I’ve been using Zippos for decades. It was my first lighter before I even started smoking. I smoked cigarettes for over a decade and ALWAYS had it on my persons and felt naked without it. I quit smoking cigarettes years ago but still smoked cigars on occasion and recently got into pipes. I never understood the snobs who claimed it was a sin to light a cigar with a Zippo…. I’m with you maybe you smell/taste it the first puff or two but it definitely goes away. They are a fantastic product and the best value for what you get. They are reliable, durable, have a lifetime warranty, and are one of the few products still made in the States! Their customer service is fantastic! Although they don’t repair inserts anymore they do send you a brand new one if you send in your lighter. You can even keep the old one. That’s how I turned mine into a pipe lighter. I sent it in to have the hinge repaired and requested a pipe style insert and they obliged.
I find it sad that I really dislike the fuel taste. Because I love Zippos. There is just something deeply satisfying with the "clong, zschk, click" cycle. 😅
The zippo drawback is that if it’s left for a week or so, it’s usually out of fuel. Also can be a messy process to refill. The fuel evaporates fast. That being said it’s still a must have and provides a great flame.
You can buy an insert that has a reservoir for butane that slides in the Zippo casing so you don't have to worry about it drying up or pouring lighter fluid all over you. Walmart sells one Z Plus is the brand you can get a pipe insert or a torch insert. You get the look of the classic with a modern twist.
@@kennethjames9999 True and that is what I use, the soft flame insert. However, I don't think they make a soft flame pipe insert. That one uses the regular lighter fluid. The butane soft flame works just fine though.
@@Slater6377 The one pipe lighter insert I have is the Z Pipe from the same company, it's a butane insert with a soft flame. I also have the torch insert which is the Z Plus.
I’ve noticed that the fuel evaporates very fast as well…as a kid, I don’t remember my dad or anyone for that matter having that problem…I remember my dad filling his zippo maybe 2-3 times a year…but I could be mistaken 🫤
Ha! Zippo's are made in my hometown (Bradford, PA)! I worked in that factory (cleaning) when I was a teenager looking for extra money... _HIGHLY_ recommend folks go visit the museum there if you haven't yet and are finding yourself nearby -- you _WON'T_ be disappointed!
Completely agree with your rankings here. I bought a box of matches with my first pipe. Went through 4 or 5 before even getting a good char light. Tried a Bic I had laying about the next time. It was passable, but I wanted a more permanent solution. Stopped at a smoke shop while I was traveling and saw the coolest Zippo-a sort of pirate ship&map thing. I used that for a while until I saw someone mention that Zippo made pipe inserts. Immediately orded one and I've been using it ever since. I really like how customizable Zippos are, and appreciate how simple they are. Easy to use, easy to refuel, easy to maintain. Just a great tool.
What a wonderful and important video, Wilson. I think I agree with you 100%. As an ex engineer and an American, my favorite lighter is the zippo. I have a zippo lighter collection, and until 15 months ago, never used it to light any kind of smoking implement. I just loved the fact that they were designed in the 30s and a virtually unchanged because of how sound the design was. They are made in the United States, and they have never charged even a dime to fix one. I actually had somebody give me one that had no lid and I told him that, and I said I wanted to pay for the repairs because I did not purchase it. They would not let me give them any money. They replaced the lid and the insert for free. So I want to spend my money with them. If I go outside, zippo is all I use because it never lets you down. If the flame is too large, you can cut the wick back to make it smaller. All of that being said, my favorite lighters for inside are the old boy style. I have four of them and cherish them all. I think for a butane lighter, the most reliable is the ones that use a flint and a striker wheel. My other favorite is the Saint Dupont style, both that and the old boy style use a Flint and Striker. Have never had good luck with the peso-electric butane lighters until I purchased a Calibri. I have found all of them fail within as little as a month to six months. But since I started using premium Calibri fuel, I think it might have been a clogging issue rather than the electronic failure. When I used Bic lighters for my pipes, they seemed to run out of fuel very quickly. For my first charring light and my first real light I like to use a wooden kitchen matches. After that, I always use a soft flame for all of my relights. You have a blessed week, my friend.
@@scottsmith3236 Yes. I have been there twice. I also love Case knives, so it was twice the fun. For the last 15 years, I was just wasting lighter fluid. Now I have a good use for them. I bought 4 pipe inserts.
I have had the good fortune of working for both companies, 17 years at Zippo and 10 at Case. Still have many friends at both. I use a variety of lighters, but outdoors in the wind, nothing beats a Zippo.
Excellent video sir. I always stuck with the original Bic. I don't get burned, as when I light up, I don't turn the lighter over, I tilt my pipe to the side. Works a charm. Thanks for your time.
Zippo makes a soft butane yellow flame for pipes about 15 dollars. They also make a regular flame pipe insert from 14 to 19 dollars depending on the finsh you get.
Happy I found this channel. For me, im a zippo lover too. I use one of the thicker zippo armor cases with the antique finish and a pipe insert. My backup I use for both cigars and pipe is another zippo armor case, but I got one of the vector dual flame inserts (single jet and soft flame) that has worked great for me.
I'm only a few months into the hobby and I ahve to agree witht he zippo. They work great in the wind and I've tried so many other methods and I always come back to the zippo.
I used to own several Zippos when I smoked cigarettes 30 years ago. I agree with everything you've said about them. I really appreciated the build quality and my only reservation about buying another one now is that they may be of lower quality. Can you confirm that they are still solidly built and nicely finished? Many thanks from the UK
👍 I myself keep a regular sized zippo and a bic for backup in my pipe pouch. Also had it sent to zippo for exchanging the insert for the pipe style (only paying the shipping) 😉
100% agree that Zippos with the pipe insert are the way to go. If the fuel taste is an issue, letting it burn for 5+ sec before putting it to the tobac seems to reduce the taste some, but I've grown to like that taste a bit at the beginning, haha
A solid overview. I'm a Zippo guy and I think the fuel taste debate gets blown out of sorts. My pipe bag always has a couple Bics for back up if I run out of fuel. Excellent video Wilson. Enjoyed your interview on the Pipe and Tobacco Talk Podcast.
