In the 1960’s, S.T. Dupont introduced their first iteration of the classic flip top soft flame lighter called the Ligne (it is actually spelled this way and is not “line”) lighter. That lighter is now known as the Ligne 1 and is no longer in production and serves a collection piece. It was replaced by the Ligne 2 in 1973, which is still on sale today and is perhaps one of the most sought-after lighters in the world.
Ligne 2 was created in collaboration between S.T. Dupont and jeweler Jean Dinh Van. The idea for the lighter came from S.T. Dupont founder Andre Dupont, who thought that luxury craftsmanship on a lighter of this caliber was something that would push the brand to new levels, and he was correct. S.T. Dupont already had a reputation as a quality French luxury goods maker who had exceptional cigarette lighters. But the Ligne 2 was something bolder than anything else the company ever had produced.
Unlike many of the torch lighters, which are still top notch compared to competition, S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 lighters are made by hand in Paris, France from the highest quality materials that have given them a reputation not only as a status symbol but a symbol of dependability and quality. In addition, there is a metal plate inside the lid of every Ligne 2 (and now Le Grand) lighter that perhaps gives the lighter its signature distinction of desire above all else – the perfect ping. Like the sound of a Ferrari rolling down the street, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t stopped and looked around in a cigar lounge when that famous sound appears out of thin air with the usual “was that a Dupont?” look.
Under the Lid
The Ligne 2 is created by starting with a block of brass that is machined into what becomes the base core of the lighter. The lighter is then polished, coated and (depending on the design) the final aesthetics are put in place. The appointments, or supporting parts, are then installed by hand, much like a Swiss watch is assembled. The lighter has two ports on the bottom, one is the fuel fill point where there is a removable protection cap that is also fitted with a colored dot inside that identifies which of S.T. DuPont’s fuel types they recommend in the lighter. Most if not all Ligne 2 lighters use the “red” fuel today. There also will be a serial number unique to that lighter engraved on the bottom of the lighter between these two ports.
Much like other luxury goods, there are replicas and fakes of these lighters out there so always verify the serial number before purchasing from anyone not authorized by S.T. Dupont. Lastly, there is a star screw that when removed, will lift the outer shell off of the core for servicing the internals. I DO NOT recommend ever opening this lighter unless you have any kind of professional service experience. In the United States, Art Brown International in New York services these lighters – let them do it.
Inside the lighter under the finish plate behind the burner, there is a tab that opens the flint tray. This is where the lighting flint is installed which is then pushed against the flint wheel where it creates the perfect light every time. The flint tray can take some getting used to closing, but not something that needs to be stressed about. I would like to point out I have tried to use other flints and most of the ones I have tried didn’t fit or work well. I always use the S.T. Dupont brand flints because it is just easier for me, and I always know they will work so I do recommend buying these. Another question I get asked a lot is how often do you need to change the flint? I use a Ligne 2 every day, and I change it maybe once or twice a year. If you use yours more casually and less often, you might change it ever few years.
One thing I want to stop and mention here, even if S.T. Dupont might not like me saying it – regarding the fuel, S.T. Dupont gives you a two-year limited warranty with all of their products from the date of purchase. If you send it in for service for a warranty repair during this time and S.T. Dupont fuel (which has a dye in it) is not found it will technically void your warranty. Having said that – you can use whatever butane fuel you wish when using these lighters. I have always used other branded fuel in mine as it is more affordable and available.
Another noticeable attribute to these lighters I would like to point out is also one of the things that has become a dead giveaway when a fake is spotted, as many fakes do not feature this effect. When the flame is lit it will feature two flame strands, not one. Many fakes will sport just one flame strand and a true Ligne 2 will have two. The higher the fuel is set for and the larger the flame is, the more it stands out. Needless to say, at a smaller flame setting it may be more muted, but I assure you it’s there.
The Ligne 2 weighs approximately 4.9 ounces based on the all metal Monogram collection Ligne 2 I used for weighing. Some models may weigh more or less depending on the number of aesthetic enhancements, but most should be around the same. This is a good weight for something you carry around in your pocket but also remember, at its core it is solid brass. The only lighter that weighs more is the Le Grand which is very similar but is slightly larger and has a single hidden jet flame in addition to the soft flame. Ligne 2 is just shy of 2.5″ tall, 1.5″ wide and 5/16″ of an inch thick.
Pricing and Availability
The interesting thing with this portion of the review is unlike 99% of the stuff we review on here there is a very wide range of possibility here. The most affordable model currently available on the S.T. Dupont website and I assume any retailer who has it in stock is $1,150. However, there are many models of the Ligne 2. At its core, they are all the same. The only thing that really sets them apart from each other is the aesthetic design. Therefore, it is hard for me to give a top end range marker since there are Ligne 2 lighters that have sold for as much as $129,950 according to vice-president of sales at Coles of London Les Mann. These models are incredibly rare and made in extremely small quantities.
Some of them do not feature the Chinese lacquer that has also become a staple to their identity. Some have it just on the body and then some have it on the body and the lid. This lacquer is also done by hand and adds a significant cost too. One exception to the physical shape and core identity is the new Fire X collection which does have a Ligne 2 however it is slightly smaller, and the body isn’t symmetrical, it has a concave “X” design pattern on the shell that gives it a different identity than most Ligne 2 models.
Others feature some of all of these characteristics as well but specific to a brand or company as S.T. Dupon is also known for their many collaborations. Last year, they collaborated with Padron to release a commemorative 60th Anniversary collection to go alongside the Padron 60th Anniversary cigar. This year at PCA 2025, S.T. Dupont will be unveiling an Opus X limited edition collection, done in collaboration with the Fuente family which will feature multiple models of products from S.T. Dupont.
