It's so ironic that Matches has traumatic memories of Smokey the Bear and matches, and his mom's purse fire and matches, yet is known to all of us as Matches. Sounds like a Shakespearian tragedy.
Cigar matches works best . Kitchen matches break easily that’s resulted in a few burnt holes in pants and shirts . Imagine going down the road and you get a hot potato in your lap 😊 it’s gonna happen so consider cigar matches if that’s your preference. May god rest his soul . His graveyard smoke sessions I enjoy the most perhaps but I never get tired of hearing the wisdom humor and how good of a story teller he was and still is threw these videos . God bless the family and much appreciation for keeping the channel up .
In the world which is acquired with rush, long runs to owe money for someone and lil for self, in a world which is deprived with love, happiness, and contentment, I found your vids enough to calm down the nerves and to enjoy life with whatever one owes.. Hats Off.. 🌼❤️
Hi John: I do use matches but the disadvantages you mention are very valid. The most exciting time I ever experienced with matches in the car is when I struck the wooden match to light the pipe, and, as you say, the firey head flies off and lands on the drivers seat in a most uncomfortable spot either between ones legs or on the new pair of khaki trousers you are wearing for the first time. Instant L.L. Bean reorder scenario. Regards, Doug.
I bought my first pipe in 1961, I tried just about every kind of lighter and didn't like any of them. Long story short---I use wooden matches (paper matches can burst into flame, as your mother knows), and work just fine. The most romantic way, if that is the correct adjective, is to take a live ember from the fireplace with the tongs and put it on the top of the tobacco in the bowl of your pipe---and leave it there for the duration of the smoke. I just discovered your site and subscribed as a new member. Think I'm going to like it here.
hey, I'd just like to point out that Matches died 4 years ago, so his networks are just being left by his family as a legacy. But I'm curious about your story, I'm curious about the idea of starting to smoke a pipe. If you've been smoking since 1961, have you experienced a decline in your health because of smoking?
No decline, except for the slowing up usual for someone who will be 80 in two months. I take the dog for a good, brisk walk five times or so every day in all weathers. People tell me I don't look anywhere near my real age, and even my doctor is bewildered. I am careful about my weight but don't eat any special foods. I smoke anywhere from zero to four pipeloads a day, two being most common (I'd probably smoke a bit more if my wife didn't object to indoor smoking). I smoked more in the days when lighting up was allowed almost everywhere, even in libraries.
I love the novelty of using matches; it really makes me feel like I'm smoking my pipe as it should be smoked. But, where I live, its windy 98% of the time making matches terrible for lighting my pipe. Before I smoked a pipe, I bought a Zippo as a gift for a friend (I wanted to fill it up for him before hand, and naturally I began playing around with it) and I loved it. But I had no use for it. After I began my journey with a pipe, I figured a Zippo would be perfect for lighting. After surfing the internet I found a Zippo pipe lighter, so I ordered one in a blink of an eye. After using it a couple of times, I absolutely love. Maybe I don't appreciate tobacco as much as others, but I can't taste the fuel. That lighter is perfect for me and it has become a close friend; always there for me, never letting me down. I respect your reserved view on using a Zippo, but for me it is a fantastic alternative to matches.
Ah yes, this is always a friendly debatable issue to converse over with my pipe smoking friends! I have just about tried every source of flame, but it comes down to what you have become accustomed to. I started with a zippo, got bummed about it drying up, so I went with matches for years. As stated in below comments, matches feel nice and old school for sure. And I always have a few bics lying around for emergencies. Only recently have I switched back to my trusty zippo. And as good ol matches said, it's all about the habit you take on with refilling the zippo. Now with the zippo, it's cheap to refill, lights the pipe very well, and does really good in wind, especially with the fickle Washington weather. So I myself will stick with the zippo. Cheers!
As a cigar smoker I tend to be weary of zippo fluid. I personally can taste it but I know some cant. I have the best of both worlds I bought a butane insert for my zippo to light my pipes.
Excellent musings on fire sources. I tend to always go with matches for exactly the reason you mentioned. I only smoke a few times a week and we already have them around the house for candles or the grill. I've thought about getting a zippo but never pulled the trigger. And that is a beautiful pipe! Love the shape and the appearance of the morta.
Wow! Glad I stumbled across this video. Answered a lot of questions about where your screen moniker came from. I prefer matches, but since I smoke outside and it seems every time the wind is blowing I use a Zippo with a pipe lighter insert. I recently stumbled across matches that do not contain sulfur, thinking about giving them a try. Cheers!
I think mentioned this on a Facebook chat, Bic Bic Bic! You can put them through the wash and they'll work, you can use a Bic on a humid day, when it's a bit windy. If only they'd make one with a 45 degree flame for pipers. On a rare occurrence I'll use matches. There is no down side to matches. I'll even go so far as to say I have even gotten a better charring light but I'll always have a Bic in my pocket.
Terrific video as always. I like wooden matches for my cigars but that's mainly for the ceremony of toasting and lighting. I always have my butane torch as well. Something about the fuel not having a smell that can affect the taste of the cigar. Whatever, all that matters is what makes one happy.
+Jason Desjardins There's certainly something to be said for the "ritual" aspects of lighting a pipe or cigar. Whatever makes the experience more pleasurable!
People may talk about butane affecting the taste of a cigar or pipe tobacco, but in reality, not one person in a thousand can actually tell the difference.
