KINGZENDO JOURNAL · LIGHTER REVIEW
S.T. Dupont Ligne 1 Review: Is the Reborn Classic Worth Buying?
The Maison’s first luxury-lighter icon returns with new proportions, a double soft flame, and an officially celebrated Cling.
Product image: S.T. Dupont
Quick Verdict
Yes—if you want S.T. Dupont heritage, a genuine Cling, and a dense but compact soft-flame lighter. The reborn Ligne 1 feels more purposeful than a fashion reissue: it preserves the vertical guilloché and cap ritual while improving hand presence. Skip it if you need windproof performance, a torch, or purely practical value.
Relaunched in 2025, the new Ligne 1 revisits the Maison’s first luxury lighter with slightly larger proportions while remaining its smallest traditional prestige model. It sits between the lighter Initial and the more established Ligne 2—not merely in size, but in personality.
New S.T. Dupont Ligne 1 Specifications
| Feature | Official specification | Review takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 51 × 37 × 12mm | Compact, but wider and more substantial than Initial. |
| Weight | 130g | Dense, jewel-like feel without Le Grand bulk. |
| Construction | Brass | Provides reassuring mass and cap resonance. |
| Flame | Double yellow soft flame | Wide, gentle heat for indoor cigar lighting. |
| Opening sound | Official “Cling” | A major reason to choose it over Initial. |
| Refills | Red gas 900435; black flint 900601 | Use the specified genuine consumables. |
Design: Heritage Without Looking Old
The strongest element is proportion. At 51mm tall, the Ligne 1 remains visually compact, yet its 130g weight creates the satisfying contradiction collectors expect from a luxury lighter: small object, serious presence. Rounded lower corners soften the geometry, while the vertical guilloché cap adds grip and a direct link to the original design language.
Full-metal gold or palladium finishes emphasize engraving and shine. Black lacquer versions feel more formal, using the bright cap and trim as architectural accents. All are fingerprint-prone, but the contrast makes careful handling part of the ritual rather than a chore.
Flame: Elegant and Cigar-Friendly
The twin yellow flames spread heat more evenly than a single soft flame. For cigars, this supports a patient toast with less risk of scorching one section of the foot. Rotate the cigar above the flame and let the heat work gradually.
The tradeoff is predictable: this is not a windproof lighter. Outdoors, a Maxijet or Biggy is more dependable, and a large ring gauge takes longer than with a torch. Indoors, however, the softer heat and flint ignition feel entirely appropriate to the Ligne 1’s character.
The Cling Is Part of the Purchase
Unlike the current Initial, the reborn Ligne 1 is officially promoted with the famous opening “Cling.” S.T. Dupont describes it as a pure, precise acoustic signature, and it gives the cap movement an emotional payoff before ignition. Individual pitch can vary slightly with finish, grip, and surroundings, but the sound is a designed feature—not an accidental ping.
Collector’s perspective: Do not repeatedly snap the cap only to demonstrate the sound. Enjoy the mechanism normally, keep the hinge clean, and avoid attempting home adjustments that could affect alignment or warranty.
Who Is the Reborn Ligne 1 For?
Buy It If
You value compact proportions, French manufacture, classic guilloché, a double soft flame, and a true S.T. Dupont sound ritual.
Skip It If
You light mainly outdoors, want a jet flame, dislike polished surfaces, or judge a lighter only by utility per dollar.
Which Finish Should You Choose?
The gold vertical-guilloché Ligne 1 makes the heritage most visible. The palladium vertical-line model is cooler and more discreet, while the black lacquer and gold edition delivers the strongest evening-dress contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the S.T. Dupont Ligne 1 relaunched?
S.T. Dupont relaunched the redesigned Ligne 1 in 2025 with slightly larger proportions while keeping it compact.
Does the new Ligne 1 make the famous Cling?
Yes. The current Ligne 1 is officially designed and marketed with S.T. Dupont’s famous Cling when the cap opens.
What flame does the new Ligne 1 use?
It uses a double yellow soft flame, offering broad, gentle heat for controlled indoor cigar or cigarette lighting.
Is the Ligne 1 suitable for cigars?
Yes. Its twin soft flames toast a cigar gently, although outdoor wind and very large ring gauges favor a torch.
What fuel and flint does Ligne 1 require?
Current models specify S.T. Dupont red gas REF 900435 and black flint REF 900601. Check your manual before ordering.
Is Ligne 1 better than Ligne 2?
Ligne 1 is smaller and heritage-focused; Ligne 2 offers its own iconic proportions and broader collector history. Preference decides.