process is like a magic full of chemistry just to create one small lighter. Just unbelievable.

[@wayoutofbounds]

As always, GREAT video, Kirby! After watching your introduction video on ST DuPont lighters last spring, I took the plunge and acquired my first one…a new Line 2 Perfect Ping in Palladium and Black Lacquer. I even bought the “matching” guillotine cutter/stand to go along with it. Since then, I’ve acquired several other ST DuPont lighters, including my first LeGrand Cling, the Montecristo Crepuscle limited edition. As a long time cigar aficionado, I can’t say enough how these lighters enhance the smoking experience…the ritual of flipping the lid and hearing that “PING” resonate through the air announces that a period of enjoyment is about to begin! Add to this the feel, weight and sense of the finest craftsmanship and it is easy to see why there is such a loyal following of ST DuPont collectors…of which I now am one myself! Keep up the great content and I look forward to adding the Palladium Dust LeGrand Cling to my growing collection!

[@kirbyallison]

That is an awesome collection! Hopefully you acquired them all from us! ;)

[@heilerko9349]

This is the best "making of" documentary i've seen. What a delight to witness such craftsmanship. Thank You Kirby Allison for making this piece of art in itself!

[@dnice374]

It's been remarkable to watch your channel grow from a humble style site to its current form (800k!). Thanks to you and your team, Kirby!

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks for watching, and thanks for the kind words!

[@stianaslaksen5799]

I'm buying a S.T. Dupont lighter after watching this video for sure. The lacquering process was really fascinating!

[@kirbyallison]

KirbyAllison.com ;)

[@nudaveritas6322]

The Man is Back !!!!!!!!!!! With the worlds most tasteful Exploration in the world from dying Crafts......but not dying, reestablished with his Voice and influence and Passion.

[@UniversalExports]

Bravo to you and your team Kirby, very well done on a fabulous programme. This is what KZbin should be about.

[@justjacqueline2004]

Incredible craftsmanship and wonderful artisans. Now a must for lighting my stove.

[@fastestdino2]

The cinematography of this video is absolutely superb kirby. I have to give a bravo to you and your team of editors (assuming you have one). The products are also superb.

[@kirbyallison]

Glad you enjoyed it! Filming a full factory tour in 1.5 days was a CHALLENGE! We could have easily spent a week…

[@jesseelovaas]

Truly handmade. Wow, that was incredible.

[@TopGunMvk]

the video production match S.T. Dupont's quality. Superb, congratulations and thank you for deliver these videos Kirby

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you!

[@markmckenzie1605]

What a great way to showcase how the STDupont lighters are made. Giving an insite to what we are purchasing when we buy one. I’m hooked . Thank you Kirby

[@philapodaca3568]

As always, Kirby, this episode is outstanding! I’d like to extend my compliments to you and your crew for a job exceptionally well done. I thoroughly enjoy all of your content-thank you!

[@jrr4041]

They are the best! Quality, style, and class. Highly recommend.

[@kirbyallison]

Absolutely! And check out our new Limited Edition Platinum Dust Le Grand Cling lighter that’s now on sale! First platinum dust ever and first le grand cling lacquered lighter that actually “pings!”

[@guitarplayer5611]

This is a Wonderful video in every sense of the word!!!

[@paulogama5782]

Fantastic visit Kirby. Tks for posting it.👍

[@superfast30]

Fantastic work once again, Kirby!

[@arcboy2011]

This was an exceptional factory tour video. More of these in the future please. I love to observe the makers making things. If you could do the S.T. Dupont pen's next it would be appreciated.

[@Mr-Garibaldi]

Watched this on my 77” OLED TV and the quality is amazing!! Thank you Kirby for the quality and craftsmanship of your travels and stories that you share to the world.

[@brissiAU]

Another beautiful presentation, the product shown, world class !

[@johns.]

I don’t have any S.T. Dupont lighters but I do have quite a few of their pens that I’ve collected over the past thirty-five years. Love the workmanship and designs of their products. Kirby, very nice video and thanks for posting.

[@spsfora]

Thank you for the Tour.

[@Johnadam0524]

Hell of a video kirbs. Makes me appreciate my ST lighters that much more. Well done.

[@fxdr131]

Excellent video, thank you very much!

[@davidcobb464]

Your video production quality is fantastic.

[@tsibren]

Fantastic video! Beautifully shot and edited as well, taking the time to show the process carefully. I never knew there was so much manual labor involved and how much natural processes used for Dupont's products.

[@umarfarid1397]

top notch tour by you, the quality video is superb, I didn't see any channel about detail S.T. Dupont accept you. own one S.T. Dupont Lighter

[@johnlocke5382]

What a great documentary.