Yep! Zippo for me! Reliable, easy to use. Inexpensive. Easy and cheap to maintain. And they're just cool! I agree about the odor and taste. I smell the fuel for a second after lighting. But I can't say I've ever tasted it; maybe the very split second of initial light, but that's it. Nothing that's ever bothered me.
I use the Zippo with the pipe insert, and you're right about all the pros and cons there. I was thinking that I could find something a little better for the wind, since I'm smoking more outside during breaks at work. But honestly, the Zippo is great. I also find that the lighter fluid taste that people talk about is overrated. I get that for maybe a second, then it's all tobacco taste. Great list!
I haven't seen a book of matches in God knows when! Bic pretty much killed them. Used to be, matches were a giveaway item, advertising, souvenirs. As soon as cheap butane lighters arrived, convenience stores had another item to sell. So long, free matches. I use a standard Bic to light my pipe. Great video, Wilson!
Don't forget that matches are great in that they'll never char your pipe. Interestingly, matches burn hotter than Zippos it seems! I don't know if links to other UA-cam videos are welcomed here but there's a fella that compared the different flames (matches, Zippo, generic butane, and butane pipe lighter) with a thermo coupler. Just search "realistic flame temperature comparison between matches, Zippo". That should be enough to get you to NV Projects channel.
If no wind, I use my torch lighter (gave up cigars) and use them to light stick matches. Burns the sulfur off right away, But most of the time I use Bic extended tubes and buy them online directly from BIC. Good price even compaired to Walmart prices. Tired of always running out of fuel for my Zip's or Propane.
I change fairly often on what I use, if I am fishing on my boat I tend to go for a zippo (picky on what fuel I use zippo brand only others have left weird tastes) if I am at home matches or my Peterson lighter. If I’m driving it’s almost always a bic, just in case I drop it.
Hey 👋, new to the crew and got my first pipe today for Father's Day. (From a gas station for 20$,,, dont judge me too harshly.) Just wanted to say thanks for the education and the opportunity for a good threshold. Starting off with Bugler tobacco. 😢but hey, got to start somewhere.
Love watching your videos, and smoking a bowl with you. Agree with the Zippo pipe lighters. I also think that tasting the lighter fuel when lighting pipe is a bunch of bull. Even just a taste is noticed, it's worth it to enjoy the rest of the bowl. With matches I always seem to need several, and always nearly burn my fingers. God Bless and keep you and yours safe.
I just bought a gold zippo with pipe insert today with a new meerschaum. I’ve used them but never owned a zippo. I love this thing, I really hope I don’t lose it. This is the exact size item I lose.
Thanks for the video, i'm currently considering obtaining a dedicated pipe lighter. I used to have one but it jumped from my hands and broke (i actually did the typical clumsy thing and tried to catch it but instead made the situation worse by whacking it faster to the ground)
Great info to pass along to folks! I've used just about all the lighters you talked about. The clipper lighters with the long nose if you will are great and are refillable. Thanks for the great video!!
Zippo for me. One of the cons is that they will dry out after a bit. I just get in the habit of topping off the fuel once a week. As far as smelling or tasting fuel I find that letting it burn for just a couple seconds before touching it to the pipe gets rid of any excessive fumes and taste (if any)
Wow i have the same zippo down to the design on the case, i came here thinking I'd be told there were better ways. Imagine my shock when i found out the good ol zippo wins again.
For your zippo, If you haven’t rerouted your wick and switched the felt seal out for just a corner of a freeer bag, that really helps with the fuel lasting a long time. I can easily get a week and that’s using it a lot. Probably can stretch it out to 2 weeks if you use it less.
Using the proper wooden matches are great for indoors. Angle the match downward for a second or two to spread the flame across the match more thoroughly, and it will give you a beautiful light. Unusable outside with even faintest whisper of a breeze, though.
I bought a zippo with the pipe insert. I love using a zippo and playing with them. The Peterson lighter is pretty slick though. I definitely like the look but I don’t want it if it’s finicky. I love the long stem bic lighters too for reliability and convenience but it cheapens the experience of pipe smoking for me. I love using wood matches but only when indoors or where there is no wind at all which is very rare.
If people dislike the classic zippo thing, you can always go to a tractor supply or the like and buy pure naptha. And to fix evaporation which is another concern, you can get gaskets.
I’ve got my eye on some nicer lighters, but for now I’ve tried several of the cheaper options. I used bics and matches a good bit, but wanted something refillable and basic. I picked up a metal clipper on Amazon for ten bucks, and it’s been a simple, reliable, and the larger flame when you tip it works nice.
Good info. I always enjoy your videos. One thing you didn't mention ... I prefer my Old Boy because the Zippo fluid evaporates too quickly. I have to refill my butane lighter MUCH less frequently than the Zippo.
Very true, I don't smoke often, but when I want to my Zippos are always empty. They are good lighters but you need to use them regularly, that's why I'm interested by getting a Corona.
Hey Wilson. I also prevere Zippo lighters, but in Germany they are much more expensiv. 😓 Thank's for present your lighters. Greetings from Mittelhessen
My zippo 100% dependable but something really nostalgic using matches. I use matches when I can but outside its zippo everytime. My palette doesn't register the fuel taste.
I always liked a wood match but they have their cons. I use Bic lighters most frequently, not distinguished or elegant but they serve the purpose and are basically maintenance free.
I found a big box at my local Ace Hardware store. They’re still out there. I dip them in wax, to make them waterproof, and it helps keep them lit in a breeze.