Great video John. I used a zippo or an equivalent for years and then switched to matches and then to a butane lighter which I like the best. Be well and all the best, Bill
Sir, thank you for all your videos. You were the embodiment of a decent american hardworking man with realistic and proper views on life generally and society in particular. I think that and your great storytelling were the recipe for your sucess. You were a relict of an idyllic world before all turned to sh*t, and you did an amazing Job reporting about it. Rest in peace.
Nice topic. As a kid I always watched my dad light his pipes with Swan matches....I buy them because it reminds of those moments. But, I have a Zippo pipe lighter and of course cheap "Vic" type lighters. Cheers
Great video. I was smoking some Velvet with you while watching! Great stuff. I remember first trying some Velvet back in 2001 when I first got into pipe smoking. I had fallen in love with it, but didn't try it again until today, after my tub of it arrived in the mail. I had actually give up pipe smoking until a week ago after deciding I needed to stop smoking cigarettes, and I have to say, it's still just as delicious as it was back then! Only a negligible difference in flavor since the Scandanavian company took over Velvet. Funny thing is, the reason I stopped smoking a pipe is because I didn't know how to smoke it properly, nor how to take care of my Dr Grabow I had owned at the time. I tried going from Captain Black Original to Velvet in the same pipe, after first trying Velvet and loving it. However, the Captain Black had ruined the flavor of the Velvet, so I boiled my pipe, thinking it would rid it of the flavor of the aromatic. It didn't work, so I gave up smoking a pipe. It wasn't until I came across your videos about a week ago, that I had learned all I needed to know to get back into pipe smoking. I just want to thank you for all the information!
Thanks for the comment and welcome back to the pipe! I probably first tried Velvet back in the 1990's, but back then, I had little idea as to what I was doing and didn't appreciate it at the time.
I went through a ton of matches in the beginning and switched to a Peterson lighter and a Zippo. The outdoors for me causes a match issue- but the romantic in me would still like to use em. Great to learn how your name came about, I wondered where the 860 came from.
Great presentation, John. Here's an option that hasn't been mentioned: bulk packs of those cheap disposible lighters in the flat pocket-friendly Scripto profile. OK, these lighters don't work worth a damn out of the pack, but a 30-second simple mod fixes that. Very respectable pipe lighters in fact, with a long clean flame. The reason I go this route is convenience. In bulk they work out to about 25 cents a piece, and each lighter lasts several weeks. No worries about remembering to buy butane, remembering to refuel, running out of flints, etc.
Bartholomew Fotheringay-Phipps Some ten or so years ago I bought a knock-off cheapo lighter. Was at a performance my daughter was in and the lighter exploded in my pants pocket. Naturally, a week later there was a recall LOL.
I don't know if you intended this to be as humorous as it was informative but I'm still laughing. Great chat thanks. I'm just taking up the pipe and was thinking of getting a ZIPPO. I think I still will but heck, matches sound like a lot of fun..... LOL. Cheers
Ahhh! Now I know the story behInd 860. Myself, I like to light my pipe with wooden matches. Something about the action makes me feel like I'm back in the old days when they were the only thing you could do to get the pipe going. Have you ever gone to someone's home that had a fancy wet bar and there sat a large brandy sifter filled with match books labeled with famous restaurant names? It was a way a person could flaunt to his guests that he was a globe trotter and had to time and money to go to those places. Regards to zippos, I have a frustrating time refilling them. Always drying - up. Also, I'm with you, I was up at the stroke of seven on Saturday morning anxiously waiting for Bugs Bunny. Those were the days. No mortgage payments no bills.
Ralph Burns Using a Zippo is just a matter of getting into a fueling habit that keeps the lighter working, but I certainly remember the same aggravation. Saturday mornings were something special for sure!
Got to the part where you talked about dumping the hot pipe contents in the cat food can ashtray filled with old matches and it set off a three alarm blaze and I literally started laughing out loud. Then the part about being lucky enough to have a cup of coffee or something to put out the fire put me over the top. Thanks for another great video.
John Another great video thank s man what kind of pipe is that looks like a savinelli pipe ? love the grain in that Briar . just wondering it a beautiful one ! Always enjoy your stuff its great. and Zippo is the way to go time tested ,your friend Scott
I like matches but I'm gonna have to give them up. I burned a hole in yet another favorite shirt today, and the t shirt underneath it when the match head broke off and still managed to fire up while flying on to my shoulder haha. Also the damn flower pot outside my smoking sliding door is full of kitchen matches. I have a pipe zippo I'm gonna have to start using more
+Matthew Gabbard LOL, yeah, only after you start using the Zippo do you realize how much better it is. You just have to get used to the fueling schedule and making sure you have spare flints.
Lighters are great for the car, or horseback,or in the lavatory of the plane (just kidding); matches are fine when I'm home watching Saturday morning cartoons. You tell a story well,, my friend. Nice sharing a pipe with you this morning.
Zippo makes the best cleanest fuel for petrol lighters. Ronsonol Lighter Fuel is more oily and you can smell and taste it. But I prefer using old style vintage 1920' - 50's Ronco, Evans etc. Much less fuel evaporation with the closed tank with screw and gasket. But to me the best lighter is the 1930's semi automatic has lift arm spring German Mylflam. 1/16 inch slide movement of your thumb and it opens and lights every time.
