Torch lighters and meerschaum?

[TakeThisCobAndStuffIt]

I realize that it is sacrilege to light with anything but a match; but... do torch lighters damage meerschaum like they do briar or cob? I understand all of the thermodynamics of the heat etc. Just asking those with experience are they as bad for the meerschaum material as they are for briar? Thanks

 

[Chasing Embers]

I realize that it is sacrilege to light with anything but a match

Considering that lighters predate matches I would've said matches were sacrilege.

do torch lighters damage meerschaum like they do briar or cob?

Get meerschaum hot enough and it'll crack though torch lighters can be used for any pipe with enough practice.

 

[username]

I've done it in a pinch but wouldn't make a habit of it to error on the side of caution.

 

[warren]

I realize that it is sacrilege to light with anything but a match;

Don't know where your heard/read/watched that. You just have to be careful when using a torch. I prefer a softer flame but, anything in a pinch just be watchful.

 

[TakeThisCobAndStuffIt]

That was really just a soft introduction. I have very carefully used a torch on a briar without harming it. I am really asking if the same care is needed for meerschaum or if a torch could be used more regularly with meer considering light time is much faster. Does the torch scorch up the meer or harm it in a meaningful way?

 

[AJL67]

Brought to you by the same people that say, Cuban cigars should only be lit with a burning piece of cedar.

 

[warren]

Does the torch scorch up the meer or harm it in a meaningful way?

No I dea. Over many years of smoking I've avoided scorching any pipe. You could give it a try though if you're really interested in how the meer might react.

 

[OzPiper]

Brought to you by the same people that say, Cuban cigars should only be lit with a burning piece of cedar.

From the hands of a comely serving wench

 

[bluegrassbrian]

I'd be more worried about scorching the tobacco.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I'd be more worried about scorching the tobacco.

This and can't be a good deal for the Meer. I see no reason to use a torch.

 

[AJL67]

In all seriousness, if I ever caught my man servant lighting any of my pipes with a torch I would smack him upside the head and banish him to stall duty. No joke.

 

[Sobrbiker]

Save torches for the crack pipes.
Soft flame is easier.

 

[jhowell]

Save torches for the crack pipes.
Soft flame is easier.

Torches are too hot for crack - they're only good for meth...

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

I use pipe lighters and/or Bic lighters all the time to light my meerschaum pipes. I'm just careful as to not scorch the rim of the pipe. I would not use a torch lighter unless you had to out of necessity, but you do what you want to do as it's your pipe.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

It’ll work until it doesn’t…

 

[jonasclark]

On that note: the local Tinder Box gave me a free pipe, a Cassano "Ambra." Handed it over and said, "What's wrong with this pipe?" The rusticated band hides the 1/2" hole burned through the wall, just above and to one side of the shank. A customer bought one, returned it in this condition, called it faulty, bought a second. When he brought this one, the third, they insisted on knowing what he was doing to them. He had bought a "pipe lighter," and believed anything with a straight-out fame, i.e. torch, was intended as a pipe lighter. He had purchased a propane pen torch... with which you can solder... and in seven days or so, holding it at a downward, diagonal angle in his left hand, it was burning straight through. It sits on my pipe shelf.

The remaining Tinder Box in my area has a Nording Freehand on their shelves that was destroyed in the same manner by an unknowing beginner.

 

[Lucashly]

This is like using a fire hose to extinguish a match.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I use a torch only in very high winds, and not often at that.

Any source of heat if hot enough can be used to ignite tobacco. Nothing is sacred, not cedar shakes, not lighters, not matches. Use what you like.

 

[Frog Snacks]

My meerschaums have very thin bow rims like one is probably only 1mm thick and the other is maybe 2mms and I have used torches on them just fine, I don't do it all the time but if a torch is what's near me I won't get up and go look for a soft flame I'll use the torch, I wouldn't sit there cooking it like you're trying to light up a crack rock, but enough to light a pipe is fine in my experience.

Meerschaum doesn't burn but I'm sure if you heat it too much too fast it might crack, just like smoking a cold meerschaum pipe in the winter, As long as the temperature change is at a slow rate. Just like glass, if you temperature shock glass it will crack too, I think of meerschaum the same way.

 

[Chasing Embers]

just like smoking a cold meerschaum pipe in the winter

Never had an issue doing that.