I have to say first that i used a Zippo for cigarettes over 50 years ago and i had no problems except when filling the fluid would leak and burn my leg. The fluid was much better back the and even smoking 2 packs a day, i only filled the lighter about every week. Flash forward...I smoke a pipe and i decided that i wanted a light and i saw Zippo had a pipe lighter, so i bought one. It needed to be filled about ever 3 days, but it worked. I saw that Zippo had a butane insert so i tried that. That proved to be a piece of junk that just wouldn't light. This week i have a few items coming in. I bought a diferent make electric butane insert. I'll see if that works to my satisfaction. I also have a package of Bic lighters coming in. I know that they will light. I thought about matches, but then i need an ash tray to put the used matches in. Many years ago before lighters, everyone lit their pipe with matches. I never planned on getting this involved for a simple task as lighting a pipe!
My number 1 is a Corona old boy. Very reliable, and ergonomically the easiest for me. Second choice is a big wooden match, third is a bic, but only if I’m out of the nest.
My favourite is a Zippo too, they or some are quite elegant too imo. I do use the Zippo made butane pipe insert though. Pro tip I learned about long stem bic type lighters, the knock offs non-bics at the dollar store are surprisingly, refillable, but not bic brand I believe. I’m going to purchase a 20$ pipe lighter soon they look effective and good, and one day a kiribi.
the guys at the cigar lounge utterly hate it when i use my zippo to light my pipe. they say "USE A FUCKING MATCH HOLY SHIT" all the time. i dont care, i have a pipe insert and i like the way my zippo feels and looks! let me use it, snobs. i have way too many matchboxes now due to the owner just throwing them at me
Got a zippo with the butane pipe insert and I would not recommend it for sure. It is difficult to not burn your hand with it because you have to hold the trigger down the whole time. Just ordered the lighter fuel one though. Thanks for the recommendation!
Excellent video! I keep wanting to get a snazzier looking lighter, but at the end of the day continue to enjoy my Zippo with the pipe insert. I have never had a problem with tasting the fuel. It works great and has that classic "click." Still, I am going to head to your Amazon link to browse a bit. Thanks!
I keep going back to the zippo. I’ve had just about every variation of a butane lighter from a bit to an older boy, it genuine. I am corona I keep going back to the zippo. I’ve had just about every variation of a butane lighter from a bit to an im corona old boy, but I keep coming back to the zippo because it works better. butane lighters don’t work well outside or in a room with a ceiling fan and all the rooms in my house have ceiling fans. One thing no one talks about with butane lighters as that they’re generally pretty poor quality. The Bicks are actually really good quality, especially when he factor that they’re like three bucks. But the more expensive butane lighters that have the electric ignition. I’ve never had one last more than a month or two before the ignition stop working.
Just a tip for those in the market for pricier lighters: P&C occasionally has 20% off cart deals, and with the free shipping, you could spend around $100 and get a really nice lighter and a few blends to boot.
Vector lighters make a model " Optimus ". It has a retactable tube that allows you to go deep in the deeper bowled pipes. It has an electro peizo lighting system. It is a soft butane flame for about 36 or 37 dollars.
I really need to listen to you and get the one with the pipe insert part of the chimney but boy, I'm fighting with myself. There's a lighter that's a replica of a lighter from a show. I really love used by one of my favorite characters. I wanted so bad, it's a cool lol but it's more of your standard zipo tipe
I decided to go for a cheap (US$15-delivered) AliExpress selectable-flame (blue-flame/yellow-flame) refillable butane lighter with USB-rechargeable plasma arc just above the gas nozzle for ignition. Hopefully it proves more reliable than the piezo-ignition. I probably got around 10,000 uses out of my old cheapo piezo jet lighter, using it until it takes about ten clicks to get it to light, which is pretty good, but I'd like something that will last forever. I think plasma-arc-based ignition has a lot of potential, but it's not exactly a mature/proven tech durability-wise yet.
I use a butane torch lighter personally but i only smoke abput a bowl a day and im not what ill call deep into pipe culture. I smoke it because i like it. I think my biggest gotta haves with a pipe are curved stems, i like longer stems too. Pipe screens, the balls, i love em and the reason i love em is ive found i can get a better burning bowl and i dont get moisture in the bottom slowing or stopping my burn. My uncle is big into pipes he seesrs they causd burnout but in about 20 years of smoking a pipe ive never had one burn out. I did have a straight pipe with a filter spit on my though and thats some nasty shit so i go non filtered pipes when i can
I have a decent “old boy” style butane lighter from JM Boswells that serves me well. Matches I’ve noticed get me a better char and light faster then most soft flame lighters. Unfortunately my taste buds are too prissy for the zippos 😂
Are you using "soft flame lighters" as a category or to differentiate between those and the Bic lighters? I was under the impression that a Bic had a "soft flame".
Im just getting into pipe smoking. In the past I've smoked cigars and was always told to never lite with anything but a wood match. Spoils the cigar, so I just never used anything else. Is it the same with pipe tobacco?
Matches are fine, but can be a bit precarious - especially when getting the match into the bottom of the bowl for a re-light. Use a soft flame lighter. The bic lighters with the long neck are awesome. If you use a zippo or similar lighter, use the zippo brand fuel because it doesn’t pass a taste to the pipe like Ronsonol lighter fuel does.
I find the zippo made for pipes to require a much harder draw in order to light my tobacco. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, but it feels like I have to draw hard to get that flame to come down.
Has anyone tried a Tesla coil electric ark-type lighter? They’re really trouble free, but are they too hot? Do they burn the tobacco and produce too much smoke?
I was gifted a Zippo pipe lighter when I left my old job. Can't fault it at all, tremendous Before that, and when I misplace my zippo, I use matches and use my old cigar torch lighter to relight them so I get more out of them I suppose the only drawback of zippos is that the fuel evaporates over time, not recommended for occasional users; you'll waste a lot of it.