"Three Alarm blaze going on under your dashboard" lol thanks for the giggle! :) There is something romantic about using Matches, just can't explain it...but don't mind the zippo / Bic lighter either
Here's the crazy thing... As much as I love using matches, this last trip up the mountain I was using a Bic like it was in vogue. Seemed to handle the wind much better. Unfortunately no zippo with me :/
Wow that’s a stunning pipe and it’s ring! I’ve been using matches, like the match feel but after my last video outdoors, I’m really thinking I should invest in a zippo one day when I can.
I have been aging my ODF since a few months and been nibbling on a few flakes every now and then. I love it for the chocolate flavor aging brings forth to the tobacco. It's always matches for me unless I run out; then it's the cheap BIC or Chinese made lighters. Would love some Vesta Swan matches though.
Matches860 Yup, I've been wanting to get a Peterson pipe lighter but the lack of good fuel always keeps me from committing. Xikar Purofine is one of the finest and sadly not available. I am talking about the BIC/Clipper lighters. They usually run of fuel in 1-2 weeks, haven't had problems with them yet. *knocks on wood*
I found there is something satisfying about lighting a pipe with matches. But I just find it almost inconvenient. I love the convenience of my zippo. To be honest, I have never noticed the fuel with exception to a couple of occasions. Great video, Take care!
The band on that pipe is awesome. I use Xikar EX for my pipe I know it is not made for that but it is my favorite. I just went to an Xikar event last night and bought the Xikar Scribe I will let you know when I get it and how I like using it.
Zippooooooo eight.... six...... zerooooooo has a bit of a ring to it. Your videos pushed me to try a Zippo, actually. Now I am accumulating Zippos. :-) And I love that morta.
Hi John, I laughed out loud listening to your story as I was mentally picturing a young you staring at a black and white TV set, thinking it "did some psychological damage" ... Damn you Smokey The Bear! :) Admit it, your Nom de plume is purely based on self hate - haha Great chat as always!
From my experience butane will alter the flavour of whatever herb you are smoking. I stopped using lighters years ago, i have a zippo for my cigarettes though as its only one initial spark. Im a novice pipe tobacco smoker however so im here for some information from the veteran's :)
I never used matches while driving but when I used to smoke cigs I had the ash tray catch fire while racing someone man what a smell. Then another time when I first started smoking I thought I had closed the Zippo after lighting my cig I tossed it on the seat. A little while later I started smelling something awful it was my seat luckily I caught it in time and had something to put it out with
Enjoyable video, Matches! The pleasing and humourous anecdotes seemed to have made up for the lack of the Friday Savinelli. Minimal backlash in the comments! Have a good one.
Matches and lighters everywhere just useless at keeping them, so whatever comes to hand first Johm. Wow the quality picture in that video seemed ultra clear and the Rick black looked very well. Nothing too contentious this week think we have all had the matches scares..i remember clothes coming back from the laundry and only then you knew where those rocket heads had landed....And i remember at school the old headmaster priest was a pipe smoker and always pipe in hand always seemed lit and on morning prayer the pipe would quickly disappear under the cassock until the inevitable day the smoking priest smoking had to quickly exit the stage as the pipe lit his matches ..luckily a frocklike cassock and was able to put out before burning himself... nice chat enjoyed and i think the solution is always carry both as back up to each other...I think the Macbaren complete HH series a wonderful range tobaccos and with the dunhills series just terrific ...oops almost said fantastic stuff Regards and Respect as always
Ouch Im whincing at tbe thought trying to think what you call that an antero-hale....that a first :-) ..saw you using long clay once in an old tavern ...hope didnt break of for next man.
Hi Matches860, Maybe You already know about it, but I learnt from another UA-cam video that there's a thing called "Thunderbird Replacement Pipe Lighter Insert" which is butane fuelled. The insert will fit into a Zippo lighter casing. I ordered one the other day but i haven't received it yet, so i cannot give You a review about it.
I hear ya John. As for me though, I'll stick with matches. I view pipe smoking as an historic and a romantic type of endeavor. Lighters seem to take that away. Besides I keep burning my thumb with lighters. LOL Good video!
Good video! Been using a zippo for over 25 years. Can’t always find the actual Zippo brand fluid, if I happen to run out, before I can get some in the mail. So, when I can’t find it, I go with Ronsonol. Do you find Ronson lighter fluid to have any inferior burning qualities?
I've never noticed a difference between the two. I will say that while charcoal lighter fluid can be used in a pinch, I'd only recommend it during a crises. Now that is inferior burning!
I don't remember seeing a Smokey the Bear PSAs for some time. Sad I don't taste anything after using my Zippo. If think my 20 years of cigarette smoking in my early years screwed with my taste buds. I always let my pipe set for a few minutes before I dump its ashes. I'm retired and no longer in a hurry for anything, except when I need to go pee. ;-)
at home I use a stick and a candle sometimes had a red eye fall so I wear those silly scarves to protect my clothes. otherwise well a bic I like the djeep but cannot get them here don't know why.. never have enough though always looking for one.. they are with the missing tampers !!!
Hey Matches i have got 2 questions: 1. of which brand is that pipe and what type is it? 2. How can you draw that often on your pipe, doesn't it get burning hot on the outside? My pipes mostly run very hot. It's frustrating because i don't know what i do wrong. Sorry for my bad english.
