Like many who have responded, this is the torch on which I learned. A friend of mine uses nothing but the Hoke, because she learned on it.
Go to this url to see the torch I learned on:
I work in a lab in Rome, Italy with two colleagues. We have a Smith
torch and a propane-oxygen torch for casting. Two jewelers have the
water-hydrogen electrolitic torch at their bench and we all three
have the Scialemon (photo).
I have never seen an acetylene torch in a lab in Italy.
Lois
www.loismartens.com