Peterson's lighters do have a design fault when lighting them on a low setting they can have a flame like a blow torch, the cause of this is because there are two flame adjustment screws when the top adjustment screw is altered it sometimes interferes with the second adjustment screw seated underneath the top one.
So I’ve been smoking pipes for about 8 months now, and I think I’m doing something wrong; I have 2 that are getting charring/blackened on the OUTSIDE of the bowl. I think it’s because I’m smoking them too hot? Every time I smoke the bowl gets too hot to handle, but I don’t know how to smoke slower, I go for like 30-40 minute sessions. But I don’t want to ruin my pipes, and I’m afraid I’ve done so. Any advice my friends?
If the bowl is getting to hot, you are smoking a bit to fast. You want to smoke as slow as possible and in short puffs...like your trying to sip wine as a analogy. How you pack a pipe will also help with how long your pipe will stay lit. I would recommend watching videos on how to pack a pipe, there are several fantastic vids on UA-cam on how to pack a pipe properly. Also, letting your tobacco dry out before packing it into a pipe can help it stay lit longer and make it easier to light as well. Also, after a puff or two, let the pipe cool down for a bit before the next puff, that way the pipe cools down and you don't burn yourself since the smoke will become hot as well if you smoke to fast. I hope this helps! P.S. After smoking a pipe, and you start cleaning it, don't remove all of the ash from the inner walls, the layer of ash can also help keep your pipe cool, especially with briar pipes.
If it's just black on the rim it's ok, it's just a build up of carbon, tar etc. It can be cleaned of generally. If it's really marked and burned it shouldn't really be. I think it can be fixed but you should try avoiding keeping the flame a long time over the bowl. Cheers
Last month I bought a Vertigo Governor butane lighter, and after two pipes, it stopped lighting. It sparks, I put new butane in it. It just won't light. So I'm back to the cheap, disposable Djeep lighters that are tried and true.
my pipe smoking friend, you left out one of the cons with the zippo. It’s probably the biggest con of all the lighters. The collectibility. once you get used to the zippo and he figure out that it is the superior way to light your pipe, all those variations that you talked about combined with the low cost make it a very slippery slope to start collecting them. And before you blink, you’ve got a dozen. And then blink again and you got two dozen.
Agree totally with the review on zippos. Some guys make it sound like you use one and your whole smoking experiences tastes like lighter fluid. Just not true at all.
Thirty-five year pipe smoker here. I've probably used every method out there, including all things here (save the torch lighter - don't do that) and I've come back to the Zippo as my main source of flame. I had a Thunderbird butane insert in mine for maybe ten years, and it worked well until the catch wore out (it acts as the fuel valve in them). I recently put the regular Zippo pipe insert back in, and I doubt I'll ever need anything else ever again. One pro for the Zippo that you may not have considered: the size of the flint wheel is better than anything. You get good purchase on it, and it creates enough spark to light every time. Smaller wheels on butane lighters often need to be struck more than once, and they can wear a groove in the flint such that you need to loosen and re-orient it from time to time to keep the surface in contact with the wheel. Annoying. A con worth considering, however, is that if you are an infrequent smoker, you will have to refuel the Zippo more often than you think you should. Zippo fuel is volatile, and it evaporates whether or not you use it. Figure on refueling every week or so, no matter how often you use it. Butane does stay put so long as your lighter isn't leaking, so for those who smoke one or two pipes a week, it may be a better option. And last, always carry a Bic if you are away from home. You never know when your refillable lighter will run out of fuel, and the Bic is a great back-up. Cheers, and happy smokes!
Both aesthetically and practically zippos are great, but the taste is a real issue if you’re someone who is sensitive to it. I really wish I could use it for anything other than a backup because it is so effective, but those fumes mess up my sense of taste/smell for the first half of the bowl or so. I think it’s something that just varies from person to person. Some people claim cilantro tastes like dish soap, but it’s fine to me (as long as you don’t confuse it for parsley and put it n an Italian dish). Lighting up with a zippo feels like I’m taking a big whiff from the back end of my weed eater after starting it.
I’ve been using Zippos for decades. It was my first lighter before I even started smoking.
I smoked cigarettes for over a decade and ALWAYS had it on my persons and felt naked without it. I quit smoking cigarettes years ago but still smoked cigars on occasion and recently got into pipes. I never understood the snobs who claimed it was a sin to light a cigar with a Zippo…. I’m with you maybe you smell/taste it the first puff or two but it definitely goes away.
They are a fantastic product and the best value for what you get. They are reliable, durable, have a lifetime warranty, and are one of the few products still made in the States! Their customer service is fantastic! Although they don’t repair inserts anymore they do send you a brand new one if you send in your lighter. You can even keep the old one. That’s how I turned mine into a pipe lighter. I sent it in to have the hinge repaired and requested a pipe style insert and they obliged.
I find it sad that I really dislike the fuel taste. Because I love Zippos. There is just something deeply satisfying with the "clong, zschk, click" cycle. 😅
The zippo drawback is that if it’s left for a week or so, it’s usually out of fuel. Also can be a messy process to refill. The fuel evaporates fast. That being said it’s still a must have and provides a great flame.
You can buy an insert that has a reservoir for butane that slides in the Zippo casing so you don't have to worry about it drying up or pouring lighter fluid all over you. Walmart sells one Z Plus is the brand you can get a pipe insert or a torch insert. You get the look of the classic with a modern twist.
@@kennethjames9999 True and that is what I use, the soft flame insert. However, I don't think they make a soft flame pipe insert. That one uses the regular lighter fluid. The butane soft flame works just fine though.
@@Slater6377 The one pipe lighter insert I have is the Z Pipe from the same company, it's a butane insert with a soft flame. I also have the torch insert which is the Z Plus.
ranger straps
I’ve noticed that the fuel evaporates very fast as well…as a kid, I don’t remember my dad or anyone for that matter having that problem…I remember my dad filling his zippo maybe 2-3 times a year…but I could be mistaken 🫤
Ha! Zippo's are made in my hometown (Bradford, PA)! I worked in that factory (cleaning) when I was a teenager looking for extra money... _HIGHLY_ recommend folks go visit the museum there if you haven't yet and are finding yourself nearby -- you _WON'T_ be disappointed!