The pipe is a Rick Black and it's made of Morta, 5,000 year old petrified wood. Morta smokes very similar to a corncob, so it's very cool. My smoking habits can get very aggressive at times and I know I should slow down, but I don't LOL. I understood your whole question...your English is perfect!
Hey I was wondering if you'd mind sharing your thoughts on Orlik's Dark Strong Kentucky, if you had it, and just in general the flavors you get from Dark Fired. I just popped my tin of Orlik's and it didn't wow me that much. Thanks a lot!
Briguy5756 As a rule, I get pretty excited about dark fired tobacco. As you probably know, the leaf is cured not too much differently from latakia and produces a very mild smokey taste. It has been ages since I had the Orliks, but I do have an old tin which keeps calling me to open it LOL. Maybe before summers end, or in the fall I'll open it up.
I appreciate it.. I have a feeling I was just frustrated with my inability to do a good fold and stuff, time to stick to cube cutting haha. First impressions aren't everything! Happy smoking.
Matches860 your channel is fantastic, very relaxing and a pure joy, only wish I could stay up for the live shows but I’m in UK time. Still there runs on 24/7 :)
I remember when they added 860. Fairfield County was the only area that didn't change. Now with 1 cell phone person person instead per household they ran out of numbers again.
Thanks for keeping Matches online. I still love rewatching or better yet finding one I missed.
It's so ironic that Matches has traumatic memories of Smokey the Bear and matches, and his mom's purse fire and matches, yet is known to all of us as Matches. Sounds like a Shakespearian tragedy.
Sounds like Batman.
I miss you, John. Rest in peace.
When did he pass away? My condolences.
I always love using the Zippo, I keep a box of matches as a backup in my pouch in case I run out of fuel. Gonna miss ya John.
We miss you John
Cigar matches works best . Kitchen matches break easily that’s resulted in a few burnt holes in pants and shirts . Imagine going down the road and you get a hot potato in your lap 😊 it’s gonna happen so consider cigar matches if that’s your preference. May god rest his soul . His graveyard smoke sessions I enjoy the most perhaps but I never get tired of hearing the wisdom humor and how good of a story teller he was and still is threw these videos . God bless the family and much appreciation for keeping the channel up .
In the world which is acquired with rush, long runs to owe money for someone and lil for self, in a world which is deprived with love, happiness, and contentment, I found your vids enough to calm down the nerves and to enjoy life with whatever one owes..
Hats Off.. 🌼❤️
Many thanks for watching!
You're right, I continue to watch his videos at night. Very calming and relaxing. We miss you John
@@docholliday7777 ☮️❤️🙌
Hi John: I do use matches but the disadvantages you mention are very valid. The most exciting time I ever experienced with matches in the car is when I struck the wooden match to light the pipe, and, as you say, the firey head flies off and lands on the drivers seat in a most uncomfortable spot either between ones legs or on the new pair of khaki trousers you are wearing for the first time. Instant L.L. Bean reorder scenario. Regards, Doug.
+Doug Owen Yep! Flying fire while driving is nerve wracking!
I bought my first pipe in 1961, I tried just about every kind of lighter and didn't like any of them. Long story short---I use wooden matches (paper matches can burst into flame, as your mother knows), and work just fine. The most romantic way, if that is the correct adjective, is to take a live ember from the fireplace with the tongs and put it on the top of the tobacco in the bowl of your pipe---and leave it there for the duration of the smoke.
I just discovered your site and subscribed as a new member. Think I'm going to like it here.
hey, I'd just like to point out that Matches died 4 years ago, so his networks are just being left by his family as a legacy. But I'm curious about your story, I'm curious about the idea of starting to smoke a pipe. If you've been smoking since 1961, have you experienced a decline in your health because of smoking?
No decline, except for the slowing up usual for someone who will be 80 in two months. I take the dog for a good, brisk walk five times or so every day in all weathers. People tell me I don't look anywhere near my real age, and even my doctor is bewildered. I am careful about my weight but don't eat any special foods. I smoke anywhere from zero to four pipeloads a day, two being most common (I'd probably smoke a bit more if my wife didn't object to indoor smoking). I smoked more in the days when lighting up was allowed almost everywhere, even in libraries.
I love the novelty of using matches; it really makes me feel like I'm smoking my pipe as it should be smoked. But, where I live, its windy 98% of the time making matches terrible for lighting my pipe. Before I smoked a pipe, I bought a Zippo as a gift for a friend (I wanted to fill it up for him before hand, and naturally I began playing around with it) and I loved it. But I had no use for it. After I began my journey with a pipe, I figured a Zippo would be perfect for lighting. After surfing the internet I found a Zippo pipe lighter, so I ordered one in a blink of an eye. After using it a couple of times, I absolutely love. Maybe I don't appreciate tobacco as much as others, but I can't taste the fuel. That lighter is perfect for me and it has become a close friend; always there for me, never letting me down.
I respect your reserved view on using a Zippo, but for me it is a fantastic alternative to matches.
+DJ Shuffle on another vid you said it was part of your ritual using matches lol do you use em or not what a bullshitguy
Ah yes, this is always a friendly debatable issue to converse over with my pipe smoking friends! I have just about tried every source of flame, but it comes down to what you have become accustomed to. I started with a zippo, got bummed about it drying up, so I went with matches for years. As stated in below comments, matches feel nice and old school for sure. And I always have a few bics lying around for emergencies. Only recently have I switched back to my trusty zippo. And as good ol matches said, it's all about the habit you take on with refilling the zippo. Now with the zippo, it's cheap to refill, lights the pipe very well, and does really good in wind, especially with the fickle Washington weather. So I myself will stick with the zippo. Cheers!
