Help with ID on a Zippo Knife and it’s intended use…

jmj3esq

jmj3esq

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I picked up this small stainless steel Zippo pocket knife at a flea market for $8. It has a thin design and a sharp hollow ground quasi-Wharncliffe blade. What is particularly confusing is that it has 2 back locks. One for the cutting blade and one to secure a short pointed removable spike of some sort. I can’t find a model number or any other ID info. Its my understanding that Zippo Knives are made by Case and it is stamped "Bradford PA on the blade. Does anybody have anything on this knife or the intended use of the removable spike? Maybe it’s just supposed to be attached to a key chain or lanyard, or to maintain your Zippo lighter?


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Looks like it would be handy to flip up the felt thing on the bottom of the lighter, and to unscrew the spring that holds the flint in. You could also attach the hole to your belt with some kind of lanyard and then unlock that part to remove the knife when you want to use it. I’m just guessing based on looking at it though and the context.
 
Referred to as "Z-Twin" knives, there were two sizes. They appear on page 51 of the 1999 catalog- https://www.zippocatalogs.com/files/pdf/us/Zippo_1999_Complete_Line_Collection_US.pdf

Unfortunately there is no description in the catalogs, only model numbers and prices. On a retail site I read the little part described as a detachable keyring, but it sure looks like it could be used as a screwdriver to remove the flint screw (pic below).

The last catalog year I see the Z-Twin knives listed in is 2002.

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I found a 2002 Zippo promotional catalog with a more detailed description of the Z-Twin knife (page 7), including a variety of suggested uses for the detachable part. Here's a link to the catalog - https://welovezippo.com/zippo-collection-promotional-products-catalog-2002/

Here is what it says regarding the piece-

"Z-Twin Features

Quick-release implement can be used to:

* Untangle Knots
* Reset recessed electronic buttons
* Repair nets
* Repair torn sails and sports gear
* Remove staples
* Attach to key ring with optional split ring"

This is the best I could do picture wise. Page 7-

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"Zipo" and with a little tool . . .does it have anything to do with smoking a cigar or pipe?
 
Cool, never seen those before. Had a couple of the lockbacks the kids like them more than me so they have them now
 
killgar said:
I found a 2002 Zippo promotional catalog with a more detailed description of the Z-Twin knife (page 7), including a variety of suggested uses for the detachable part. Here's a link to the catalog - https://welovezippo.com/zippo-collection-promotional-products-catalog-2002/

Here is what it says regarding the piece-

"Z-Twin Features

Quick-release implement can be used to:

* Untangle Knots
* Reset recessed electronic buttons
* Repair nets
* Repair torn sails and sports gear
* Remove staples
* Attach to key ring with optional split ring"

This is the best I could do picture wise. Page 7-

qtM8eg6.jpg
Click to expand...
Awesome that you could dig this up. Thank you.

It's pretty funny to me that they apparently created this random little removable "tool" then list a bunch of random tasks you could do with it......and none of them including maintenance on a zippo lighter. Someone dropped the ball in the marketing department. 😁 😆
 
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