My son gave me a Zippo 24 years ago. I still use it today on my pipe.
Completely agree with your rankings here. I bought a box of matches with my first pipe. Went through 4 or 5 before even getting a good char light. Tried a Bic I had laying about the next time. It was passable, but I wanted a more permanent solution.
Stopped at a smoke shop while I was traveling and saw the coolest Zippo-a sort of pirate ship&map thing. I used that for a while until I saw someone mention that Zippo made pipe inserts. Immediately orded one and I've been using it ever since.
I really like how customizable Zippos are, and appreciate how simple they are. Easy to use, easy to refuel, easy to maintain. Just a great tool.
You should have stayed with the Bic as they are very dependable. I can't say as much for the Zippo.
What a wonderful and important video, Wilson. I think I agree with you 100%. As an ex engineer and an American, my favorite lighter is the zippo. I have a zippo lighter collection, and until 15 months ago, never used it to light any kind of smoking implement. I just loved the fact that they were designed in the 30s and a virtually unchanged because of how sound the design was. They are made in the United States, and they have never charged even a dime to fix one. I actually had somebody give me one that had no lid and I told him that, and I said I wanted to pay for the repairs because I did not purchase it. They would not let me give them any money. They replaced the lid and the insert for free. So I want to spend my money with them. If I go outside, zippo is all I use because it never lets you down. If the flame is too large, you can cut the wick back to make it smaller. All of that being said, my favorite lighters for inside are the old boy style. I have four of them and cherish them all. I think for a butane lighter, the most reliable is the ones that use a flint and a striker wheel. My other favorite is the Saint Dupont style, both that and the old boy style use a Flint and Striker. Have never had good luck with the peso-electric butane lighters until I purchased a Calibri. I have found all of them fail within as little as a month to six months. But since I started using premium Calibri fuel, I think it might have been a clogging issue rather than the electronic failure. When I used Bic lighters for my pipes, they seemed to run out of fuel very quickly. For my first charring light and my first real light I like to use a wooden kitchen matches. After that, I always use a soft flame for all of my relights. You have a blessed week, my friend.
Been to the Zippo/ Case knife museum and factory in Bradford PA. I also buy them for that reason too (being made in the USA).
@@scottsmith3236 Yes. I have been there twice. I also love Case knives, so it was twice the fun. For the last 15 years, I was just wasting lighter fluid. Now I have a good use for them. I bought 4 pipe inserts.
I have had the good fortune of working for both companies, 17 years at Zippo and 10 at Case. Still have many friends at both. I use a variety of lighters, but outdoors in the wind, nothing beats a Zippo.
@@gerrystevens1475 I’m jealous. I like both as well. Have a blessed week my friend.
Excellent video sir.
I always stuck with the original Bic. I don't get burned, as when I light up, I don't turn the lighter over, I tilt my pipe to the side. Works a charm.
Thanks for your time.
Zippo makes a soft butane yellow flame for pipes about 15 dollars. They also make a regular flame pipe insert from 14 to 19 dollars depending on the finsh you get.
Your bookshelf is incredible. Definitely need to get that Systematic Theology by Berkhof.
And the Great Books of the Western World series! Cheers for that!
I borrowed a copy once and never read it, lol.
1:02 Matches
3:33 Bic Lighters
6:45 Soft- Flame Lighters
11:26 Torch Lighters
12:52 Old Boy Style
16:05 Zippo
Happy I found this channel.
For me, im a zippo lover too. I use one of the thicker zippo armor cases with the antique finish and a pipe insert. My backup I use for both cigars and pipe is another zippo armor case, but I got one of the vector dual flame inserts (single jet and soft flame) that has worked great for me.
I'm only a few months into the hobby and I ahve to agree witht he zippo. They work great in the wind and I've tried so many other methods and I always come back to the zippo.
I used to own several Zippos when I smoked cigarettes 30 years ago. I agree with everything you've said about them. I really appreciated the build quality and my only reservation about buying another one now is that they may be of lower quality. Can you confirm that they are still solidly built and nicely finished? Many thanks from the UK
I don’t deal with electric anymore. Gotta have flint, gotta be refillable. Jus got the yellow flame zippo insert. Love it
If you want something retro and unique (if you can find one) is a Nimrod lighter
👍 I myself keep a regular sized zippo and a bic for backup in my pipe pouch. Also had it sent to zippo for exchanging the insert for the pipe style (only paying the shipping) 😉
100% agree that Zippos with the pipe insert are the way to go. If the fuel taste is an issue, letting it burn for 5+ sec before putting it to the tobac seems to reduce the taste some, but I've grown to like that taste a bit at the beginning, haha
A solid overview. I'm a Zippo guy and I think the fuel taste debate gets blown out of sorts. My pipe bag always has a couple Bics for back up if I run out of fuel.
Excellent video Wilson. Enjoyed your interview on the Pipe and Tobacco Talk Podcast.
Yep! Zippo for me! Reliable, easy to use. Inexpensive. Easy and cheap to maintain. And they're just cool!
I agree about the odor and taste. I smell the fuel for a second after lighting. But I can't say I've ever tasted it; maybe the very split second of initial light, but that's it. Nothing that's ever bothered me.
I use the Zippo with the pipe insert, and you're right about all the pros and cons there. I was thinking that I could find something a little better for the wind, since I'm smoking more outside during breaks at work. But honestly, the Zippo is great. I also find that the lighter fluid taste that people talk about is overrated. I get that for maybe a second, then it's all tobacco taste. Great list!