Brendon Johnson The fueling issue seems like such a big deal until you sort it all out. Cheers back at you Buddy!
Thanks for everything, John
Did he die?
@@kyran2363yes
As a cigar smoker I tend to be weary of zippo fluid. I personally can taste it but I know some cant. I have the best of both worlds I bought a butane insert for my zippo to light my pipes.
I was asking you about it the other day.. and now you have explained it very well to me. Thank you soo much!
Tjoris Thank you! Always glad to do requests!
Excellent musings on fire sources. I tend to always go with matches for exactly the reason you mentioned. I only smoke a few times a week and we already have them around the house for candles or the grill. I've thought about getting a zippo but never pulled the trigger.
And that is a beautiful pipe! Love the shape and the appearance of the morta.
Paul Bielicki Someday I may return to matches...who knows. I wish I had more Morta's!
Wow! Glad I stumbled across this video. Answered a lot of questions about where your screen moniker came from.
I prefer matches, but since I smoke outside and it seems every time the wind is blowing I use a Zippo with a pipe lighter insert.
I recently stumbled across matches that do not contain sulfur, thinking about giving them a try. Cheers!
I think mentioned this on a Facebook chat, Bic Bic Bic! You can put them through the wash and they'll work, you can use a Bic on a humid day, when it's a bit windy. If only they'd make one with a 45 degree flame for pipers. On a rare occurrence I'll use matches. There is no down side to matches. I'll even go so far as to say I have even gotten a better charring light but I'll always have a Bic in my pocket.
Pipe Nutter I'm a BIC fan also...much easier for me to find compared to matches.
I'm a BIC man too. I have a couple other soft flame lighters here and there, but nothing beats a BIC for consistent flame and performance. Scott
Aristocob Thanks Scott!
Pipe Nutter lol, i've probably found a bic in my washer/dryer about 100+ times. and yes, they always continue working.
Matches860 nice video you know you can get a butane insert for your zippo saves you money
I just happened to stumble on your page and I admire your style. most other pipers don't take nearly as many puffs as you do haha.
+Aaron Purtell I think it's a throw back to my cigarette smoking days!
You've got me back to using my zippo and I love it! Thanks.
Stu Bland I received my Dads eight or so Zippo's back in the mid-eighties and they sat idle long enough...I may as well use them!
Terrific video as always. I like wooden matches for my cigars but that's mainly for the ceremony of toasting and lighting. I always have my butane torch as well. Something about the fuel not having a smell that can affect the taste of the cigar. Whatever, all that matters is what makes one happy.
+Jason Desjardins There's certainly something to be said for the "ritual" aspects of lighting a pipe or cigar. Whatever makes the experience more pleasurable!
People may talk about butane affecting the taste of a cigar or pipe tobacco, but in reality, not one person in a thousand can actually tell the difference.
so I came across your video by accident. and I'm happy I did. keep make them man I'll keep watching.
+tum Anderson Thank-you! I'm still makin' 'em!
He mimicked Smokey’s voice perfectly
Great video John. I used a zippo or an equivalent for years and then switched to matches and then to a butane lighter which I like the best. Be well and all the best, Bill
Phillypipesmoker Thanks for tuning in Bill! Hope all is well with you!
Sir, thank you for all your videos. You were the embodiment of a decent american hardworking man with realistic and proper views on life generally and society in particular. I think that and your great storytelling were the recipe for your sucess. You were a relict of an idyllic world before all turned to sh*t, and you did an amazing Job reporting about it. Rest in peace.
Really enjoy your video, thank you for sharing all those memories and thoughts
Cheers from Uruguay!
+Seba Duarte Thank you for watching!
Nice topic. As a kid I always watched my dad light his pipes with Swan matches....I buy them because it reminds of those moments. But, I have a Zippo pipe lighter and of course cheap "Vic" type lighters. Cheers
Rossano Fabro I know the feeling...my dad used a Zippo for cigarettes...the sounds, the smells, they take you right back!
Great video. I was smoking some Velvet with you while watching! Great stuff. I remember first trying some Velvet back in 2001 when I first got into pipe smoking. I had fallen in love with it, but didn't try it again until today, after my tub of it arrived in the mail. I had actually give up pipe smoking until a week ago after deciding I needed to stop smoking cigarettes, and I have to say, it's still just as delicious as it was back then! Only a negligible difference in flavor since the Scandanavian company took over Velvet. Funny thing is, the reason I stopped smoking a pipe is because I didn't know how to smoke it properly, nor how to take care of my Dr Grabow I had owned at the time. I tried going from Captain Black Original to Velvet in the same pipe, after first trying Velvet and loving it. However, the Captain Black had ruined the flavor of the Velvet, so I boiled my pipe, thinking it would rid it of the flavor of the aromatic. It didn't work, so I gave up smoking a pipe. It wasn't until I came across your videos about a week ago, that I had learned all I needed to know to get back into pipe smoking. I just want to thank you for all the information!
Thanks for the comment and welcome back to the pipe! I probably first tried Velvet back in the 1990's, but back then, I had little idea as to what I was doing and didn't appreciate it at the time.
