Let's start with a fundamental statement: "the temperature at which a pipe is lit will make a significant difference to the taste of the tobacco and may even cause damage to the pipe itself." If you don't agree with the fundamental statement, then it really makes little difference whether you use a match or a torch to light your pipe, since you believe that neither the taste of the tobacco will be affected, nor will you be risking any danger damage to the pipe itself. Alternately, you may believe that prudent lighting technique is more important, and it is possible to use a torch with impunity.
Why is this important? Because different lighting fuels burn at different temperatures, and the difference is not insignificant. In terms of fuel temperature, we have, in this order:
Wooden matches/hemp string
Zippo or other fuel lighters
Butane lighters
Torch lighters
Both the butane and the butane torch burn at significantly higher temperatures. Whether you use a Bic or an Old Boy, the fuel will burn at approximately 1,970 °C, more than 1000 degrees hotter than a Zippo, while the torch will burn at approximately 2600 °C. By way of contrast, the Zippo lighter will burn approximately 150 degrees hotter than a wooden match. I was unable to find a precise temperature for the hemp string because every site is a marijuana related site, and while they start off with the basic question, they wander off in all sorts of irrelevant directions. Guess they're getting something from their smoking that we're not.
It's a good idea to read the article by Neill Archer Roan referenced by number6 (above,) as it reflects his experience with different fuels. My own preference is to use wooden matches and hemp string, as I believe that the cooler flame tends to destroy less of the volatile flavor compounds present in the tobacco, and has less of a tendency to damage the rim/bowl through careless use. Of course, I also have--and use--a Zippo, a Nimrod Commander, and a Nimrod Sportsman. Love 'em all. And for certain social occasions, I pull out my Old Boy, because it looks super cool.
Returning to my fundamental statement, the extent to which you believe it to be true will have a bearing on your choice of a lighting method.
Why is this important? Because different lighting fuels burn at different temperatures, and the difference is not insignificant. In terms of fuel temperature, we have, in this order:
Wooden matches/hemp string
Zippo or other fuel lighters
Butane lighters
Torch lighters
Both the butane and the butane torch burn at significantly higher temperatures. Whether you use a Bic or an Old Boy, the fuel will burn at approximately 1,970 °C, more than 1000 degrees hotter than a Zippo, while the torch will burn at approximately 2600 °C. By way of contrast, the Zippo lighter will burn approximately 150 degrees hotter than a wooden match. I was unable to find a precise temperature for the hemp string because every site is a marijuana related site, and while they start off with the basic question, they wander off in all sorts of irrelevant directions. Guess they're getting something from their smoking that we're not.
It's a good idea to read the article by Neill Archer Roan referenced by number6 (above,) as it reflects his experience with different fuels. My own preference is to use wooden matches and hemp string, as I believe that the cooler flame tends to destroy less of the volatile flavor compounds present in the tobacco, and has less of a tendency to damage the rim/bowl through careless use. Of course, I also have--and use--a Zippo, a Nimrod Commander, and a Nimrod Sportsman. Love 'em all. And for certain social occasions, I pull out my Old Boy, because it looks super cool.
Returning to my fundamental statement, the extent to which you believe it to be true will have a bearing on your choice of a lighting method.
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