Matches

[music4cash]

I've started using matches to light my pipe, I have found that I get better flavor, right from the start of the smoke. My question is for those of you who use matches have you found any that are better than others...Of course I wouldn't try to light my pipe with paper matches, but other than that are there any particular brands, or types of matches that work better than others? I guess in the end I'm looking for the coolest possible flame.

 

[weezell]

Of course I wouldn't try to light my pipe with paper matches

I must be a heathen. Paper matches are all I use to light my pipes when I'm at home and have for years 8O ...

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

I rarely light my pipe with matches, and when I do I haven't noticed any thing different about the taste. I just use my Bic lighter mostly. I've never had any issues with it, as long as I got one with fuel in it I'm good to go.

 

[texmexpipe]

I've not really found any preference with matches. I do like to use the little longer kitchen matches while at home and will carry a small box if regular one with me if I'm out and about.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I like wooden matches of the size and kind you get from fancy restaurants and bars, ca. 2" long and of pine or fir. I also use paper matches, butane soft and hard flames, never had a taste problem with any. Heat differential is handled by keeping the right distance between flame tip and tobacco.

 

[stickframer]

Heat differential is handled by keeping the right distance between flame tip and tobacco.

This is excellent advice.
My only knock against matches is I keep running out. I never noticed a difference between types of matches or different lighting methods.

 

[smoothsailing]

Original Diamond Wooden stick matches from the Dollar Store, six packs for a dollar.I stay away from the green tipped Diamond matches as they seem to fizzle out instead of lighting.

 

[danhester]

I believe matches generate less heat than even soft flame butane lighters, and I agree they make an excellent choice for lighting pipes and cigars, if a bit inconvenient. I usually buy boxes of the diamond matches, but my favorites are the long cedar matches from tobacconists. The problem is that there is rarely more than a few included in a box. Maybe there are some online sources for quantity.

 

[phil67]

I'll use matches on rare occasions (wooden), but I've never noticed any difference in taste whatsoever.

 

[sablebrush52]

I prefer using matches because I can better control lighting the tobacco. But I'm also lazy, so I use a BIC. And when I'm feeling rather posh, I use my S. T. Dupont pipe lighter. A pipe lighter gives me the same level of control as a match.

 

[JimInks]

I use a lighter and Diamond wooden matches. I prefer the matches, but the lighter is occasionally more convenient. Neither affects the flavors of the tobaccos.

 

[newbroom]

I haven't used a match in months. I don't use a lighter either. OK, I use a lighter, but only to light my bees wax coated hemp wick.

A 'jet' lighter will ignite my hemp wick in under 2 seconds. and then the hemp wick will burn lazily as long as I want it to.

It's a simple procedure to master and to make part of your lighting routine, and one I've found to be cleaner and enjoyable.

 

[matches]

Can you guess from my screen name what I prefer? I'm probably just a klutz or something but i definitely feel i get a better light and better flavour with matches. I think with a flame lighter I end up overheating the tobacco. Only issue is lighting outside which is only place I smoke.

 

[seagullplayer]

If I used matches I would recommend people buy stock in a match company.
Just too many relights for me.
Plus you gotta find a place to dispose of the spent stick. What do you guys do there?

 

[beezer]

I use the green-tipped Diamond wooden matches exclusively. I'm not a brand loyalist or anything, these are just the only ones my grocery store stocks. I've encountered the occasional problem pointed out by smoothsailing where the match goes out before I can make it to my pipe, but this occurs very seldom.
I do the majority of my pipe smoking at home, so disposing of the wooden matches afterwards poses no issue; however, on occasion I venture out and about and getting rid of my dirty pipe cleaners and matches can be a little problematic. Usually in that case I just end up eating them.

 

[skraps]

If I'm sitting at home at my desk, matches will work. 98% of the time, just a Bic. I like the old school charm of matches, but most of the time they are just not practical.

 

[mortonbriar]

I like matches for the extra bit of ceremony, I get the longer matches, beehive is the brand in New Zealand. Any cheaper matches seem to be a waste of time. Most of the time I have got a bic lighter handy, especially if I am out in the wind. On the worksite last week I had no matches left and no lighter handy, so I was lighting slivers of pine off the propane heater, that worked just fine and very satisfying pushing the sliver into the snow to put it out.
Isaac

 

[shutterbugg]

I've used wood matches, paper matches, gas lighters, fluid lighters, even the electric lighter from the car. They all get the job done the same. I smoke only outdoors so matches are frustrating and time-consuming. The idea of smoking a pipe is to calm down, so I see no point in ramping up my stress level getting it lit.

 

[aldecaker]

I prefer Diamond kitchen matches at home, and just a simple Bic when out and about.

 

[sablebrush52]

Plus you gotta find a place to dispose of the spent stick. What do you guys do there?

The stick is wood or paper, something that's going to degrade. Outdoors = ground. Indoors = trash.