I went through a ton of matches in the beginning and switched to a Peterson lighter and a Zippo. The outdoors for me causes a match issue- but the romantic in me would still like to use em. Great to learn how your name came about, I wondered where the 860 came from.
Colin Kelly I feel pretty much the same way...there's a certain charm to lighting with matches!
Great presentation, John.
Here's an option that hasn't been mentioned: bulk packs of those cheap disposible lighters in the flat pocket-friendly Scripto profile.
OK, these lighters don't work worth a damn out of the pack, but a 30-second simple mod fixes that. Very respectable pipe lighters in fact, with a long clean flame.
The reason I go this route is convenience. In bulk they work out to about 25 cents a piece, and each lighter lasts several weeks. No worries about remembering to buy butane, remembering to refuel, running out of flints, etc.
Bartholomew Fotheringay-Phipps Some ten or so years ago I bought a knock-off cheapo lighter. Was at a performance my daughter was in and the lighter exploded in my pants pocket. Naturally, a week later there was a recall LOL.
I don't know if you intended this to be as humorous as it was informative but I'm still laughing.
Great chat thanks.
I'm just taking up the pipe and was thinking of getting a ZIPPO. I think I still will but heck, matches sound like a lot of fun..... LOL.
Cheers
Ahhh! Now I know the story behInd 860. Myself, I like to light my pipe with wooden matches. Something about the action makes me feel like I'm back in the old days when they were the only thing you could do to get the pipe going. Have you ever gone to someone's home that had a fancy wet bar and there sat a large brandy sifter filled with match books labeled with famous restaurant names? It was a way a person could flaunt to his guests that he was a globe trotter and had to time and money to go to those places. Regards to zippos, I have a frustrating time refilling them. Always drying - up. Also, I'm with you, I was up at the stroke of seven on Saturday morning anxiously waiting for Bugs Bunny. Those were the days. No mortgage payments no bills.
Ralph Burns Using a Zippo is just a matter of getting into a fueling habit that keeps the lighter working, but I certainly remember the same aggravation. Saturday mornings were something special for sure!
Lighters have actually been around longer than matches! The more you know!
I use matches idk, feels more old school, does get a little annoying when there's heavy wind outside though.
Use matches. Pipe lighter for the wind.
Coming here from Cewpins channel. Matches seemed like a great person to sit and smoke with. Rest in peace, buddy,
Holy hell. You must love burning pipes up..... my hand is hot just watching you
Really chugging on that pipe
distortzz For sure!
Gotta keep it lit
Great vid Matches. Thanks a lot.
Got to the part where you talked about dumping the hot pipe contents in the cat food can ashtray filled with old matches and it set off a three alarm blaze and I literally started laughing out loud. Then the part about being lucky enough to have a cup of coffee or something to put out the fire put me over the top. Thanks for another great video.
John Another great video thank s man what kind of pipe is that looks like a savinelli pipe ? love the grain in that Briar . just wondering it a beautiful one ! Always enjoy your stuff its great. and Zippo is the way to go time tested ,your friend Scott
There's a cob on the title page and I think I was smoking the Rick Black Morta for this vid.
I just stumbled across this video and I even smoke. Just like listening to his stories.
Never have much luck with matches. No matter what the match goes out before I get what I'm lighting, lit.
I like matches but I'm gonna have to give them up. I burned a hole in yet another favorite shirt today, and the t shirt underneath it when the match head broke off and still managed to fire up while flying on to my shoulder haha. Also the damn flower pot outside my smoking sliding door is full of kitchen matches. I have a pipe zippo I'm gonna have to start using more
+Matthew Gabbard LOL, yeah, only after you start using the Zippo do you realize how much better it is. You just have to get used to the fueling schedule and making sure you have spare flints.
I'm sure going to miss you John
Me too...
How did he pass away?
Lighters are great for the car, or horseback,or in the lavatory of the plane (just kidding); matches are fine when I'm home watching Saturday morning cartoons. You tell a story well,, my friend. Nice sharing a pipe with you this morning.
Zippo makes the best cleanest fuel for petrol lighters. Ronsonol Lighter Fuel is more oily and you can smell and taste it. But I prefer using old style vintage 1920' - 50's Ronco, Evans etc. Much less fuel evaporation with the closed tank with screw and gasket. But to me the best lighter is the 1930's semi automatic has lift arm spring German Mylflam. 1/16 inch slide movement of your thumb and it opens and lights every time.
You tell a good story lmbo
"Three Alarm blaze going on under your dashboard" lol thanks for the giggle! :) There is something romantic about using Matches, just can't explain it...but don't mind the zippo / Bic lighter either
Pastor Pipes I always keep a BIC in my briefcase "just in case."
Here's the crazy thing... As much as I love using matches, this last trip up the mountain I was using a Bic like it was in vogue. Seemed to handle the wind much better. Unfortunately no zippo with me :/
Pastor Pipes Yeah, BIC's have gotten me out of a few jams!
Wow that’s a stunning pipe and it’s ring! I’ve been using matches, like the match feel but after my last video outdoors, I’m really thinking I should invest in a zippo one day when I can.
Sadly, I forgot my Zippo today and am using a BIC disposable instead. I feel like I've returned to the stone age LOL
Pushing that Dark Fired really damn hard lol!
Speaking of the smell, as a kid I had a fuel burning hand warmer growing up in Ohio, I've always loved the smell of zippo lighter fluid.