[@Sometungsten]

01.15.2025 This is one incredible video Mr. Allison. Thank you to you and your crew for a work of art.

[@DoverPipes]

I absolutely treasure all of my soft flame and torches, from S.T. Dupont. Incredible workmanship indeed.

[@joshuakalin718]

You have been making amazing content lately, from the Winston Churchill series to this. Love the Europe exploration videos. Well done!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you so much! It's been a lot of fun to explore these new areas for our viewers.

[@asrarul12]

Another wonderful episode into the world of fine craftsmanship and style. Thanks to you and your team. I wonder how many hours you guys put in to make a one hour documentary. Love from Bangladesh.

[@realleescoggins]

Fascinating craftsmanship.

[@alunjones2550]

Watching a true artisan doesn't need words. You did the right thing, Kirby to just let the camera do all the talking. it was wonderful to watch the woman decorating the lighter.

[@AndreasFeist-SmokeAndi]

Fantastic, thank you Kirby for having the opportunity to have a look in the factory process of S.T. Dupont. Great job.

[@chaicharin]

I have not watched a Kirby video in a while and he looks very sick in the intro. Love ST Dupont lighters especially the vintage ones. I hope Kirby is ok and sees a doctor soon to check his health.

[@Matthew-qk1xi]

Being an aerospace machinist/set-up/programmer for over 36yrs i certainly enjoy fine craftsmanship and enjoyed this video immensely. Great production and editing kudos. Are you a soft flame guy these days exclusively when you light a cigar? I may just buy a new lighter from your line Mr. Allison.

[@adriansaw8329]

I wonder if the business will survive the move away from smoking...Thank you for showing us behind the scenes. Always good to learn and appreciated the craftsmanship of the things you own!

[@AlistairHig]

The world had been moving away from smoking drive the late 90s and early 2000. Yet, cigars and pipes are just getting more and more popular. We're getting away from cigarettes, and let's be honest... No one smoking cigarettes is using a $1,000+ lighter to spark up. They use a disposable BIC.

[@kojiattwood]

18:03 What an intense blue hue!

[@guitarplayer5611]

Is a short demonstration video coming on your website for the special edition Platinum Dust Le Grand Cling lighter?Those short lighter demonstration videos are excellent!

[@kirbyallison]

Yes! Should be available sometime within the next two weeks.

[@snartzzb983]

Just wonderful.

[@djsandvig1]

Built like a precision tank…..with a price to match. I will never be able to achieve such a piece….but I am happy that they exist.

[@davebarron5939]

Another superb presentation, Thanks so much. and Happy New Year.

[@bbose0001]

Bravo! Bravo!

[@thomascosden540]

Great video. Thank you.

[@JoelTurner-og4yq]

Amazing

Thank you, Kirby, for all of your excellent films and specially this one. I own a Dupond since years and was never really fully aware, how meticulously manufactured it is. Congratulations also to your colourful Tweed. Not funeral director anymore... 😂 (Of course, I refer to your great episode with Nick Foulkes on Tweeds...😂)

[@tysmbugua3656]

Is kirby ok?

[@yesno9834]

I was looking for another comment like this cause I thought he looks and sounds ill, I hope he’s okay.

[@R6andS4rider]

@@yesno9834I am wondering the same thing.

[@331BK1]

have the cohiba 55 years limited edition now that i know how they are made. i will enjoy it even more. Thanks Kirby

[@kirankilgannon8987]

This is what your paying a high price for fantastic craftsmanship

[@ecnova]

phenomenal video! I love my vintage S.T. Dupont. I wish they would make a model without plating, to let the brass tarnish/patina

[@Pensées_depuis_mon_balcon]

I don't even smoke, and now i want one!

[@jpg5540]

Great video. I am not in lighters but fountain pens… always wondered about the value of StD pens. They are expensive … but now I know why. (Same processes: machined brass barrels, diamond patterns, lacquer etc). Definitely will look into their pens thanks to that great video.

[@robinson50001]

Just purchased another!! ST Dupont King of Lighters........

[@paulinopaixao3672]

What is the black tool that he placed in the box behind the lighter? I loved the tour and the amazing amount of skill and workmanship that goes into this magnificent lighter !

[@JoeConnolly-p7w]

MisterFed0528 is spot on...this was a great "not just KZbin video" but Cinematic journey into luxury. Get a contract for every luxury vendor and you will kill it and we will finally truly understand value....

[@alpi57]

Brilliant Kirby. Hope to you in Havana soon. Jon

[@gusseisern1151]

1 Million subscribers Are in sight

[@kirbyallison]

Ugh… don’t talk to me about it. 😅😂 Do you think it will happen in 2025??

[@TopGunMvk]

@@kirbyallison sure it will, the content quality deserves it

[@malloza]

@@kirbyallison for sure!

