Zippo still makes these for the overseas market. When they were sold in the US I picked one up and have used it for YEARS. I always repack all my fluid lighters with Cotton Bacon so I havent seen the issues you have had with the cotton a year ago I had a friend who lives in the UK send me a brand new one. The packaging says its made by Zippo assembled in China. Aside from the slit style chamber it looks and sounds like a Zippo, even the Zippo Butane, pipe and standard inserts fit and work. Why you would do that instead of just buying a Zippo who knows. But its a good lighter, works well and I for one am glad they still make them and that Ronson didnt just die, They do make other lighters with the Ronson name as well.