Purpose of more expensive pipe lighters?

[mphstteach]

Im a bic guy and am curious what is to gain from the more expensive pipes lighters?

 

[shutterbugg]

Since 99% of lighters are more expensive than a BIC that leaves quite a lot of territory to cover. A $12 plain-jane Zippo w/pipe insert works in a fairly stiff breeze, whereas the slightest breeze is a major challenge when using a BIC. Soft-flame butane lighters of any price have the same disadvantage, so IMO the advantage is esthetic, not practical.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Panache. Élan. Mystique. Aesthetics. Etc. Etc. :D
I have a couple of nice lighters, but most often at home use the BIC, matches, or a refillable butane lighter. Some will complain you're wasting money, or are an effete snob, have more money than sense, etc., but they tend to be righteous sore losers.
Buy and use what you like!
EDIT: I should say I wrote the above before seeing any response to the OP's question.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Yup, part of the trappings, and the whole "look what I have" thing. I have an IM Corona old boy with the pipe shapes, and it did the exact same job as a bic. Then I dropped it once, and the bic now outshines it.

 

[jefff]

I smoke mostly outside. My high endy zippo comes in pretty handy.

 

[pappymac]

The purpose of expensive lighters is to separate pipe smokers from their money.

 

[pipesmokingtom]

Sometimes I like things that aren't disposable and are potential heirloom objects.

 

[cigrmaster]

My more expensive lighters last longer with less hassle than lesser expensive models. I have tried all the less expensive ones and they all broke within 6 months.
I also don't consider spending 125.00 for a lighter expensive.

 

[gtrhtr]

I use a zippo which isn't that expensive, like $15 or so and it works well indoors and outdoors. Bics may be ok for cigs but the are horrible for pipe lightin in my opinion.

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

My favorite feature of my IM Corona is the tamper pick in the bottom. It's very handy. It's also nice to be able to adjust the flame. Other than those two things... I would be using a Bic like I did before buying a pipe lighter. The flame on an old boy is soft and worthless in even the slightest breeze, but I smoke inside so it's not an issue.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Horrible??? Hardly. What bad experience have you had?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Plus, in these weird times, $100+ buys a lot of tobacco, and so far, lighted aren't on the FDA's chopping block. :wink:

 

[philobeddoe]

I consider my IM Corona Pipemaster money extremely well spent, not an extravagance at all.

 

[warren]

While I am mostly a Bic and Zippo guy, I do have a couple of "up scale" lighters. I purchased them because I could. Self-satisfaction was the motivator I guess. I only use them at home so impressing the public certainly wasn't a factor.
Re: The Bic and its being horrible. They are easy to use, inexpensive and dependable. There is a bit of a learning curve, training the thumb, turning away from the wind, and cupping the rim but, nothing too complicated.

 

[georged]

The purpose of expensive pipe lighters is to light expensive pipes.
Duh.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I'm even known to use a Nimrod when a nostalgic mood hits.

 

[travelergypsy]

I recently discovered a bic type lighter at the grocery store with an adjustable flame. Works like a charm. Buy it in a 6 pack (I think) for around $2-$4. They don't last all that long before they run out of fuel, but for less than $.50 a piece, they're great. This

 

[gmwolford]

Sometimes I like things that aren't disposable and are potential heirloom objects.

I imagine my Zippo collection will be cherished by my son. My Old Boy is going in the casket with me. ::
EDITED: spell check is not my friend

 

[Chasing Embers]

The purpose of expensive pipe lighters is to light expensive pipes.

Only matches on my pieces that are over $500. :mrgreen:

 

[sablebrush52]

My Dupont, which was a gift, is just a pretty lighter and it gives me the same control as a match with less hassle. When I want to feel a bit posh, I'll use it. But my BICs work almost as well, though they're not pipe lighters.