I haven't seen a book of matches in God knows when! Bic pretty much killed them. Used to be, matches were a giveaway item, advertising, souvenirs. As soon as cheap butane lighters arrived, convenience stores had another item to sell. So long, free matches. I use a standard Bic to light my pipe. Great video, Wilson!
Don't forget that matches are great in that they'll never char your pipe.
Interestingly, matches burn hotter than Zippos it seems!
I don't know if links to other UA-cam videos are welcomed here but there's a fella that compared the different flames (matches, Zippo, generic butane, and butane pipe lighter) with a thermo coupler.
Just search "realistic flame temperature comparison between matches, Zippo". That should be enough to get you to NV Projects channel.
The long neck bic lighters are definitely my favorite. But, because of this video I have ordered the zippo pipe lighter!
If no wind, I use my torch lighter (gave up cigars) and use them to light stick matches. Burns the sulfur off right away, But most of the time I use Bic extended tubes and buy them online directly from BIC. Good price even compaired to Walmart prices. Tired of always running out of fuel for my Zip's or Propane.
I change fairly often on what I use, if I am fishing on my boat I tend to go for a zippo (picky on what fuel I use zippo brand only others have left weird tastes) if I am at home matches or my Peterson lighter. If I’m driving it’s almost always a bic, just in case I drop it.
I'm a zippo piper. Other than being surprised by being out of fuel... it is the lighter I'll always be using. I have enjoyed your review of lighters.
Hey 👋, new to the crew and got my first pipe today for Father's Day. (From a gas station for 20$,,, dont judge me too harshly.) Just wanted to say thanks for the education and the opportunity for a good threshold. Starting off with Bugler tobacco. 😢but hey, got to start somewhere.
Congrats! Check out Sutliff 's bulk blends. They are cheap and far better than Bugler.
I've always used red bird strike anywhere wood matches. Reliable, cheap, I feel it really helps with flavor.
Love watching your videos, and smoking a bowl with you. Agree with the Zippo pipe lighters. I also think that tasting the lighter fuel when lighting pipe is a bunch of bull. Even just a taste is noticed, it's worth it to enjoy the rest of the bowl. With matches I always seem to need several, and always nearly burn my fingers. God Bless and keep you and yours safe.
Clipper makes a long neck like the bic that is refillable and adjustable. I’ve been using the same one for almost a year now.
Good advice. Thanks. Like the books too!
I just bought a gold zippo with pipe insert today with a new meerschaum. I’ve used them but never owned a zippo. I love this thing, I really hope I don’t lose it. This is the exact size item I lose.
Thanks for the video, i'm currently considering obtaining a dedicated pipe lighter. I used to have one but it jumped from my hands and broke (i actually did the typical clumsy thing and tried to catch it but instead made the situation worse by whacking it faster to the ground)
Great info to pass along to folks! I've used just about all the lighters you talked about. The clipper lighters with the long nose if you will are great and are refillable. Thanks for the great video!!
Zippo for me. One of the cons is that they will dry out after a bit. I just get in the habit of topping off the fuel once a week. As far as smelling or tasting fuel I find that letting it burn for just a couple seconds before touching it to the pipe gets rid of any excessive fumes and taste (if any)
Yeah I forgot to mention the drying out issue. That's probably its biggest drawback
I wrap a hemp Wick around my pipe stem light the hemp Wick with a match and use the wick to light the pipe
Wow i have the same zippo down to the design on the case, i came here thinking I'd be told there were better ways. Imagine my shock when i found out the good ol zippo wins again.
For your zippo, If you haven’t rerouted your wick and switched the felt seal out for just a corner of a freeer bag, that really helps with the fuel lasting a long time. I can easily get a week and that’s using it a lot. Probably can stretch it out to 2 weeks if you use it less.
You can buy a pack of 10 rubber plugs that fit the bottom of the fuel tank. They last me 2 weeks or so and they have a small door for refill.
@@benarnold7241corner of a freezer ziplock last me about the same amount of time and are basically free. You can get a ton from one bag
Using the proper wooden matches are great for indoors. Angle the match downward for a second or two to spread the flame across the match more thoroughly, and it will give you a beautiful light.
Unusable outside with even faintest whisper of a breeze, though.
I bought a zippo with the pipe insert. I love using a zippo and playing with them. The Peterson lighter is pretty slick though. I definitely like the look but I don’t want it if it’s finicky. I love the long stem bic lighters too for reliability and convenience but it cheapens the experience of pipe smoking for me. I love using wood matches but only when indoors or where there is no wind at all which is very rare.
If people dislike the classic zippo thing, you can always go to a tractor supply or the like and buy pure naptha.
And to fix evaporation which is another concern, you can get gaskets.
I’ve got my eye on some nicer lighters, but for now I’ve tried several of the cheaper options. I used bics and matches a good bit, but wanted something refillable and basic. I picked up a metal clipper on Amazon for ten bucks, and it’s been a simple, reliable, and the larger flame when you tip it works nice.
Good info. I always enjoy your videos.
One thing you didn't mention ... I prefer my Old Boy because the Zippo fluid evaporates too quickly. I have to refill my butane lighter MUCH less frequently than the Zippo.
Very true, I don't smoke often, but when I want to my Zippos are always empty. They are good lighters but you need to use them regularly, that's why I'm interested by getting a Corona.
I use a torch lighter due to the wind, plus I'm new to pipe smoking so I'm not so good at keeping it lit yet. Getting better at it though!
Hey Wilson.
I also prevere Zippo lighters, but in Germany they are much more expensiv. 😓
Thank's for present your lighters.
Greetings from Mittelhessen
Yeah I was at that competition and saw you use matches. And that's the only thing I'll say about that event. 😊
Hahaha
I love using cedar spills to initially light my pipes. Great video!!!!
My zippo 100% dependable but something really nostalgic using matches. I use matches when I can but outside its zippo everytime. My palette doesn't register the fuel taste.
