Something I Once Saw That I Can No Longer Find That Helps Light a Pipe?

[xilefregnu]

Greetings,

In the earliest days of my pipe smoking career I remember seeing something on eBay from more than one seller that I no longer can find through various searches. The problem I was trying to solve was trying to light my pipe and having my wooden matches burn down too quickly. I saw a product that was a natural jute or cordage made specifically to burn slowly and consistently to allow a non-toxic method of lighting a pipe. You first lit it and then performed your pipe lighting with it.
Does this ring any bells with anyone?
Thanks in advance!

 

[xilefregnu]

Since I'm already asking questions, I'm also wondering if there is a better brand of wood matches than the ones available at the supermarket?
Thanks!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Hemp wick?

 

[sablebrush52]

Since I'm already asking questions, I'm also wondering if there is a better brand of wood matches than the ones available at the supermarket?

Swan Vesta

 

[xilefregnu]

Hemp wick it is!
You guys "light my fire", appreciate it.
If anyone employs these two products and has opinions about them, I'd love to read your thoughts...

 

[bassbug]

Swan Vesta

Maybe a silly question...what makes these better than say, these guys?

 

[judcole]

I use old fashioned kitchen matches. They work fine.

 

[bnichols23]

old fashioned kitchen matche

You lies, Jud; you know what "old fashioned" means as well as we do. } Brick, concrete, seat of pants, zipper (not recommended), thumbnail (same), self-righteous anti-smoker's nose, etc. "Strike on box"? -snort- But yeah, I know; the good stuff's hard to get because people are stupid.
Bill

 

[haparnold]

I exclusively used these in my early days. I got to learn how to smoke, and do my presidential trivia all at once! However, they're far inferior to the stiff wooden matches.

 

[cortezattic]

Seems like adding an extra PITA to the lighting process, but here it is...

https://www.hempwickbeeline.com

 

[jpmcwjr]

Unsolicited observation: If you have trouble lighting a pipe with even a paper match, your tobacco needs to be dried much more. Or you are doing it differently than others.
Opinion on hemp lighters? For me, a total waste of time and resources.

 

[sablebrush52]

Maybe a silly question...what makes these better than say, these guys?

Swan Vesta matches are sulphurless. No stink to perfume your blend, and they will light against almost any surface, unlike most matches. They are better manufactured than the typical Diamond kitchen match. Both will work in a pinch, though the Swan Vesta will always easily light. They are also known as "The original Smokers match". No wonder the UK is aiming to ban them.

 

[dcon]

+1 to sable on the Swan Vesta. My laziness usually dictates that, I grab one of many lighters. SV were/are the best match, when only a match will do.

 

[mso489]

xil', I guess every smoker has his or her own style. I usually use wooden matches of standard length to light a pipe, and they give plenty of time to get an ember going. My point isn't a critique of your lighting technique; you prefer more time, I understand. But when you are stuck with the standard shorter match, and you want to experiment just for the sport, I think you will find you can get all the light you need. Get it to the bowl right away,, and draw the flame into the packed tobacco gently, and you'll find it works well. You may still want the wick or a lighter, but it would be a back-up plan.

 

[jpmcwjr]

What mso says. Paper matches should do the trick most of the time. I prefer the matches - [wooden]- that you get at the pipe shop or good restaurants and bars, usually promo pieces with names and logos on the box. But paper matches take up less space and are always good for backup if your favorite lighter isn't handy.
Swan Vestas are the Rolls Royces of the match world, but I'm too cheap to buy the extra special stuff when I can get for free almost as good.

 

[redglow]

I keep wooden matches available. And I don’t mind using them. But, convenience usually leads me to using my butane lighter.
Just too easy....... ::

 

[craiginthecorn]

I like hemp wick lighters and keep one in my pipe bag alongside my wooden matches and my Old Boy lighter. Hemp wick is a bit fiddly, but undeniably effective, though hardly a panacea. My go-to is a good wooden match of the type often given away at cigar shops. They're easy and effective and the most effective way to get a good even light, particularly with a freshly filled pipe.

 

[pufferfish]

I've used the extra long fire lighting matches. They certainly last a good long time and give me a greater chance of lighting well. Although I do have a couple of lighters I prefer matches when I can get em.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

and I thought the only country where they still use those swan vestas is England,,

 

[dontbeaburleyman]

Never quite understood the ritual, but google "cedar spills." Lots of choices.
Used mostly for cigars, but does the same for us pipemen!