Naphtha and Mouth Health
- Thread starter Monssen13
- Start date
They sell Zippo butane inserts, not here to go over the pluses or minuses of either, just saying.
I’ll have to give this a try, I’ve been using flint, steel and char cloth for most of my life. It wouldn’t work on a windy day, but maybe get a piece the same size as the bowl, get an ember and drop it in. I don’t know if the OP was serious, but it might work.
I would recommend a zippo shell with a thunderbird butane insert. This will conserve fuel and be most similar to the original zippo experience. To further conserve fuel, the hemp wick is an excellent tool. Also for consideration- the Corona Old Boy is an excellent lighter in my estimation and can even be wrapped in a hemp wick, thus combining the best of all worlds.
The Thunderbird is the best operating insert, but worst quality I’ve heard it breaks easily? But can’t confirm myself. The Z pipe is the middle better quality, slightly worse operating. And the Zippo brand is the best quality, but hardest to operate, can’t win
I’m happy with my zippo brand insert, but it does take some work and technique to use it properly…
Here's a problem that I experience with zippos.....The Thunderbird is the best operating insert, but worst quality I’ve heard it breaks easily? But can’t confirm myself. The Z pipe is the middle better quality, slightly worse operating. And the Zippo brand is the best quality, but hardest to operate, can’t win
I’m happy with my zippo brand insert, but it does take some work and technique to use it properly…
I have one, with the pipe insert, so you can lay it down sideways and the flame hole is right over the bowl. If I have anything that is cube cut or a flake that I have rubbed out, it is almost impossible for me to get it lit early on. Especially outside. The flame is dancing about and I have the zippo laying right over the bowl and I have to draw like I am trying to suck a golf ball through a garden hose and it is quite frustrating. Once it has lit and maybe later needs a relight, I don't have problems there, but it is only at the beginning.
I will add that if there is zero wind, it is a bit easier.
I don't know if I can explain it easily. But I know what you're talking about. I found to tilt the lighter only half way and draw the flame sideways across the bowl. It's a bit tricky and a bit tricky to explain but it works well for that kind of situation. Tilt the pipe as needed to get a broader more even surface area. Also once it's charred enough that the tobacco won't spill out, I hold the lighter straight up like light a cigarette and tilt the pipe chamber sideways.
I know it's all too fiddly and I don't have any clue why it works. Just stumbled upon it.
Thanks Bob.
I actually can visualize what you are saying and will definitely try it soon. And yes, once there is some charring, the process does hold the loose tobacco together, to an extent.
I appreciate the share.
I went to the Zippo factory near my home and they gave me a pipe insert for free. They also cleaned the lighter, tightened the wheel and put in new wicking pad. This was a lighter I got with "Marlboro Miles" back in the 90s.
Dang, I was just there to have my Case knives sharpened.....for free.
How do they stay in business?
That said, I don't like using a Zippo for pipes. I do taste the fluid, but even worse is it just doesn't light the pipe well.
I don't touch the flame to the tobacco to light it generally. I just hold it close. This technique sucks with a Zippo.....in my experience.
Dang, I was just there to have my Case knives sharpened.....for free.
How do they stay in business?
That said, I don't like using a Zippo for pipes. I do taste the fluid, but even worse is it just doesn't light the pipe well.
I don't touch the flame to the tobacco to light it generally. I just hold it close. This technique sucks with a Zippo.....in my experience.
Two years ago, I was a few months into my piping, and had two nicely broken in MM Prides. One day I decided to use a Zippo to light my cobs, and the next day I woke up with a chemical burn all over the inside of my mouth which took a while to clear. I didn't make the connection until the next time I went to light those cobs and they reeked of naphtha. I tried reaming them out but nothing could clear that horrid taste, so into the trash they went. I'll never use a Zippo again!
Have you ever simply rotated the BOWL of the pipe 45 - 90 degrees during the LIGHTING phase…. along with a “cupped” hand around the bowl…. when it is windy? I am not sure if I have described it well enough….. but this pattern came about (rather innately) for me long, long ago and it works pretty damn well for winds…. at least those winds below tornado level.
Bob, I wanted to let you know that I loaded up a bowl of Rattrays Old Gowrie that I rubbed out and went out in the breeze and tried my Zippo using your "tilt" method and it worked much better. I can't say that it is as easy as my Old Boy lighter but it is much better.
I appreciate your suggestion and also the tips that @Epip Oc'Cabot made in helping me with the Zippo. I'm gonna work with it a bit more to try to improve. Thanks again.
that's just great. Love being able to help even if just in a little way.
Take char cloth and capture the ember using flint steel. Get it going a bit and lay the cloth directly on the tobacco. Inhale as usual. I do black powder rifle cap locks and I use a small round piece of pillow ticking I use for loading rifle to make the char cloth. You can get in the pipe and then fold over once the char cloth is going. Whatever is left you leave as a wind screen until it's ash.
Thanks for the reply. I have made char as well and also enjoy blackpowder shooting of my flintlocks so I am envisioning the process here that you're using. At some point I will have to try this.
Thanks again.