The Enduring Legacy of the PB-207: A Pocket Powerhouse
Hey r/lighters - I've been into cigars for the past couple years and have grown very fond of the PB-207. I wanted to share a little write up I made for others who might be interested in the the lore behind this legendary lighter - enjoy!
Origins and Inspiration: The Birth of a Blue Flame
The PB-207, a name synonymous with robust, high-output flames, traces its origins back to 1985 and the inventive mind of Sadao Yoshinaga, believed to be the founder of the Yoshinaga Prince Company in Japan. Prince boasts a rich history in the lighter industry, producing iconic Japanese lighters throughout the 1960s and 70s, with the "Dolphin" model standing as a testament to their craftsmanship.
The PB-207's design was heavily influenced by Yoshinaga's earlier "tank lighters," marketed as the "Tank Boy," "Tank Boy Lite," "Tiny Tank," and others, by both Prince and Banning in the 1980s. These predecessors, available in taller, thinner, and shorter, fatter variations, featured soft yellow flames. The PB-207's form factor clearly draws inspiration from the shorter, stouter tank lighter design.
The Revolutionary Blue Flame: Function and Popularity
What truly set the PB-207 apart was its "blue flame," a high-intensity jet of heat that revolutionized the portable flame market. Unlike the traditional yellow soft flame, the blue flame offered superior heat output, making it ideal for a multitude of professional and industrial applications. Marketing materials highlighted its suitability for hobbies and crafts, electronic repair, jewelry creation, heat shrink tubing, and loosening rusted or frozen fasteners.
Initially, the PB-207 was positioned as a professional-grade tool, not intended for general consumer use. However, its exceptional performance quickly garnered a devoted following within the cigar community. Aficionados recognized the blue flame's ability to provide a more efficient and powerful light than conventional lighters.
Availability and Branding: Navigating the Market
Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, the PB-207 has maintained a somewhat "underground" status due to its limited availability. Primarily distributed through trade channels, it was initially inaccessible to the average consumer. Today it's much more easier to buy a PB-207, with it being freely available for purchase through several different online retailers.
Depending on where you live, the PB-207 is sold under three primary brands: Prince in Asia, Blue Flame in Europe, and Blazer in North America. While the core "PB-207" designation remains consistent, variations in branding and model names exist, such as the "Prince Pocket Burner 1," "Prince Pocket Torch," "Blazer Pocket Micro Torch," and "Blue Flame PB-207."
Variations and Counterfeits: Distinguishing Authenticity
Variations of the PB-207 include models with and without a child-resistant lock. The child-resistant models are aimed at the consumer market, while the non-lock versions are marketed as "Industrial Heat Tools" for professional use.
The PB-207's popularity has led to the proliferation of counterfeit versions over the years, primarily originating from China. Based on personal experience with two such fakes, it's clear that these imitations suffer from significant quality issues and are strongly discouraged. Investing in a genuine, Made in Japan PB-207 is highly recommended.
Design Inspiration and Related Products
Beyond counterfeits, the PB-207's design has served as inspiration for other reputable brands. The Master Appliance MT-5 Microtorch, for example, shares the PB-207's chain and cap design, albeit with a squared body and a distinct ignition mechanism. The MT-5's flame lock and adjustment controls operate differently, showcasing a unique approach to torch functionality.
Areas for Improvement
While the PB-207 is an amazing lighter, and I plan on using one for many years, there are a couple things I would like to see from Prince/Blazer. First is with availability with the many variations, especially those on the official Blazer website. It is nearly impossible to find certain colors/finishes and the wide flame variant (although Blazer support does offer a wide flame conversion service). It would be great if Blazer were able to sell directly to consumers as well, this would make availability much more accessible. One major miss for Blazer is the warranty. The official warranty for Blazer is 30-days, which is shocking for a small lighter that costs 3-4x most lighters found in smoke shops. Blazer should stand behind its product and offer a much more robust warranty, similar to companies like Leatherman.