Started with matches. I have gone through many cheap lighters, and have settled on a Zippo pipe lighter for an everyday lighter; it lights in all types of wind, and has a cooler (safer) flame than a butane lighter. It is also eay to center the flame in the bowl, and with even just a small amount of care will prevent you from charring the rim of your pipe. The only drawback is the constant refilling they seem to need. I use a Dunhill Unique for my main "indoor" lighter; built like a Rolex watch, it is darn near bulletproof, and will outlast me.