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WirelessSmoke

Starting to Get Obsessed
Jul 14, 2024
178
2,545
New England
I also use the Zippo pipe lighter. Mine has a brass case.

Have you found a way to avoid the ridiculously gigantic flame when you first go to use it?
I trimmed the wick on mine down until the flame became more reasonable for my liking. Just trim a little at a time otherwise you might end up with too small a flame, then you'll have to pull more of the wick out and start over again. I also let it burn upright for a few seconds before bringing it to the bowl to burn off any excess fuel that may have accumulated.
 

BlueMaxx

Can't Leave
Feb 7, 2020
350
768
Indiana
Old classic non descriptor Zippo with the wind insert…haggard looking but durable.
Has been sent back once.
Matches as a back up, or a Bic..I ain't proud, they work fine.
I have a Corona Old Boy but it is almost too nice to use
 
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These are my go to lighters:

lighters.JPG

The one on the left is a newer version of one that i've been using for 15+ years. The set up on the right is a newer addition and something i'm liking more and more. Unlike you, i wasn't a fan of the zippo fluid taste and so i got a butane insert to solve that issue. I only have the newer version of the pipe on the left out because i've been running out of fuel often, so i am starting to bring 2 or 3 lighters with me when i go out and about. Otherwise, it's cheap and quite durable.
 
Jul 14, 2021
1,058
4,243
Macomb County, Michigan
These are my go to lighters:

View attachment 333504

The one on the left is a newer version of one that i've been using for 15+ years. The set up on the right is a newer addition and something i'm liking more and more. Unlike you, i wasn't a fan of the zippo fluid taste and so i got a butane insert to solve that issue. I only have the newer version of the pipe on the left out because i've been running out of fuel often, so i am starting to bring 2 or 3 lighters with me when i go out and about. Otherwise, it's cheap and quite durable.
Very nice!
 
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krizzose

Lifer
Feb 13, 2013
3,378
21,134
Michigan
My Kiribi Kabuto broke a while back, so I’m currently using a Thunderbird butane pipe insert for my zippo. Far better than zippo’s own butane insert, which guarantees a burnt thumb. If Inknow I’m gonna be outside, I usually use my zippo fuel pipe insert.
 
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Stanley_

Lurker
Aug 26, 2024
2
7
Germany
While using a lighter is more convenient, I still prefer matches, even as a new smoker. There’s something about the classic method that feels more natural to me. Plus, I’ve heard that the lower flame temperature of a match is better for lighting a pipe. Just make sure to let the sulfur burn off before lighting your pipe to avoid any unpleasant taste. Maybe that’s why your grandpa used those long matches too.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
May 8, 2017
1,660
1,858
Sugar Grove, IL, USA
I have owned a wide variety of lighters — Zippo, Kiribi, IM Corona, Dissim, Beattie’s Jet, Nimrod, Djeep, hemp wick lighters, and, of course, Bics, plus many pipe-specific butane lighters. Hands down, my favorite is a classic Dunhill Rollagas pipe or cigar lighter. Dependable, easily repairable, thumb adjustable right angle flame, and a compact size. On eBay, a common style in good condition goes for around $100-150 USD when purchased refurbished, often from Asia, like Vietnam or Japan or Indonesia. Of course, the price varies greatly depending upon condition and the desirability of the design. The refill valve is a bit of a PITA, but is easily replaced with a conventional valve, should you want to. I have one fully original cigar lighter and three cigarette lighters which I have converted to pipe lighters. The cigar lighters have a dual flame, like the Kiribi. Basically the same as the pipe lighters, but a little broader.
 

AreBee

Part of the Furniture Now
Mar 12, 2024
739
3,984
Farmington, Connecticut USA
This permanent match has been good to me. Picked it up on Amazon for under $10. It uses Zippo naphtha fueal and the description says you get 10,000 strikes but that's nowhere near accurate. I replaced the flint rod after about three months. I bought a accessories kit for $6 which has three flint rods, three wicks and a couple strikers.

I'm very happy with it and it's a great conversation piece wherever I use it.

81ofYSGKa8S._AC_SL1500_.jpg
 

AreBee

Part of the Furniture Now
Mar 12, 2024
739
3,984
Farmington, Connecticut USA
Zippo with butane pipe insert. I often used Bics in the past, but I worried they made me look like a pot smoker when I was lighting my pipe. And listen to me when I say that my clothing choices in this pic have NOTHING to do with me looking like a pot smoker, ok? It was the Bic.
View attachment 334470
I'm thinking of drilling out the other side of my Zippo butane pipe insert, I keep burning my damn finger! Seems short sighted of Zippo not to design it like the regular pipe insert.
 
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