Abstract: A lighter comprising a gas receptacle for containing a compressed gas; a housing; a gas release means; an ignition means for igniting gas released by the gas release means from the gas receptacle; an actuation means for actuating the gas release means; and a safety mechanism having a locked position in which the safety mechanism prevents the actuating means from actuating the gas release means, and an unlocked position in which the safety mechanism allows the actuating means to actuate the gas release means; wherein the actuating means includes an actuating lever having an underside with a recess formed therein, a depression of which actuates the gas release means and wherein the safety mechanism comprises an outwardly extending locking arm when the safety mechanism is in the locked position abuts a nonrecessed portion of the underside of the lever and thereby prevents a depression of the actuating lever and thus preventing the actuation of the gas release means, but which, when the safety mechanism is in the