Craighill's Swingtop Lighter Revives Historical Design for Modern Use
Brooklyn-based design studio Craighill has introduced the Swingtop Lighter, a sleek, die-cast stainless steel lighter featuring a unique swinging snuffer mechanism inspired by traditional designs. This lighter allows users to ignite the flint and keep the flame alive with a convenient lever. It is designed for easy refueling and maintenance, offering replaceable wicks and flints. Consumers can choose between matte black and silver finishes, with the silver version sporting a ceramic ball on its lever. Co-founder Zach Fried highlighted the importance of durable materials in an era focused on disposability. This launch also collaborates with the Whitney Museum of Contemporary Art, inviting design feedback.
Key facts
- Craighill designed the Swingtop Lighter, a die-cast stainless steel pocket lighter.
- The lighter features a swinging snuffer mechanism and a lever that activates the flint.
- It is refillable and replaceable wick and flint.
- Available in matte black and silver; silver version has a ceramic ball on the lever.
- Design draws from historical lighters, which were more ergonomic and playful than contemporary disposable ones.
- Co-founder Zach Fried emphasized material quality and longevity against planned obsolescence.
- Craighill posted Instagram videos with a large prototype to explain design features.
- The lighter was launched with the Whitney Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Co-founder Hunter Craighill said the videos help people connect with design through ubiquitous objects.
- The design team welcomed feedback, including critiques about dated mechanisms.
Entities
Artists
- Zach Fried
- Hunter Craighill
Institutions
- Craighill
- Whitney Museum of Contemporary Art
- Dezeen
Locations
- Brooklyn
- United States
Sources
- Dezeen —