Developed from the improvised trench lighters of World War I, the THORENS Trench Series traces its origins to a time when reliability was not optional. Early soldiers fashioned fire sources from spent shell casings and discarded materials, creating durable, refillable lighters capable of functioning in wind, cold, and unstable conditions.
Today, THORENS refines this historic concept through precision engineering and disciplined mechanical design.
Cylindrical or oval in form and crafted primarily from solid brass or copper, every lighter in the Trench Series features a signature sliding storm guard. By lifting the central stem or ring, the cap rises to expose the rope wick and flint wheel; striking the wheel produces ignition, while pushing the cap back down immediately extinguishes the flame. This simple, deliberate motion defines the entire series.
Fueled by standard lighter fluid or kerosene, and shipped without fuel in accordance with regulations, the Trench Series is fully refillable and built for long-term use. The storm guard shields the flame from wind, ensuring dependable performance in outdoor, survival, and everyday carry situations.
What began as a battlefield necessity has become a refined mechanical object—valued today for its vintage character, reliability, and enduring functionality. Whether carried as an EDC item, used in outdoor environments, or collected as a modern interpretation of a historic form, the THORENS Trench Series remains true to its origins: reliable fire, shaped by structure.
A lighter born in the trenches. Engineered for everyday carry.