I have been aging my ODF since a few months and been nibbling on a few flakes every now and then. I love it for the chocolate flavor aging brings forth to the tobacco. It's always matches for me unless I run out; then it's the cheap BIC or Chinese made lighters. Would love some Vesta Swan matches though.
ThePipeMonk ODF is great stuff! Watch those foreign lighters, some are dangerous!
Matches860 Yup, I've been wanting to get a Peterson pipe lighter but the lack of good fuel always keeps me from committing. Xikar Purofine is one of the finest and sadly not available. I am talking about the BIC/Clipper lighters. They usually run of fuel in 1-2 weeks, haven't had problems with them yet. *knocks on wood*
I found there is something satisfying about lighting a pipe with matches. But I just find it almost inconvenient. I love the convenience of my zippo. To be honest, I have never noticed the fuel with exception to a couple of occasions. Great video, Take care!
Alan Godwin My Dad always used a Zippo for cigarettes and the smell actually brings back comforting memories.
I always use my beer to put out the fires that erupt in my car🍺👍
The band on that pipe is awesome. I use Xikar EX for my pipe I know it is not made for that but it is my favorite. I just went to an Xikar event last night and bought the Xikar Scribe I will let you know when I get it and how I like using it.
+Frank Priv Yeah, I really like it also...it really jazzes up the pipe!
How about a hemp wick? It offers a small flame that allows for more precision lights.
....and less toxic
Thats what i use!
Or my zippo pipe lighter
i enjoy matches when the wind decides to cooperate, but most of the time its just a Bic lighter, they seem to work for me
Zippooooooo eight.... six...... zerooooooo has a bit of a ring to it.
Your videos pushed me to try a Zippo, actually. Now I am accumulating Zippos. :-)
And I love that morta.
PNWesty Zippo's are cool tools! If I was a younger guy, I'd collect Zippo's and buy about a dozen Morta pipes.
Not gonna lie, smoking indoors a simple BIC does a fine job, but since I mostly smoke outdoors, the zippo works best.
Hi John, I laughed out loud listening to your story as I was mentally picturing a young you staring at a black and white TV set, thinking it "did some psychological damage" ... Damn you Smokey The Bear! :)
Admit it, your Nom de plume is purely based on self hate - haha
Great chat as always!
Richard T LOL, repeated viewing must have loosened a few screws I would think.
From my experience butane will alter the flavour of whatever herb you are smoking. I stopped using lighters years ago, i have a zippo for my cigarettes though as its only one initial spark. Im a novice pipe tobacco smoker however so im here for some information from the veteran's :)
Agreed on the zippo, yes of course there is a taste but no worse than when you strike a match and get that sulphur smell......
Can you make a video on how you puff? You do it so well lol and make it look "effortless" - Good to understand the real meaning behind 860 lol
Miss you John!
I never used matches while driving but when I used to smoke cigs I had the ash tray catch fire while racing someone man what a smell. Then another time when I first started smoking I thought I had closed the Zippo after lighting my cig I tossed it on the seat. A little while later I started smelling something awful it was my seat luckily I caught it in time and had something to put it out with
LOL, yeah, I hate those moments when you say, "I smell something burning", only to find out that you started the fire.
No Matches you're good :D
Greetings,, Kitty.
Enjoyable video, Matches! The pleasing and humourous anecdotes seemed to have made up for the lack of the Friday Savinelli. Minimal backlash in the comments! Have a good one.
Connor Murphy I always have second thoughts about leaving the Friday Savinelli out!
Matches and lighters everywhere just useless at keeping them, so whatever comes to hand first Johm. Wow the quality picture in that video seemed ultra clear and the Rick black looked very well. Nothing too contentious this week think we have all had the matches scares..i remember clothes coming back from the laundry and only then you knew where those rocket heads had landed....And i remember at school the old headmaster priest was a pipe smoker and always pipe in hand always seemed lit and on morning prayer the pipe would quickly disappear under the cassock until the inevitable day the smoking priest smoking had to quickly exit the stage as the pipe lit his matches ..luckily a frocklike cassock and was able to put out before burning himself... nice chat enjoyed and i think the solution is always carry both as back up to each other...I think the Macbaren complete HH series a wonderful range tobaccos and with the dunhills series just terrific ...oops almost said fantastic stuff Regards and Respect as always
Mikey O Oh my, I never thought of that...I've set my shirt pocket on fire a few times, imagine if matches were in there? Oh jeepers LOL.
...smoking can be dangerous to our health...we have been warned..
Mikey O Tell me! Once I accidentally put the stem of my 14" clay in my nose...now there's a pain that beats them all!
Ouch Im whincing at tbe thought trying to think what you call that an antero-hale....that a first :-) ..saw you using long clay once in an old tavern ...hope didnt break of for next man.
Hi Matches860, Maybe You already know about it, but I learnt from another UA-cam video that there's a thing called "Thunderbird Replacement Pipe Lighter Insert" which is butane fuelled. The insert will fit into a Zippo lighter casing. I ordered one the other day but i haven't received it yet, so i cannot give You a review about it.
Have you tried the “forever match”, match-zippo hybrid thing?
I hear ya John. As for me though, I'll stick with matches. I view pipe smoking as an historic and a romantic type of endeavor. Lighters seem to take that away. Besides I keep burning my thumb with lighters. LOL Good video!
TheEltopian That's ok Dale...whatever, to each his own!
Thank you for all your advice!