I always liked a wood match but they have their cons. I use Bic lighters most frequently, not distinguished or elegant but they serve the purpose and are basically maintenance free.
Sweet stache bro. Zippo all the way
You can also buy the Zippo pipe inserts separately if you already have a Zippo.
I just want light anywhere matches back 😢
I found a big box at my local Ace Hardware store. They’re still out there. I dip them in wax, to make them waterproof, and it helps keep them lit in a breeze.
I have to say first that i used a Zippo for cigarettes over 50 years ago and i had no problems except when filling the fluid would leak and burn my leg. The fluid was much better back the and even smoking 2 packs a day, i only filled the lighter about every week. Flash forward...I smoke a pipe and i decided that i wanted a light and i saw Zippo had a pipe lighter, so i bought one. It needed to be filled about ever 3 days, but it worked. I saw that Zippo had a butane insert so i tried that. That proved to be a piece of junk that just wouldn't light. This week i have a few items coming in. I bought a diferent make electric butane insert. I'll see if that works to my satisfaction. I also have a package of Bic lighters coming in. I know that they will light. I thought about matches, but then i need an ash tray to put the used matches in. Many years ago before lighters, everyone lit their pipe with matches. I never planned on getting this involved for a simple task as lighting a pipe!
My number 1 is a Corona old boy. Very reliable, and ergonomically the easiest for me. Second choice is a big wooden match, third is a bic, but only if I’m out of the nest.
My favourite is a Zippo too, they or some are quite elegant too imo. I do use the Zippo made butane pipe insert though. Pro tip I learned about long stem bic type lighters, the knock offs non-bics at the dollar store are surprisingly, refillable, but not bic brand I believe. I’m going to purchase a 20$ pipe lighter soon they look effective and good, and one day a kiribi.
I have a reusable match which is really cool.
Thank you for that information and your review on the lighters. It was helpful! Have a wonderful day!
I love my three beattie jet lighters, very pipe specific lighter
the guys at the cigar lounge utterly hate it when i use my zippo to light my pipe. they say "USE A FUCKING MATCH HOLY SHIT" all the time. i dont care, i have a pipe insert and i like the way my zippo feels and looks! let me use it, snobs. i have way too many matchboxes now due to the owner just throwing them at me
Got a zippo with the butane pipe insert and I would not recommend it for sure. It is difficult to not burn your hand with it because you have to hold the trigger down the whole time.
Just ordered the lighter fuel one though. Thanks for the recommendation!
Excellent video! I keep wanting to get a snazzier looking lighter, but at the end of the day continue to enjoy my Zippo with the pipe insert. I have never had a problem with tasting the fuel. It works great and has that classic "click." Still, I am going to head to your Amazon link to browse a bit. Thanks!
Corona old boy is a my favorite. A zippo w butane pipe insert a close second
I keep going back to the zippo. I’ve had just about every variation of a butane lighter from a bit to an older boy, it genuine. I am corona I keep going back to the zippo. I’ve had just about every variation of a butane lighter from a bit to an im corona old boy, but I keep coming back to the zippo because it works better. butane lighters don’t work well outside or in a room with a ceiling fan and all the rooms in my house have ceiling fans.
One thing no one talks about with butane lighters as that they’re generally pretty poor quality. The Bicks are actually really good quality, especially when he factor that they’re like three bucks. But the more expensive butane lighters that have the electric ignition. I’ve never had one last more than a month or two before the ignition stop working.
Just a tip for those in the market for pricier lighters: P&C occasionally has 20% off cart deals, and with the free shipping, you could spend around $100 and get a really nice lighter and a few blends to boot.
Vector lighters make a model " Optimus ". It has a retactable tube that allows you to go deep in the deeper bowled pipes. It has an electro peizo lighting system. It is a soft butane flame for about 36 or 37 dollars.
Great run thru of lighter options.
Thank you for this video, what is the make and model of the pipe you were handling in the video?
I really need to listen to you and get the one with the pipe insert part of the chimney but boy, I'm fighting with myself. There's a lighter that's a replica of a lighter from a show. I really love used by one of my favorite characters. I wanted so bad, it's a cool lol but it's more of your standard zipo tipe
I decided to go for a cheap (US$15-delivered) AliExpress selectable-flame (blue-flame/yellow-flame) refillable butane lighter with USB-rechargeable plasma arc just above the gas nozzle for ignition. Hopefully it proves more reliable than the piezo-ignition. I probably got around 10,000 uses out of my old cheapo piezo jet lighter, using it until it takes about ten clicks to get it to light, which is pretty good, but I'd like something that will last forever. I think plasma-arc-based ignition has a lot of potential, but it's not exactly a mature/proven tech durability-wise yet.
I use a butane torch lighter personally but i only smoke abput a bowl a day and im not what ill call deep into pipe culture. I smoke it because i like it. I think my biggest gotta haves with a pipe are curved stems, i like longer stems too. Pipe screens, the balls, i love em and the reason i love em is ive found i can get a better burning bowl and i dont get moisture in the bottom slowing or stopping my burn. My uncle is big into pipes he seesrs they causd burnout but in about 20 years of smoking a pipe ive never had one burn out. I did have a straight pipe with a filter spit on my though and thats some nasty shit so i go non filtered pipes when i can
i prep using matches
Hey I was curious what’s the name of the pipe you have on display in this video and is it still available anywhere
Where do you get your vests from? They look good. Are they tweed?
I have a decent “old boy” style butane lighter from JM Boswells that serves me well. Matches I’ve noticed get me a better char and light faster then most soft flame lighters. Unfortunately my taste buds are too prissy for the zippos 😂
Are you using "soft flame lighters" as a category or to differentiate between those and the Bic lighters? I was under the impression that a Bic had a "soft flame".
Hard to beat matches for indoor use and zippo for outdoor.
You definitely have enough matches! That box you got was packed!! 😂
🤣Very true!
