The Complete Guide to im corona Lighters: The Old Boy and the Double Corona
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Time to read 6 min
For over ninety years, im corona has quietly set the standard for precision-crafted Japanese lighters.
Founded in 1933, the brand has built a loyal following among everyday carry enthusiasts and tobacconists alike by prioritizing reliable mechanics, solid brass construction, and timeless design over fleeting trends.
Whether you are considering the legendary Old Boy for your pipe or the elegant Double Corona, this guide explores the history, craftsmanship, and core models that make an im corona lighter a true lifetime piece.
Table of Contents
Dual soft flames create a wider, more even light that is ideal for cigars, especially larger ring gauges.
Traditional flint-wheel ignition and Japanese construction deliver exceptional reliability and long-term durability.
A refined, understated design built for cigar smokers who value craftsmanship, control, and a slower lighting ritual.
The History of im corona: A Legacy of Japanese Craftsmanship
The reputation of IM Corona rests on a long tradition of meticulous Japanese manufacturing. The brand's journey began in Tokyo in 1933, driven by craftspeople dedicated to creating the ultimate pocket lighter—a legacy of technical mastery passed down through generations.
Originally, several independent Japanese lighter manufacturers active since the 1910s and 1920s united under the collective brand name "Corona." A major milestone occurred in 1954 when Ishimitsu Kinzoku Kogyo, a primary factory in the collective, earned Japan Industry Standard (JIS) certification, marking a first for the Japanese lighter industry. That same year, they released a premium JIS-certified oil lighter. Despite costing three times more than standard models, its exceptional quality made it an instant success.
To distinguish its superior products from other "Corona" manufacturers, Ishimitsu combined the "I" from Ishimitsu and the "M" from Manufacturing, officially birthing im corona. As Japan’s economy boomed, the brand's reputation for unshakeable reliability spread globally, turning their creations into beloved accessories worldwide.
In 1981, im corona introduced the original Old Boy, which quickly became an iconic accessory for discerning smokers. This success led to prestigious collaborations with luxury British brands, cementing its international status. Today, every single component is subjected to rigorous quality control, ensuring that the brand’s legendary flame never fades.
The Legends: Two Iconic Lighters
While im corona has designed numerous models over the decades, two legendary designs stand head and shoulders above the rest: The Old Boy and The Double Corona.
The IM Corona Old Boy: The Pipe Smoker’s Companion
Designed specifically with the pipe enthusiast in mind, the im corona Old Boy has been a gold standard since its debut in 1981, serving as a masterclass in functional, vintage-inspired design.
Its most defining characteristic is the unique ninety-degree angled soft flame. Unlike standard lighters that project a flame straight up, the Old Boy directs the flame downward into a pipe bowl. This allows you to light your tobacco easily without burning your fingers or scorching the rim of your pipe.
This thoughtful engineering is housed in a heavy, solid brass chassis that provides an incredibly reassuring weight and a satisfying mechanical click when opened. For added convenience, the base of the lighter features a slide-out, locking tamper and pick, offering an elegant, all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for separate tools. This is all backed by a massive internal fuel reservoir that holds an impressive amount of butane, ensuring fewer refills and more uninterrupted enjoyment.
The im corona Double Corona: The Cigar Enthusiast’s Standard
The im corona Double Corona is a traditional butane cigar lighter best known for its distinctive and highly functional dual soft-flame design.
Instead of producing a single pinpoint flame, the Double Corona ignites two parallel flames from a dual-port nozzle that merge into one wide, gentle, fan-like flame. This wide flame profile is engineered to distribute heat evenly across the entire foot of a cigar, making it incredibly helpful for evenly lighting larger ring-gauge cigars without scorching the wrapper.
To ensure consistent performance, the Double Corona utilizes a traditional flint wheel and a precisely machined gas valve, eschewing temperamental electronic ignitions to deliver a reliable flame every single time.
Soft Flame vs. Torch Lighters: The Philosophy of the Slow Burn
In a world dominated by ultra-hot, pressurized jet torch lighters, im corona remains fiercely dedicated to the traditional soft flame. The differences between these two heating methods fundamentally shape the smoking experience.
While a modern torch lighter projects a highly concentrated, intensely hot wind-resistant flame designed for speed, it carries a high risk of scorching premium tobacco and altering its natural flavor. In contrast, the cooler, gentle soft flame of an im corona allows you to slowly toast the foot of a cigar or pipe tobacco, gradually bringing it to life. This slower process respects the craft of the tobacco blend, preserving its delicate flavor notes and preventing the bitter carbon taste that comes with overheating. Ultimately, torch lighters prioritize outdoor convenience, while soft flames honor the deliberate, relaxed ritual of smoking.
Built for a Lifetime: Maintenance and Care
An im corona lighter is not a disposable accessory; it is an heirloom piece designed to be passed down. Like any precision mechanical instrument, it requires proper care to perform at its peak for decades.
Always Use High-Quality Butane
Cheap grocery-store butane is filled with impurities and propellants that will clog the delicate micro-valves of your im corona. To keep your fuel line clear, always use premium, multi-refined butane from reputable brands like Xikar, Newport Zero, or Colibri. These brands feature near-zero impurities, ensuring your valves remain clean and free of carbon buildup.
Purge Before Refilling
Before refueling your lighter, always purge the tank. Use a small screwdriver or a wooden stylus to gently press down on the refill valve until all remaining air pressure and leftover gas escape. A clean purge prevents air pockets from forming in the tank, ensuring a full fuel refill and a consistent flame height.
Use Official im corona Flints
Generic flints can be too hard, which prematurely wears down the flint wheel, or too soft, which creates excessive dust that clogs the mechanism. Always use official im corona flints, or high-quality red and grey flints, to ensure a bright spark and a long-lasting wheel.
Conclusion
In an era of disposable convenience and plastic novelty, IM Corona stands apart as a monument to deliberate Japanese engineering. Whether you are drawn to the pipe-centric features of the Old Boy or the wide, cigar-toasting elegance of the Double Corona, you are investing in a piece of history.
With solid metal construction, highly serviceable mechanical parts, and a philosophy rooted in the art of the slow burn, an im corona isn't just a fancy lighter—it's a trusted companion for a lifetime of ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between the im corona Old Boy and the Double Corona?
Your choice should depend on your primary smoking preference. Choose the Old Boy if you are primarily a pipe smoker, as its ninety-degree angled flame is custom-built for directing heat down into a pipe bowl without scorching the rim or your fingers. If you are predominantly a cigar smoker, go with the Double Corona; its dual-port nozzle creates a wide, gentle flame designed to toast and evenly light the foot of premium cigars, particularly larger ring gauges.
What kind of fuel is best for an im corona lighter?
You should always use premium, multi-refined butane from reputable brands like Xikar, Newport Zero, or Colibri. Lower-grade, generic butane is loaded with microscopic impurities and propellants that will easily clog the delicate, high-tolerance micro-valves of your IM Corona, leading to weak ignition or permanent valve damage over time.
How long does an im corona lighter last?
Lighters made by im corona are known for their durability and long service life. With proper care—using quality butane and replacing the flint when needed—the Double Corona and Old Boy can last for many years or even decades. The lighter’s mechanical flint ignition and solid metal construction are designed to be maintained over time rather than replaced.
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About Last Manner
Known for their carefully curated gifts made by expert craftspeople from around the world, Last Manner has been the home for sophisticated, boutique luxury accessories since 2023.
