Greetings Pipers! I have seen many posts asking questions about these two lighters, and given that I own both I thought I’d share what I’ve learned. My opinions are specific to the two lighters I own and your own experience may differ from mine.
Initial Thoughts
The IM Corona “Old Boy” and the Kiribi Takara are both well-made lighters that feel great in the hand. They each have a premium weight and finish.
IM Corona “Old Boy”
I own the Blue Metallic Lacquer and Chrome version. It was the first premium lighter I bought. At the time I found it on Amazon for $140 USD. I haven’t had any issues with the lighter so far. While I always have a tamper with me, I almost never have a pick tool so there are times that I really appreciate the built-in tamper/pick.
Kiribi Takara
I own the Takara Black dual-flame angled pipe lighter. I’ve admired the aesthetic for a while and decided I deserved a good qualtiy ‘backup’ lighter. I found it on Amazon with 20 replacement flints for $110 USD ($104 USD without). I like the design with the embossed Kiribi “K” and giant squid (as my avatar will attest). The nozzle cover is larger than the Corona’s, and with the extended “Samurai Helm Wing” lever, the mechanism feels a bit bulkier overall. It functions identically to the Corona however — just a design difference. I haven’t noticed any difference between its dual-flame vs the Corona — both light pretty much identically and well. I haven’t had any issues with the Takara so far except that when the refill nozzle screw is removed, the bottom plate falls off. Doesn’t affect operation of course, and feels completely solid when reassembled, just a difference from the Corona.
I’ve seen a few videos where people think the Kiribi is awkward to light, and they have to turn it around in their hand during the process. I don’t find this to be the case at all — from the photo below, you can hopefully see that my index finger drapes over the lever. A downward swipe with the finger and then my thumb comes across to activate the flint wheel. Smooth and easy with a little practice and no lighter turning gymnastics needed (also has a nice ‘fidget factor’).
Conclusion
I use both equally and love them both. They will both go about two weeks between refills with my daily use. I really don’t think you can go wrong with either. It mostly comes down to style preference — art-deco vs Japanese — and of course the $35 price difference.
Initial Thoughts
The IM Corona “Old Boy” and the Kiribi Takara are both well-made lighters that feel great in the hand. They each have a premium weight and finish.
IM Corona “Old Boy”
I own the Blue Metallic Lacquer and Chrome version. It was the first premium lighter I bought. At the time I found it on Amazon for $140 USD. I haven’t had any issues with the lighter so far. While I always have a tamper with me, I almost never have a pick tool so there are times that I really appreciate the built-in tamper/pick.
Kiribi Takara
I own the Takara Black dual-flame angled pipe lighter. I’ve admired the aesthetic for a while and decided I deserved a good qualtiy ‘backup’ lighter. I found it on Amazon with 20 replacement flints for $110 USD ($104 USD without). I like the design with the embossed Kiribi “K” and giant squid (as my avatar will attest). The nozzle cover is larger than the Corona’s, and with the extended “Samurai Helm Wing” lever, the mechanism feels a bit bulkier overall. It functions identically to the Corona however — just a design difference. I haven’t noticed any difference between its dual-flame vs the Corona — both light pretty much identically and well. I haven’t had any issues with the Takara so far except that when the refill nozzle screw is removed, the bottom plate falls off. Doesn’t affect operation of course, and feels completely solid when reassembled, just a difference from the Corona.
I’ve seen a few videos where people think the Kiribi is awkward to light, and they have to turn it around in their hand during the process. I don’t find this to be the case at all — from the photo below, you can hopefully see that my index finger drapes over the lever. A downward swipe with the finger and then my thumb comes across to activate the flint wheel. Smooth and easy with a little practice and no lighter turning gymnastics needed (also has a nice ‘fidget factor’).
Conclusion
I use both equally and love them both. They will both go about two weeks between refills with my daily use. I really don’t think you can go wrong with either. It mostly comes down to style preference — art-deco vs Japanese — and of course the $35 price difference.