I've had mine since February 2019. It needs the occasional cleaning to remove flint dust and butane gunk. Other than that, 0 issues. It is a purely indoor lighter though. It will not stand any wind, or breeze, or strong fan.
I was gifted a Kiribi Kabuto about five years ago. It’s worked perfectly, but has really seen little use. I’ve got too many other lighters that I like better, mostly just for their looks. The Dunhill Unique tops the list, with the little Sylph coming in a close second, followed by a Rollagas of any vintage. The S.T. DuPont (real) and S.T. DuPont Tribute (fake) are all equally enjoyable to handle and use. The IM Corona Old Boy is hands down the most reliable. If I had to choose only one lighter, that would be it.
Mine functioned fine, but the darned screw where the arm pivots has come loose frequently. I've been using a 1990s Dunhill Rollagas for a few years now and haven't looked back.
Glad I ran across this thread. Was considering one of these but having wasted 40-ish bucks a couple times, I'd pretty much given up on budget grade pipe lighters. Someday I'll buy a Corona or something but Bics and the refillable Clippers are doing just fine for now. Not being a surgeon, I only rarely require a scalpel.
Bought one last year and only used it a few dozen times. The gas nozzle turns on its own - seemingly in connection with igniting. Have to use needle nose pliars to realign it on a regular basis.
I wouldn't recommend. Have a couple of IM Coronas and a few zippos that I prefer and would recommend.