At the end of the day, buy what you can afford but remember this, this is not only a lighter but a work of art. You also get what you pay for, something I really cannot stress enough, nor that I can say for everyone. This lighter will last you a lifetime and if maintained and taken care of, your child’s lifetime when you pass it down to them. If you ever have any issues with it, it can be sent it for certified service where it can be cleaned up and repaired. One thing I will add to that is most models use a palladium plating and cannot be repolished as it will remove the finish and reapplying the finish usually isn’t worth the cost. But that is where the leather case comes in to focus, and I recommend you buy one. I dropped my first Ligne 2 a few times and gave it some beauty marks before I learned my lesson.
Performance Notes
This section of the review might be one of the shortest. Then again what else can I say about it; it is a simple soft flame lighter. What I can say is you flick the lid open, listen to it ping and then roll the flint strike with your thumb to the left, which seems the most natural way anyhow. It will not strike if you roll it to the right. Another thing to keep in mind is once the lid is open, the gas is flowing. I mention this specifically because there is something I see happen too often and I cringe when it does. People will ask to borrow my lighter to light a cigar and then notice it is a Ligne 2 and stop to look at it. They flip the lid open and then continue to examine all while gas is flowing out. Then sometimes they get distracted by a third party grabbing their attention and they begin to converse all while that lid is still open for a few minutes emptying my gas. Thanks guys.
In regard to how much fuel it holds, the short answer is probably enough for plenty of cigars and/or relights. I refill mine probably once a week and I smoke a fair number of cigars being a full-time cigar blogger. I never feel like I am always worrying about fuel unless I am in multiple situations like I just mentioned above, and I am not near a fuel can. But that is not a constant issue.
The only other issue I have ever had, and this was something specific to only one lighter that saw plenty of use was the ping flap. The flap in the lid is held in by a single brass crew. This screw became loose and over time I continued to tighten it back up, which wore the screw down a little and I had to have it replaced. But I chalk that up to excessive wear and tear. It was annoying yes, but not something that appeared remotely close to when it first come out of the box. I mention this because it is a small issue that could happen but is easily replaced during standard servicing.
Another thing I like about the Ligne 2 which isn’t really specifically a pro for this one lighter, but it is a soft flame lighter. Therefore, due to the fact there is no torch on it, by law it is legally allowed to be carried on an airplane per FAA guidelines. Yes, I travel with my Ligne 2 lighters. Yes, I have been stopped by TSA at security, and yes, they dig through my backpack looking for the lighter. Finally, yes, they are not familiar with it and ask me to operate it, where I ping it open and roll the flint. As soon as they see that soft flame they send me on my way with a thumbs up. There is some debate over whether this is as easy with the Le Grand lighter, where the single jet is “hidden”, and one could argue can easily fool the agents by only striking the soft flame when having this encounter. But I would rather just stick to the Ligne 2 and not even worry about it.
The twin flames provide me with plenty of flame to slow roast the cigar and light it slow, one of the reasons I enjoy the soft flame to begin with. As long as you know how to use a jet or a soft flame it really just comes down to preference. But in my experience, I have also just enjoyed the soft flame better with my cigars. I keep my flame strength set at around 80-85%. Not quite all the way but enough to get most of the power I need for heat. If I was smoking a much larger ring gauge such as a 60 or above, I might reach for a torch as it is a little easier but if not, I would simply turn the flame strength all the way up and use that. Otherwise, this lighter will light everything you throw at it.
The extra weight might take getting used to, but it is slim enough and will sit in your pock very well. I much prefer it over the Le Grand again for this reason as the Le Grand is just that much more where it can begin to feel cumbersome.
Purchase recommendation: Start a collection
Smokin Facts
- S.T. Dupont/Coles of London advertises with Smokin Tabacco, but that has no weight on scoring
- Some lighters were loaned to Smokin Tabacco for photos by Coles of London
- Originally released in 1973, but minor refreshes have happened over the years
- It is made in France and not China like most of the torch lighters
- Comes with a standard two-year factory warranty
- S.T. Dupont recommends the “Red” fuel refill (Sold Separately)
- There is a leather case available for these (Sold Separately)
- The Slimmy was designed to appear like the Ligne 2 but has a single flat flame and doesn’t open.
- This review does not qualify Ligne 2 for Accessory of the Year since the model in itself (not aesthetic model) is not new
Smokin Wrap
As I have said before, it is an S.T. Dupont lighter and you’re going to get your money’s worth. It is very hard to find anything to complain about, this is cut and dry and I have no issues with it. This is one of those lighters where when you buy it, it will always feel special. Of course, if you continue to love it like I do you will just start a collection of them which is easier than you think given just how many different variants there are, and they seem to hold their value very well. I would recommend a case for this lighter though to protect it from scratches and dings. These are heavy and if dropped, will drop with more force than say a Maxijet. Take care of this lighter and it will always take care of you. This is one of those things you add to your final Will to leave to someone else. They are a testament to quality craftsmanship rivaled by no one in the category.
For a company whose new slogan is “Shake Up the Legacy”, one could argue that they already have. With respect to the other accessory manufacturers, there are great everyday lighters from great brands such as Xikar, Palio, Visol, Colibri and more. To compare this lighter to those isn’t fair as those products and this one are on two different levels. Those companies make great products for the price point and space, and I want to make sure that is clear. Zippos use lighter fluid which isn’t clean fuel and will affect the taste of your cigar. I only made that mistake as a rookie once many moons ago and I will never do it again. Which leaves only one close competitor who is also from France – Elie Bleu, who doesn’t have anything like this in their portfolio. They should honestly stick to humidors anyway as that is what they do best.
