Eleven pages is too much to read about matches or lighters. I tend to use the little Sidekick pipe lighters. Its basically a bic with a directed flame that will shoot a soft flame down in the pipe. They are refilable and less than 2 bucks. Maybe I will give matches another try for initial lights and see if I care to bother. For down in the bowl the sidekick is handy.
Matches vs. Lighters
- Thread starter STP
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I got this Old Boy as a Christmas gift a couple yrs ago. Its flame is similar to a match. As such, it doesn’t do well outdoors if breezy. I still like how dependable it is, and could go weeks, or even months, without use and it always lights. All of these flame sources have their positives and negatives aspects, but it’s nice to have a choice.
Zippo lighters are just plain fun to use.
The look, feel, sound, and smell.
Cases are available in steel, brass, scrimshaw, etc.
Many cool graphic designs to choose from on the cases.
Pipe lighter inserts are available in both silver and gold plate.
Replace the felt bottom with an airtight rubber gasket, which also holds a spare flint.
The look, feel, sound, and smell.
Cases are available in steel, brass, scrimshaw, etc.
Many cool graphic designs to choose from on the cases.
Pipe lighter inserts are available in both silver and gold plate.
Replace the felt bottom with an airtight rubber gasket, which also holds a spare flint.
G
Gimlet
Guest
I don't know if the same is true elsewhere in the world, but here in the UK I feel matches are not what they used to be. No matter what the make no match head seems to burn as they once did. I've tried both the venerable Swan Vestas and various brands of longer fire lighting matches and many will go out as soon as the head has flared.
If I tried to use any of them to light my pipe outside I'd probably go through most of the box before I got the pipe going and I'd be leaving a trail of sticks behind me wherever I went. They weren't like that when I first smoked a pipe 30 years ago.
I'm afraid I find Zippos smelly and dirty. OK for lighting cigarettes but I don't fancy them for my pipe. Maybe they're better with Zippo's own fluid but I've no idea where I can buy that where I live and I'm pretty sure you can't send lighter fluid through the regular mail here.
So I'll stick with my Rattrays gas lighter. It eats flints and they're a fiddle to replace, but it does light reliably. (Mind you, it cost £50 so it damn well should do).
If I tried to use any of them to light my pipe outside I'd probably go through most of the box before I got the pipe going and I'd be leaving a trail of sticks behind me wherever I went. They weren't like that when I first smoked a pipe 30 years ago.
I'm afraid I find Zippos smelly and dirty. OK for lighting cigarettes but I don't fancy them for my pipe. Maybe they're better with Zippo's own fluid but I've no idea where I can buy that where I live and I'm pretty sure you can't send lighter fluid through the regular mail here.
So I'll stick with my Rattrays gas lighter. It eats flints and they're a fiddle to replace, but it does light reliably. (Mind you, it cost £50 so it damn well should do).
"I love the smell of kerosene in the morning!"
- Apocalypse Now, with apologies
Matches and wind isn't that hard to deal with unless it's a strong wind that can push you around or what we get here somedays where the wind won't pick a direction to come from and just changes course.
If you cup your right hand in front of the bowl and face the wind you can hold the match box between the pointer and middle finger so only the strike zone is showing. It is a bit awkward at first but it works.
Oh I've been trying to make a video showing how but I haven't made anything I am happy with.
Read what anotherBob wrote above.
It's slightly more difficult in a wind of 5-10 kts. Impossible over 20 kts.
No problem with a "mild wind", certainly not impossible!
H
HRPufnstuf
Guest
I have always used wooden matches or a Zippo. Both will "taint" the flavour of tobacco if you immediately light your pipe but if you let the flame settle for a second or two the "taint" is negligible.
I seldom use either, and a Zippo not for years. Butane in a BiC or Old Boy, FauxPont, etc. don't taint a thing!
It is true that my fingers become soiled with black residue if I handle the top of a Zippo lighter, but I simply wipe my fingers on my necktie and I'm good to go
Pictures, you're joking..... How many neckties do you have??It is true that my fingers become soiled with black residue if I handle the top of a Zippo lighter, but I simply wipe my fingers on my necktie and I'm good to go
Aside for fluid conservators: the main source of fuel disappearance in Zippos is the lack of seal around the lid.
Just the one, classic black.Pictures, you're joking..... How many neckties do you have??
Aside for fluid conservators: the main source of fuel disappearance in Zippos is the lack of seal around the lid.
I find that a rubber gasket at the bottom of my Zippo significantly extends the time between refills.
Well, for funereal scenes, I guesss.....
The rubber gasket should help, but avoids the major source of evaporation.
The rubber gasket should help, but avoids the major source of evaporation.
I have changed opinion since this thread began a few years ago. I primarily use a Beattie jet lighter now.
These lighters were introduced around 1945 and production ended in 1961.
I'm not sure why they ended production as the design is pure genius and perfect for pipe smokers.
You obviously got your hands on a beauty! Congratulations
Completely unused and with complete packaging and jet probe when I got it. The best lighter I've ever used.These lighters were introduced around 1945 and production ended in 1961.
I'm not sure why they ended production as the design is pure genius and perfect for pipe smokers.
You obviously got your hands on a beauty! Congratulations
Matches exclusively, not wanting to burn the rim of the pipe, and yes, outside.