Pipe Lighting

[JTWilliams]

What are your preferred/favorite instruments and techniques for lighting a pipe? For a while I liked using a torch lighter (two buddies who are line cooks swear by creme brulee torches). I've given up on two finicky Ronsons and recently switched back to this little guy (partly because I like its little push-button blade).

[Ray Mackessy]

To light my pipe I use wooden matches to get it going, then I'll switch to a Zippo for the rest of the way.

[Tsal]

You have to be really careful using a torch lighter on a pipe because you can easily scorch the rim. I use a regular bic or any soft flame lighter.

[Middle Earth]

In perfect conditions, a match
Nothing better, historically, metaphysically...whatever
I use and endorse the one dollar round Clipper lighters
Refillable
Replaceable flint
Tamper, perfect round-sized tamper
When you are at WalMmart check them out
I also order quantity from Amazon
Best buck I ever spent

[Dr Uhaha]

So long as winds agree, I use Swan matches. Otherwise it is my trusty old Zippo with Thunderbird butane insert.

[Dr Uhaha]

In perfect conditions, a match
Nothing better, historically, metaphysically...whatever
I use and endorse the one dollar round Clipper lighters
Refillable
Replaceable flint
Tamper, perfect round-sized tamper
When you are at WalMmart check them out
I also order quantity from Amazon
Best buck I ever spent

The metaphysics of pipe smoking might make an interesting thread...

[Islayphile]

To light my pipe I use wooden matches to get it going, then I'll switch to a Zippo for the rest of the way.

That’s exactly what I do Ray.

[MikeDennison]

Wooden matches. When I'm out, a Zippo.

[simplepipes]

Clipper . . .

Will no longer complicate life by maintaining expensive pipe lighters.

-sp

[Whalehead King]

Zippo, no pipe insert.

Since I usually keep a torch lighter on my desk for machine made cigars, I sometimes accidentally pick up the torch. I notice it, too, as the torch lighter's three flames get hissing. [I like my cigars the way I like my women, big enough to have something to hold onto, which makes them hard to set alight. I wish someone would make machine made Churchills.]. When I notice that I've got the butane torch fired up, I pause and look at it. "Do I really want to destroy this bowl?" I ask myself. Sometimes I do. Most of the time, I don't.