Ways to Light

[youngpipe93]

There are so many possible sources of flames with which to light any sort of tobacco product: soft flame lighter, torch lighter, zippo, kitchen matches, book matches, cigar matches, car lighters, dual flame lighters, etc. I have tried just about every one of these with my cigars and different methods with each type. However, I have yet to find a superior method to yield the least flavor of the flame, as I would call it. Any suggestions or personal unique methods?

 

[youngpipe93]

I actually would sometimes use a dual soft flame lighter for my cigars to get a nice even burn. I roll the cigar whilst holding the tip not in the flame but very close to it. This could be partially due to my slight pyromaniac tendencies.
Do you know of the difference between cigar and kitchen matches?

 

[youngpipe93]

I have tried the spills and it gives it a slightly different taste in the fist couple of draws but afterwards I tasted nothing but the cigar that I would have tasted not matter what I used to light it.

 

[sjfine]

The Thermodynamics of Pipe Smoking

 

[eaglerico]

 

[tarak]

@sjfine- that was a fascinating read.

 

[phred]

For lighting pipes, in order of lowest to highest heat generated by the flame of each: Matches, Zippo lighter, soft flame butane lighter.

This. I use a Zippo outdoors - it's windy here in Denver - but indoors, it's always wooden matches. I've gone through two inexpensive butane "refillable" lighters, and both had mechanical failures when it came time to refill, so I've pretty much abandoned butane for the time being.

 

[youngpipe93]

When I used the spill, I just didn't taste the butane that I would normally taste when I light my cigars with my lighter. It was just a slightly different lighting experience

 

[youngpipe93]

When I used the spill, I just didn't taste the butane that I would normally taste when I light my cigars with my lighter. It was just a slightly different lighting experience

 

[bryanf]

Butane here most of the time. Zippo if I'm out of butane. Yes, I can taste the lighter fluid, but only for the first couple puffs, so I prefer butane much more.
As for cigars, I really don't like Cigars at all. They all taste the same to me, whether it's a Perodi or a $14 posh cigar and I usually prefer the Perodi because it's gone quicker. I just don't have the taste for them. They all taste like Cigars! Plus, I can never light them so I don't waste half the damn thing side burning. Too much trouble and money.
As for torch lighters....I think I must have been drinking and burned the hell out of the side of one of my pipes. C'est n'est pas bonne ca.

 

[petes03]

I use kitchen matches, Zippos, an Bic lighters only. No torches!

 

[4dotsasieni]

eaglerico, I tried using the magnifying glass method of lighting, but for some reason, it just wouldn't work here in Seattle (neither do my solar-powered driveway lights). :crying:

 

[youngpipe93]

The magnifying glass almost seems like too much effort, but seems unique enough to try at least once. Does anyone think the flavor would change since you are burning it without a flame?

 

[instymp]

If I use a torch I make charcoal out of my rim.