Lighters: Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Short Black Nickel

Product Number: 001-068-0199

Along with the katana, the kabuto (winged battle helm) boasts an integral association with the pre-Meiji Restoration samurai class. While the inspiration for the Kiribi shapes all hail directly from the zenith of Art Deco, the Kabuto also incorporates an homage to this tradition within the gesture of the wing-like cap toggle — a direct reference to the fukigaeshi (crescent like wings on the side of the kabuto)

Though distinctly retro-chic on the outside, your new Kabuto Short sports a state-of-the-art modernist design, technology, and cutting-edge innovations within. It features:

  • compact, convenient size for easy transport
  • angled flame design that offers a convenient and more gentle light for your pipe
  • hinge spring made of a special polymer that is far more resilient to fatigue than steel
  • single tank construction of amazing fuel capacity
  • 100% hand assembled in Japan
  • sturdy brass, steel, and nickel construction

Your lighter, like your choice of cuff-links or writing pen, communicates much about your discerning tastes to others. Let your new Kiribi Kabuto Short do some of the talking, others will get the message.

Available in red sateen, understated black matte, elegant silver satin, or the modernist black nickel that is presently on your screen.

Your Price

$94.00
$117.50
Not so fast! In the "Choose one" section below, Pick an options before adding to your cart.

Ask a question about this product.

Customer Reviews
Overall Rating:
4.7
10 reviews
Awesome Lighter. Want another.
March 08, 2022
Product: Lighters Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Short Black Nickel
I actually didn’t warm up to it for 6 months or so. It was too heavy to carry as I like to so still use a Bic out and about but this one has stayed outside for months with no wear noticeable. It lights beautifully and love the fin to flip it open. No more burnt thumbs. Can’t go wrong with one. It took a while to decide between this and an IM Corona. Very happy with this....Read More
Workhorse
December 12, 2021
Product: Lighters Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Short Black Nickel
This little lighter packs a big punch. Solid and dependable workhorse.
High class! High quality!
July 31, 2021
Product: Lighters Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Short Black Nickel
I don't know why I've never owned a lighter like this before. Always been a Zippo guy. This craftsman ship on this lighter is great. It feels so hefty and refined in the hand. Love the adjustable flame. So far, works great. I've read that it needs the screws tightened every once and I while, no issue, I love maintaining things.

Update: after a few months of use, I've found I have to strike the flint at least 5 times to get this thing lit. Plenty of Flint/spark, butane is full, carbon deposits have been cleaned off nozzle. Thinking I may send it in for warranty repair.
...Read More
Perfect stubby
December 27, 2020
Product: Lighters Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Short Black Nickel
I've had my Kiribi for about 2 years now and it has held up nicely using multiple times a day. I clean the valve area every month or so with simple 91% alcohol... The only issues I have ever had was the first few weeks I used the lighter while using CHEAP butane... This lighter demands high grade gas, I suggest Xikar High Alt'. after the switch it runs flawlessly!...Read More
Fourth Kiribi Lighter
February 06, 2021
Product: Lighters Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Short Black Nickel
I have had Kiribi lighters in the past and they all worked perfectly until they are dropped. After they are dropped once they never work the same and I always seemed to drop mine out of warranty. I have never owned the compact version until now and really like how it fits the hand and is easy to manipulate. As always the Kiribi shows excellent workmanship and lights every time. This lighter is highly recommended!...Read More
Great quality... but...
April 17, 2020
Product: Lighters Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Short Black Nickel
This Kiribi Kabuto Short was a wish list item for me for quite a while. I finally decided to take a few dollars from my "foolin' around money" and treat myself to what I hoped would be an upgrade from matches, a beloved Zippo, and thumb-toasting Bics. The finish of the black nickel is dark and deep and at the same time looks both contemporary and timeless. The construction quality is great, and has a solid feel in hand. After a week of constant everyday carry, all the screws are still tight and the flame adjustment is right where I set it. The sound of the cap opening and closing is really satisfying as well. The little wing is pretty handy. The angled flame makes a huge difference in lighting up a pipe. I was skeptical, but I'm now a true believer. And no noticeable flavor imparted on the tobacco. Carbon tends to build up quickly, but that's addressed with a quick swipe of a pipe cleaner now and then. There's a couple good "Daily Reader" posts about cleaning, maintaining and adjusting these lighters, so take a look if you haven't already. Really a satisfying lighter with one little quibble... The size is pretty awkward for me. I bought the Short with the thought that it would be a little bit handier for everyday carry than the full sized Kabuto, and it is that. Since the size isn't listed in the description I'll post it here for other buyers: 2-3/16" Tall 1-1/8" Wide 7/16" Deep (Thick) That's the height and thickness of a Zippo... just a bit narrower. This is what I assumed and was hoping for, but wasn't sure at the time I placed my order. Zippos are a perfect sized pocket lighter, so the Kaboto Short should be perfect too, yeah? Not for me. A Zippo is opened, closed and the flint wheel struck with your thumb without really any change in hand position. Your index and middle fingers have a sure grip on the lighter body and your thumb does all the work - swings the cap *CLINK*, strikes the wheel *SHICK*, then closes the cap *CHUNK*. The Kabuto has that nifty wing to open the cap. With the direction the flint wheel needs to be turned to spark, for a right-hander this puts the wing right at your index finger. So you click open the cap with your pointer on the wing, then strike the wheel with your thumb. That leaves just your middle finger gripping the body of the lighter against the meat of your hand. And you need to rotate the lighter to get the flame to the bowl. I keep dropping the damn thing! Ha. There just isn't enough lighter to grab and I have fairly average-sized hands. I've even taken to practicing (I kid you not!) with the lighter to try to get used to the mechanics and build some muscle memory, but I still drop this lighter fairly often. Occasionally when driving. In my lap. While it's lit... Overall I really like this lighter. But the size is awkward for me. I really wish I had bought a full-size Kabuto, a Takara, or the slim Kenshi. Live and learn. I'm truly impressed with Kiribi so I'm sure one of the others will come along eventually. Once my "foolin' around money" account has been replenished. Until then I'll keep practicing and hoping I don't set my lap on fire in the truck....Read More
Great Lighter
December 08, 2019
Product: Lighters Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Short Black Nickel
I've had mine for about two months now and use it every day. I was using my Zippo and disposable Bic lighters before and the 90 degree angle on the flame is a real game changer. The small size is very comfortable to carry in a pocket, but still substantial in the hand to make lighting easy. Good quality construction and a 2 year warranty. If you're even looking at this review right now, do yourself a favor and get one of these....Read More
Love it!
March 18, 2018
Product: Lighters Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Short Black Nickel
I've been using this pipe nearly every day since I got it and I couldn't be happier. The fuel capacity is much better than I expected and it's very easy to use. I smoke outside on my porch and was tired of going through half a dozen matches trying to fight the wind to light my pipe every time I wanted to smoke and this pipe does very well starting lit even with moderate wind. It's not as good at staying lit as my zippo but it doesn't leak out all of its fuel every couple of days or make my tobacco taste bad so it's not even a question of which lighter I grab when going outside now....Read More
Awesome Lighter
January 02, 2018
Product: Lighters Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Short Black Nickel
I've had the Kiribi Kabuto Short for some time now, and it has been nothing short of a reliable lighter. It fills easy, and carries lightly in your pocket. I bought mine in the Black Nickel finish.
Excellent
January 26, 2018
Product: Lighters Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Short Black Nickel
Great lighter for the price. I recenlty bought this because my xicar failed. It has remained reliable and the adjustment is easy.