Pipe Lighter questions from a newbie

[Rob G]

I have a Zippo pipe lighter that was gifted to me by a member of this group (sorry I can't remember who gave it to me right now). My only concern in using this is I fear the smell of the lighter fluid will be imparted on my tobacco. Plus I don't like that the lighter needs to be refilled quite frequently whether I use it or not.

I've been looking at butane inserts, but many people report that they leak butane. More expensive options include the Colibri Pacific Air Soft Flame Lighter, but even that has some poor reviews. As does the Xikar Pipeline Silver Lighter. I'm at a loss as to what to do.

Right now, I use a CAO soft flame lighter I got for free with a cigar purchase. It works fine, and I might stick with that, but it's not the easiest to light and needs to be refilled frequently.

For you guys who use a bic, does the lighter fluid taint the tobacco?

What do you guys recommend? What do you personally use?

I know I asked similar question befores, but I've tried a few things since then. Thus, my new questions.

[ak2000]

Using a Bic is fine except it can burn your fingers if not careful. I have a Thunderbird Zippo insert and it works pretty well. The only issues are small tank and can't see the fuel level. Otherwise, no operational complaints.

I also have a Peterson pipe lighter and a Kiribi Kabuto pipe lighter. Both are excellent and can be had for well under $100 when on sale.

I'm the one that gave you the Zippo pipe lighter.

[Rob G]

Originally Posted by ak2000

Using a Bic is fine except it can burn your fingers if not careful. I have a Thunderbird Zippo insert and it works pretty well. The only issues are small tank and can't see the fuel level. Otherwise, no operational complaints.

I also have a Peterson pipe lighter and a Kiribi Kabuto pipe lighter. Both are excellent and can be had for well under $100 when on sale.

I'm the one that gave you the Zippo pipe lighter.

Thanks, Andy. I believe you sent me some tobacco as well. I had a few people send me stuff at the same time and I couldn't remember who sent me what.

That pipe lighter works well. I just need to let it burn for a couple seconds to get rid of the fuel odor. The only problem with it, like I said, is that the fuel evaporates.

[ak2000]

Standard problem with a Zippo. Fuel is cheap, but I prefer butane lighters.

[Shadow]

And if all else fails use wooden matches.

[Rob G]

I have been smoking cigars since 1999. I was originally told, and have always thought, that using Bic lighters is a big no-no. I was told that the lighter fluid in a Bic will impart a bad taste into the cigar, which is the same reason why I shouldn't use a Zippo.

I literally discovered last night that Bic's use butane. BUTANE! HOLY SCHNIKES!! All these years I have thought Bics were evil.

I use Bic lighters around the house for other things - light candles, grill, etc. They are easy to use and very cheap. And last a long time.

I'm going to pick up a new Bic with a flexible head and that is going to be my pipe lighter of choice. Cheap, easy, and works great.

This new information literally made my day.

Sure, I won't look as cool lighting up with a Bic. But who cares. I smoke in my man cave. Who do I have to impress?

BTW, I'm also going to pick up a box of wooden matches. Those also work well.

Can't wait for my new pipe to arrive tomorrow.

[beevod]

Strike anywhere wooden matches....no muss, no fuss and never had a failure.

[SLR]

I get this 5 pack of Bics for around $5 at Walmart and Target. Lasts years.




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[ak2000]

How do you not know that common disposable lighters are butane? :facepalm: and anyone who said not to use a bic lighter for a cigar is an idiot.

[Rob G]

Originally Posted by ak2000

How do you not know that common disposable lighters are butane? :facepalm: and anyone who said not to use a bic lighter for a cigar is an idiot.

I guess I'm an idiot.

Seriously, I had no idea. I'm not sure why I thought that, but from Googling yesterday it appears that it's not an uncommon phenomenon. I think when people first start getting into cigars they are told that they should be using a torch lighter, and that they need to use butane. I think people probably assume that a Bic does not use butane.

Regardless of the reason, I'm glad I found out.