[@davidcobb464]

I bought a wallet at their Paris store. Fantastic quality. I favor waterman pens, but I would love to buy one of their lighters.

[@SAGHAJAR]

I have inherited one with diamond head design from 1962 still in original box,and now I know how it was made.

[@joshuahawkee4949]

Great video question, are any st lighters solid gold or silver ? Or are they all plated. I’m lucky to own a silver one but I really like that platinum dust

[@scubanasa]

Fantastic information! So do you really need ST Dupont refill gas? I wanted to buy one but the refill gas may not be available in my country.

[@danaewood4158]

A perfect way to ignite all the gas that Dupont released into the atmosphere over the years!

[@yesno9834]

Kirby, I hope you’re doing okay. I couldn’t help but notice you look a lot different having lost a lot of weight and you appear somewhat frail. I might be looking too much into it, and I hope I am, but I sincerely hope you’re doing okay. I love watching your content and eagerly await each new upload.

[@MDPurple2907]

That sports jacket is absolutely immaculate! May i ask what type of cloth that is?

[@arncj18]

wow that coral blue pigment

[@johncas1]

Can we have a tour of the Albert Thurston factory that's one I would like to see

[@kirbyallison]

That would be fun!

[@robinjohnhill7556]

Thank you Kirby for a wonderful Video. I have an S. T. Dupont lighter and I have always been interested in how they are made. However, mine is many years old now and has stopped functioning correctly. It will spark but the gas is unable to flow properly and thus unable to product a flame. A particular point of interest in the video was the fact that all S. T. Dupont lighters have a filter - I guess that's where one of my problems lie.

[@FeedzTV_YT]

So is the body of the le grand cling actually gold? Is there any gold on that lighter?

[@BrutusMaximusAurelius]

I wonder how many lighters they sell (might come up, haven’t seen the whole video yet)? It’s not a throwaway item and I don’t know how big the luxury lighter market is. Anyway, amazingly interesting video again, Kirby! I appreciate my Le Grand even more now.

[@faridismayil414]

Zippo lighters also use only solid brass, except period of WW2

[@SunriseLAW]

On Mr. Allison's website: S.T. Dupont Golden Casino Pocket Complication Lighter $59,950

[@kirbyallison]

You are absolutely correct, and yes, that is a pretty incredible price tag! Special order only… but if you purchase one, I’ll personally deliver it and provide the cigars to smoke!

[@SunriseLAW]

@@kirbyallison Totally worth it then !!

[@johncarter6238]

Whowwwwww great documentary, Now I know why I pay $1200 for my S.T. Dupont

[@andrewjames9963]

Fantastic, i want one and i don’t even smoke

[@Carsrus007]

Ok I’m buying one tomorrow 😂

[@TheCigarReviews]

Amazing! Wish I owned any Duponts that didn't leak!

[@andyvan5692]

Kirby, one interesting thing, that pattern is not unique to lighters, old pocket watches had the same 'engraving' on the backs, and dials, this was traditionally made using a straight line, or rose engine, operated similar to a sewing machine, but the part is held in a vice, spun on a spindle, with wheels that vibrate it, and a normal lathe cutter to cut the pattern, this pattern is created by motion of the work, via cams on the vice spindle, or by sliding the tool carriage manually {for the straight line engine}, and on brass dials, very fine work can be done, and so much concentration is required, as one slip, even on the last cut, can wreck a thousand dollar piece, as each "cut" is so small and intricate; well into your high class pursuits.

[@luminor2008]

Thankyouveryinformative

[@AJ-xh8hu]

Asombroso.

[@jagitmax]

Actually the most exclusive lighters in the world are DUNHILL lighters, most are made from FINE SILVER and 18kt and 24kt GOLD.

[@trevorbain4637]

You missed a trick why did you not commission a dupont lighter with your gold cannon emblem on in royal blue and sell it on Kirby Allison website?

[@kirbyallison]

Maybe that’s next… I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to do the first Platinum Dust

[@teakcore5261]

@@kirbyallisonyou could make cufflinks with the logo or other design, i would be interested for sure!

[@athomeinthesouth01]

I thought these lighters were too expensive before watching this video, now I'm thinking they're too cheap. I had no idea so much went into making them.

[@roybatty6368]

Awesome video. Do they make solid gold lighters? I don't care for gold plating.

[@kirbyallison]

They do... but I believe it is a special order item. Contact us if you're interested.

[@thesilverphist6483]

If you know - you know !

[@etow8034]

I had several ST. Dupont lighters, but I do not like the silver plating constantly tarnishing. If they made one out of a solid block of stainless steel I might reconsider.

[@jeffreyying964]

I wonder how the vintage ones were made before CNC machining and computers.

[@adamthomas1232]

MY BOY TRISTAN TATE WOULD LOVE THIS

[@Yutupep]

Cool