Nice review! Where did you get that vest?
Im just getting into pipe smoking. In the past I've smoked cigars and was always told to never lite with anything but a wood match. Spoils the cigar, so I just never used anything else. Is it the same with pipe tobacco?
Matches are fine, but can be a bit precarious - especially when getting the match into the bottom of the bowl for a re-light.
Use a soft flame lighter. The bic lighters with the long neck are awesome.
If you use a zippo or similar lighter, use the zippo brand fuel because it doesn’t pass a taste to the pipe like Ronsonol lighter fuel does.
I find the zippo made for pipes to require a much harder draw in order to light my tobacco. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, but it feels like I have to draw hard to get that flame to come down.
...what sort of competition involves lighting a pipe with a match?
Has anyone tried a Tesla coil electric ark-type lighter? They’re really trouble free, but are they too hot? Do they burn the tobacco and produce too much smoke?
I was gifted a Zippo pipe lighter when I left my old job. Can't fault it at all, tremendous
Before that, and when I misplace my zippo, I use matches and use my old cigar torch lighter to relight them so I get more out of them
I suppose the only drawback of zippos is that the fuel evaporates over time, not recommended for occasional users; you'll waste a lot of it.
That’s my biggest gripe, I like my zippo well enough, but I don’t smoke often and the fuel evaporates between smokes.
I like wooden matches.
Am i stupid or something ? How do i do this without burning blisters all in my mouth and tongue
Peterson's lighters do have a design fault when lighting them on a low setting they can have a flame like a blow torch, the cause of this is because there are two flame adjustment screws when the top adjustment screw is altered it sometimes interferes with the second adjustment screw seated underneath the top one.
I like my pipe Zippo
A Guy I knew back in U.K. had burned a half inch long hole through the side of his pipe by using a high temperature jet flame lighter.
So I’ve been smoking pipes for about 8 months now, and I think I’m doing something wrong; I have 2 that are getting charring/blackened on the OUTSIDE of the bowl. I think it’s because I’m smoking them too hot? Every time I smoke the bowl gets too hot to handle, but I don’t know how to smoke slower, I go for like 30-40 minute sessions. But I don’t want to ruin my pipes, and I’m afraid I’ve done so. Any advice my friends?
If the bowl is getting to hot, you are smoking a bit to fast. You want to smoke as slow as possible and in short puffs...like your trying to sip wine as a analogy.
How you pack a pipe will also help with how long your pipe will stay lit. I would recommend watching videos on how to pack a pipe, there are several fantastic vids on UA-cam on how to pack a pipe properly.
Also, letting your tobacco dry out before packing it into a pipe can help it stay lit longer and make it easier to light as well.
Also, after a puff or two, let the pipe cool down for a bit before the next puff, that way the pipe cools down and you don't burn yourself since the smoke will become hot as well if you smoke to fast.
I hope this helps!
P.S. After smoking a pipe, and you start cleaning it, don't remove all of the ash from the inner walls, the layer of ash can also help keep your pipe cool, especially with briar pipes.
If it's just black on the rim it's ok, it's just a build up of carbon, tar etc. It can be cleaned of generally. If it's really marked and burned it shouldn't really be. I think it can be fixed but you should try avoiding keeping the flame a long time over the bowl.
Cheers
Last month I bought a Vertigo Governor butane lighter, and after two pipes, it stopped lighting. It sparks, I put new butane in it. It just won't light. So I'm back to the cheap, disposable Djeep lighters that are tried and true.
Okay am I missing something?? I thought butane was cleaner burning than Zippo fuel. 🤔
I like a zippo or IMCO.
I use torch lighters and do not lie
Let me make it easy; ZIPPO
best pipe lighter is dunhill unique
my pipe smoking friend, you left out one of the cons with the zippo. It’s probably the biggest con of all the lighters.
The collectibility. once you get used to the zippo and he figure out that it is the superior way to light your pipe, all those variations that you talked about combined with the low cost make it a very slippery slope to start collecting them. And before you blink, you’ve got a dozen. And then blink again and you got two dozen.
Agree totally with the review on zippos. Some guys make it sound like you use one and your whole smoking experiences tastes like lighter fluid. Just not true at all.
Thirty-five year pipe smoker here. I've probably used every method out there, including all things here (save the torch lighter - don't do that) and I've come back to the Zippo as my main source of flame. I had a Thunderbird butane insert in mine for maybe ten years, and it worked well until the catch wore out (it acts as the fuel valve in them). I recently put the regular Zippo pipe insert back in, and I doubt I'll ever need anything else ever again.
One pro for the Zippo that you may not have considered: the size of the flint wheel is better than anything. You get good purchase on it, and it creates enough spark to light every time. Smaller wheels on butane lighters often need to be struck more than once, and they can wear a groove in the flint such that you need to loosen and re-orient it from time to time to keep the surface in contact with the wheel. Annoying.
A con worth considering, however, is that if you are an infrequent smoker, you will have to refuel the Zippo more often than you think you should. Zippo fuel is volatile, and it evaporates whether or not you use it. Figure on refueling every week or so, no matter how often you use it. Butane does stay put so long as your lighter isn't leaking, so for those who smoke one or two pipes a week, it may be a better option.
And last, always carry a Bic if you are away from home. You never know when your refillable lighter will run out of fuel, and the Bic is a great back-up. Cheers, and happy smokes!
Both aesthetically and practically zippos are great, but the taste is a real issue if you’re someone who is sensitive to it. I really wish I could use it for anything other than a backup because it is so effective, but those fumes mess up my sense of taste/smell for the first half of the bowl or so. I think it’s something that just varies from person to person.
Some people claim cilantro tastes like dish soap, but it’s fine to me (as long as you don’t confuse it for parsley and put it n an Italian dish). Lighting up with a zippo feels like I’m taking a big whiff from the back end of my weed eater after starting it.
The best way to light your pipe is anyway you have available