Rim Burn

[sparrowhawk]

When a new pipe arrives, you wonder how to preserve that flawless shine to it, especially in the one place where is seems impossible to avoid burning the polish away--on the rim of the bowl. Is there a special lighting technique to avoid or minimize burning damage to the rim of the bowl? I suppose using matches would do it, but considering how many matches one would use up and rapidly filling the ashtray, this seems somewhat impractical. Right now I just use a Zippo (since I have a slight collection of these from my cigarette smoking days); but what is the preferred method for lighting a pipe, and lastly, can the rim burned surface be restored? My thanks for everyone putting up with my questions all over the general forum and this beginner's forum.

 

[captainsousie]

You might make sure that your Zippo has a pipe lighter insert. You can buy one new with the insert or you can send an old one to the company and they'll put one in for you.

 

[wayneteipen]

I used to use matches exclusively but had trouble keeping the flame away from the rim when it widened along the match. I never could control the huge flame on a Zippo to trust lighting my nice pipes without scorching the rim. I've found that a gentle pipe lighter flame like the Old Boy style lighters works best when turned way down. It's way easier for me to control the flame. Most rim char is just surface buildup rather than burnt wood. You have to be really careless to burn the wood. I remove rim build up with saliva and elbow grease then buff a little shine on it with whatever shirt I'm wearing. :lol: The key is prevention. I take extra care on my nicer pipes to prevent it. It's my beater pipes that I light when i drive that get rim char the worst.

 

[sparrowhawk]

Rothnh, your suggestion sounds great! Also, I will explore this insert idea you'll all mentioned, although the Zippo people might be upset with me, since I just got three Zippos back from refurbishing at the factory. Heh.

On a related note, I just got a "Screaming Vampire" Zippo from eBay to go along with my Peterson Dracula pipes. I wonder if the smoke shop has this special attachment for pipes?

Lastly, be prepared for a lengthy report when I get my '62 Dunhill Shell, hopefully by Tuesday (a tracking # wasn't provided). I'll inform you on the original topic (the HELP) one, and refer you to the new thread.

 

[lordnoble]

I'd suggest a Vector Thunderbird butane insert for any Zippo. They work great and you don't have to send your Zippo anywhere (but you also don't get the swap for free).
-Jason

 

[wayneteipen]

Old Boys do suck in even the slightest breeze. Zippo is the only way to go outdoors, IMHO.

 

[docrx]

Vertigo pipe lighter is the way to go. IMHO

 

[foggymountain]

Why does it matter?

 

[tanless1]

Smoke your pipe; it is a tool. A burt rim is a sign of honest use to be passed down and wonderd

Upon by future generations.

 

[cigrmaster]

Zippo's are in my opinion the worst for charring the rim, the flame is too large and uncontrollable. I do own one but only use it outside in a strong wind.

 

[tarak]

I own a Zippo pipe lighter, no trouble with the rim. Without the pipe insert I'm sure it would be problematic. ,

 

[ssjones]

I'm with Harris and only use the fuel insert on windy days and with pipes I don't mind damaging. I use primarily matches and over the years have become pretty adept in lighting them and the pipe, even in a breeze. For normal travel, I do use the Vector insert and keep the flame turned down low. I work too hard to restore my estate pipes to burn the rims.
Also, I remember Mike G at Briar Blues once pleading with smokers, thru an email update, not to over pack their bowls and keep the tobacco below the rim. He had just completed restoring some pipes from a smoker who didn't ascribe to that way of smoking the pipe. Good advice!