+Peter Parker And thank you for your support! Happy Holidays!
Matches hopefully one day we can smoke and talk together.
Nice vid Matches. Congrats. I liked it. Thanks.
Thank you C.D.!
Impractical for outside, but I use a hemp wick after lighting it with a butane.
Too hot outside anyway.
Too hot outside is right! LOL
I used a hempwick for the first time Sunday. Better for even lights
It hurts my soul hearing he passed
I use a Colibri lighter that uses butane. No taste and works great. Only cost about $50.
i want to know everybodie s favorite matches
Good video! Been using a zippo for over 25 years. Can’t always find the actual Zippo brand fluid, if I happen to run out, before I can get some in the mail. So, when I can’t find it, I go with Ronsonol. Do you find Ronson lighter fluid to have any inferior burning qualities?
I've never noticed a difference between the two. I will say that while charcoal lighter fluid can be used in a pinch, I'd only recommend it during a crises. Now that is inferior burning!
Matches860 That sounds about right to me! Thank you for your input! 😎
anyone else here from the cewpins video
That pipe looks like it smokes very well.
+George Major Oh yeah! She's a sweetie!
Awesome I use Zippo also
I don't remember seeing a Smokey the Bear PSAs for some time. Sad
I don't taste anything after using my Zippo. If think my 20 years of cigarette smoking in my early years screwed with my taste buds.
I always let my pipe set for a few minutes before I dump its ashes. I'm retired and no longer in a hurry for anything, except when I need to go pee. ;-)
Yeah, I always wonder what sort of piper I will turn into when I retire as well.
I like zippo myself plus today's matches the wood is so thin they are useless
Maryse Le Duc Yes, I tend to agree! Thanks for watching!
at home I use a stick and a candle sometimes had a red eye fall so I wear those silly scarves to protect my clothes. otherwise well a bic I like the djeep but cannot get them here don't know why.. never have enough though always looking for one.. they are with the missing tampers !!!
Sue Dunhill Ahhh, the stick and candle is the way to go for historical accuracy! Thanks for watching Sue!
hi john another fine video from yourself love that morta keep the videos coming
brod
Brod Harris Thanks Brod, drop in anytime!
I always wondered where the 860 came from.
I use matches or butane.....zippo`s are only for people who likes the taste of lighterfuel.
Hey Matches i have got 2 questions: 1. of which brand is that pipe and what type is it?
2. How can you draw that often on your pipe, doesn't it get burning hot on the outside? My pipes mostly run very hot. It's frustrating because i don't know what i do wrong. Sorry for my bad english.
The pipe is a Rick Black and it's made of Morta, 5,000 year old petrified wood. Morta smokes very similar to a corncob, so it's very cool. My smoking habits can get very aggressive at times and I know I should slow down, but I don't LOL. I understood your whole question...your English is perfect!
I know it's an opinion, not a fan of smoking because of the smell, but shit, that pipe is sexy.
+SirButtFux Opinions welcome! Thanks for dropping by!
Top of the bowl: matches. Bottom of the bowl: lighter.
LukeTheDuke93 Now there's a twist! Congrats on not choosing one or the other LOL.
Hey I was wondering if you'd mind sharing your thoughts on Orlik's Dark Strong Kentucky, if you had it, and just in general the flavors you get from Dark Fired. I just popped my tin of Orlik's and it didn't wow me that much. Thanks a lot!
Briguy5756 As a rule, I get pretty excited about dark fired tobacco. As you probably know, the leaf is cured not too much differently from latakia and produces a very mild smokey taste. It has been ages since I had the Orliks, but I do have an old tin which keeps calling me to open it LOL. Maybe before summers end, or in the fall I'll open it up.
I appreciate it.. I have a feeling I was just frustrated with my inability to do a good fold and stuff, time to stick to cube cutting haha. First impressions aren't everything! Happy smoking.
Briguy5756 Oh my, don't tell anyone but having to deal with whole flakes burns my butt too. That tells me however, that I need to calm down :-)
How do they come up with the names of some of these tabacos
I’m learning to smokes pipe, your chugging on that pipe, does it get very hot? My mouth would be on fire, it’s a short pipe too, does that matter?
Yes, don't watch me if you're learning to smoke a pipe. I'm forever trying to slow down, but I still puff too fast.
Matches860 your channel is fantastic, very relaxing and a pure joy, only wish I could stay up for the live shows but I’m in UK time. Still there runs on 24/7 :)
Many thanks for taking time out to watch Mate! At some point, I'm bound to do a live stream that won't be in the middle of the night for you!
They have pipe
zippo insert bro
what about a bic?
Clipper is bettar
I use matches to feel like the old west lol
Whatever works!
My CT area code was always 302.
Bruce H 203 was the area code till they added 860. I guess another is on the way or may already be active.
I remember when they added 860. Fairfield County was the only area that didn't change. Now with 1 cell phone person person instead per household they ran out of numbers again.
Bruce H I believe 475 & 959 are the new comers...yeah, Massachusetts was even worse LOL.
475 has a nice ring to it. lol
Catbird
funny stuff. so jealous of how you smoke don't you get mouth bite? wish I could smoke that way.
oh and besides its hard to pick your teeth with the zippo!!!
In a perfect world, matches, but they are just not practical or economical most of the time.
ktrigg2 Agreed!
Good video! matches bad.... Matches860 GOOD
Ha,Ha. That pretty much sums it up!